Gait Assessment

Gait Assessment Etobicoke

Etobicoke Gait Assessment is a comprehensive evaluation that analyzes how you walk and move to identify movement patterns, detect abnormalities, and optimize your mobility. Gait assessment is a systematic study of your walking pattern that examines the biomechanics of each step, providing valuable insights into your overall musculoskeletal health and function.

Our experienced physiotherapists in Etobicoke use advanced assessment techniques to evaluate your gait cycle, which consists of two main phases: the stance phase (when your foot is in contact with the ground) and the swing phase (when your foot moves through the air). This detailed analysis helps identify compensatory movement patterns that may be causing pain or putting you at risk for injury.

What Conditions does Gait Assessment Treat?

Gait assessment is used to evaluate and treat various conditions including neurological disorders (stroke, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis), musculoskeletal injuries (hip pain, knee problems, ankle instability), sports-related injuries, post-surgical rehabilitation, chronic pain conditions, balance disorders, and walking difficulties in older adults. It's also beneficial for athletes looking to optimize performance and prevent injuries.

How often should you get Gait Assessment?

Our registered physiotherapists in Etobicoke typically recommend an initial comprehensive gait assessment followed by progress evaluations every 4-6 weeks during treatment. For athletes or individuals with chronic conditions, periodic assessments every 3-6 months help monitor improvements and prevent regression. The frequency depends on your specific condition, treatment goals, and response to therapy.

Gait Assessment | Rapharehab
Gait Assessment | Rapharehab
What are the Potential Benefits of Etobicoke Gait Assessment?
  • Identify movement abnormalities and compensatory patterns
  • Prevent injuries through early detection of faulty mechanics
  • Improve walking efficiency and reduce energy expenditure
  • Optimize athletic performance and running technique
  • Reduce pain and discomfort during movement
  • Enhance balance and stability
  • Guide treatment planning and exercise prescription
  • Monitor progress during rehabilitation
  • Prevent falls in older adults
  • Improve overall quality of life and mobility
  • Correct biomechanical imbalances
  • Enhance posture and body alignment
What is a Gait Assessment Session like?

The assessment typically lasts 45-60 minutes and begins with a thorough health history and discussion of your concerns. You'll be asked to walk at your natural pace while our physiotherapist observes your movement patterns from multiple angles. We may use video analysis to capture detailed footage for slow-motion review, allowing us to identify subtle abnormalities not visible to the naked eye.

During the session, we analyze various parameters including step length, stride width, cadence, foot strike patterns, joint angles, muscle activation timing, and overall body mechanics. Pressure mapping technology may be used to assess foot pressure distribution and weight-bearing patterns.

What Can I Expect in a First Gait Assessment Visit in Etobicoke?

The practitioner will conduct a comprehensive health history, explaining how gait assessment works and what to expect during the evaluation. You should feel comfortable discussing your movement concerns, pain levels, and functional goals with our physiotherapist. We'll examine your footwear for wear patterns, assess your standing posture, and evaluate your balance and coordination.

The assessment includes observing your walking pattern from different angles, analyzing specific movement phases, and identifying any deviations from normal gait mechanics. Based on the findings, we'll develop a personalized treatment plan that may include corrective exercises, manual therapy, orthotics recommendations, or other interventions to improve your walking pattern and overall function.

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