Kristina Pattison is passionate about helping runners to move stronger and faster and avoid injury. Have you ever thought about how you run and how your body moves with each foot strike? Running Gait Analysis is the best way to develop a program specific for you. Kristina says “maintaining full joint range of motion and functional stability required for running takes a small investment of time that pays off with reduced risk for injury and improved performance.” (photo: Kristina Pattison on Holland Peak in the Bob Marshall Wilderness, Montana)
Gait is the way in which we move our whole body from one point to another. Therefore, Gait Analysis involves walking or running on a treadmill under the watchful eye of Kristina. A video recorder will also be utilized to capture your walking and running style. She will analyze the way you move, closely observing your feet, ankles, knees and hips. Kristina can then show you what is happening to your joints at the different phases in your walking and running motion using slow motion video and freeze frame. Kristina can identify areas of weakness and poor biomechanics and then develop a corrective program to improve your running performance and reduce your risk for injury.
Running is a repetitive action. Many injuries are often caused, at least in part, by poor biomechanics. The following are a list of common overuse injuries associated with poor gait biomechanics.
- shin splints
- plantar fascitis
- Illiotibial band syndrome (runners knee)
- Patella tendonitis (jumpers knee)
- Patellofemoral knee pain
- Achilles tendonitis
- Lower Back Pain
Biomechanical problems are usually caused by muscular imbalances – tight muscles working against weak muscles. Sometimes they can be caused by structural problems, for example leg length discrepancies resulting in hip hiking.
Examples of biomechanical abnormalities include:
- Overpronation
- Oversupination
- Increased Q angle
- Hip hiking – lifting the hip on one side
- Limited ankle dorsiflexion
- Pelvic Tilt
Keep your stride strong and your running swift. Call today to schedule your appointment Missoula Bone & Joint Physical Therapy (406) 542-4702
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Kristina Pattison is an ultra-distance mountain runner, doctor of physical therapy, and certified strength and conditioning specialist in Missoula, Montana. Kristina works as a Physical Therapist at Missoula Bone & Joint and offers a Running Gait Analysis for all levels of runners and walkers (406) 542-4702
