What is a running analysis?

Running may not require skills such as skating on ice or pitching a ball 90 mph, but there is a skillset one can learn in order to become a more efficient runner.

Now I will preface this with a "this is not a one size fits all" approach. One of the things I see as a Reno Physical Therapist who works with runners is that runners are all different. We may develop a type of running style that works for us, though it may not fit the "perfect" knee or hip joint angle. Textbook values do not always transfer over to real-life scenarios.

However, if someone is having pain with running, we can use a running analysis as a fantastic tool to dig up some information as to WHY the individual is in pain and what we can do about it.

Pain with running? Click here to schedule your running analysis!

So what exactly, is a running analysis?

A running analysis is a thorough breakdown of the joints throughout different phases of the running cycle. This includes measurements of the hip, knee, ankle, and feet; tilt of the pelvis; spinal rotation; posture; and foot strike patterns.

If someone is having pain during or after running, then there may be something wonky with the running mechanics.

For example: I get a lot of runners who experience hip pain. The following photos measure my hip adduction angle and hip extension angles which can gives us information as to why the hip pain is happening.

Measuring right hip adduction angle. Typically, we would like a measurement of 83 to 85 degrees. Mine is 76 so there is an issue with my right hip not stabilizing well.

You can notice here that my hip extension is 8 degrees (180-172). 15-20 degrees is optimal. I had just done a 2 hour bike ride which explains the lack of hip extension. This lack of hip extension puts a lot of strain in the front of my hip. This is definitely something to consider with triathletes.

Limitations in hip extension or too little of a hip adduction angle as seen from the prior photos can lead to hip pain with running, which is not something any runner wants to have to deal with.

What else do we look at?

We can look into foot striking patterns:

Heel striking with a tibial angle greater than 90 degrees indicates over-striding and increased force into the knee joint. This may also be causing shin splits.

Pelvic drop:

Here, I have a 1 degree right sided pelvic drop. More than 7 degrees can indicate left sided hip weakness and/or stability issues.

Crossover gait:

My right foot lands slightly over the line, indicating a mild crossover gait.

Ankle pronation:

I have a pronation of 9 degrees. More than 15 can indicate over-pronating.

In addition, we look at knee flexion angles, heel whip, posture, trunk rotation, and knee window.

Everyone's angles are different, which is why a running analysis can be such an eye opener.

It is a lot of information that may be overwhelming, but it is just that: information.

It doesn't mean that your running mechanics need an entire makeover. Sometimes, people don't match the exact angles but they can run without pain.

This is why it is important to take the entire person and individual goals into account.

However, chances are that if someone is a runner and stopping into a Reno Physical Therapist office such as Clinch Performance and Recovery, there is some type of pain or nagging injury that is going on.

I have found a lot of runners over-striding which can lead to low back pain and knee pain with running. From that, we work on a strength program to build up the durability of their joints and if necessary, re-train their running mechanics to make them more efficient while putting less strain on their joints.

Clinch Performance and Recovery loves working with runners, so if you're in the Reno or Carson City area and you've been dealing with pain that is derailing your race and mileage goals, then reach out to schedule your own running analysis!

Click here to schedule your running analysis!

Find yourself a Reno Physical Therapist who loves running as much as you do.

Thank you for reading, and happy running!