Few people would take up tennis or golf without first taking some lessons a pro. Most runners, however, mistakenly think that because running is a basic human function, and since we all did it as children, we do not need to be taught how to run. While it’s true that the human body has evolved to be an efficient running machine able to cover long distances with an well honed economy of motion our civilized life style has robbed us of the built in efficiencies that evolution has provided. Our muscles have shortened and weakened, our joints have tightened and movements have become corrupted by hours of sitting and a lack of stretching. To exploit the gifts that evolution has gifted us we need to learn to run in a way that benefits energy conservation and keeps us protected from injury. The Phase IV Gait Analysis is performed by Physical Therapists with expertise in joint function, human movement patterns and the myriad of ways that runners get hurt. We will video your stride frequency, knee rise, foot and leg position at foot strike, and upper body carriage to identify biomechanical deficiencies and correct them. We will assess whether your shoes are appropriate for your mechanics and provide you with drills to maximize your efficiency and increase your speed.

To run faster, you need to train your neurological system as well as your muscles. Using a high-speed treadmill, athletes are fitted in a special harness and can be unweighted by a hoist to allow for high frequency leg cadence or turnover. Combined with running drills you will improve your balance, coordination, and running efficiency.