Gait Analysis: Is Your Walk Hurting You?

Spring and fall in Calgary often mean uneven sidewalks, icy patches, and long walks through our beautiful NW communities. If you’ve noticed knee, hip, or lower back aches after errands or dog walks, your stride might be part of the problem. At Nolan Hill Physiotherapy and Massage Clinic, we use expert gait analysis to uncover why your walk hurts—and how to fix it.
We proudly serve Nolan Hill, Sage Hill, Beacon Hill, Evanston, Citadel, Hamptons, Royal Oak, Glacier Ridge, Panorama, Carrington, Livingston, Kincora, and Sherwood.

What Is Gait Analysis—and How Can Your Walk Cause Pain?

Gait analysis is a clinical assessment of how you walk and run. It looks at your joint motion, foot strike, stride length, cadence, and muscle control from head to toe. Even small asymmetries can add up to big problems over time.
When the body compensates—after an ankle sprain, a low-back flare-up, or simply from worn-out footwear—certain tissues work too hard while others under-work. The result can be stress on the feet, shins, knees, hips, pelvis, or spine.

Common Signs Your Gait May Be Off

  • Heel, arch, shin, knee, hip, or low-back pain during or after walking
  • Frequent ankle rolling or balance “wobbles” on uneven NW Calgary sidewalks
  • One shoe wears out faster than the other
  • Sore big toe, bunions, or recurring plantar fasciitis
  • Tight calves or hamstrings that never seem to loosen up
  • Discomfort after increasing steps, hills, or treadmill time

Why Gait Problems Happen

Multiple factors influence how you move. Our therapists look for root causes, including:

  • Foot mechanics: high/low arches, overpronation, forefoot or heel striking
  • Muscle weakness or tightness: glutes, calves, quads, hamstrings, and core
  • Previous injuries: ankle sprains, knee surgery, back or hip pain
  • Postpartum changes: core and pelvic stability shifts that affect stride
  • Balance and vestibular issues that alter your stance and step
  • Footwear fit and wear patterns
  • Work demands (standing or walking jobs) and sport training errors

What to Expect at Nolan Hill Physiotherapy and Massage Clinic

We take a multi-disciplinary approach to getting you better, faster. If you’ve been searching for a “physiotherapy clinic near me” that delivers clear answers and a plan, you’re in the right place.

Your Comprehensive Gait Assessment Includes

  • Detailed history of your symptoms, work, and activity routines
  • Video or in-clinic observation of walking/running mechanics
  • Strength, flexibility, and joint mobility testing from feet to hips and back
  • Balance and proprioception screening; vestibular screen if needed
  • Footwear assessment and discussion of terrain and training loads
  • Review of contributing factors like posture, core control, and breathing
  • An actionable plan tailored to your goals

Treatment Options Tailored to You

Our care is hands-on, evidence-informed, and personalized. Whether you’re a casual walker, a busy parent, or training for a local race, we’ll build the right plan.

Physiotherapy-Led Care

  • Targeted exercises to correct stride mechanics and build resilient strength
  • Manual therapy to restore joint mobility and reduce soft-tissue tension
  • Running/walking retraining with cues for cadence, step width, and posture
  • Taping or bracing to support irritated tissues as you heal
  • Education on gradual mileage, hill strategies, and recovery routines

If you’re searching for “physiotherapy near me” or “physiotherapy Calgary,” our therapists combine clinical expertise with practical coaching so improvements stick.

Massage Therapy and Chiropractic Synergy

  • Registered massage therapy to reduce muscle tension, improve circulation, and complement exercise progress. Ideal if you’re looking for “massage therapy Calgary NW.”
  • Chiropractic care to optimize joint mechanics and spinal-pelvic alignment for a smoother, more efficient gait. If you need a “chiropractor NW Calgary,” our team collaborates under one roof.

Advanced Modalities and Supports

  • IMS and dry needling to release stubborn trigger points and calm overactive muscles
  • Shockwave therapy for chronic tendon pain and plantar fasciitis—perfect if you’ve been searching “shockwave therapy Calgary NW”
  • Laser therapy for pain and inflammation, helping accelerate tissue healing
  • Medical acupuncture to modulate pain and improve muscle activation
  • Custom foot orthotics when structural support is needed. If you’ve looked up “custom foot orthotics Calgary,” we’ll help you decide if they’re right for you

We also support related conditions that impact gait, including postpartum pelvic changes with our pelvic floor team—ideal for those seeking “pelvic floor physiotherapy Calgary NW.”

Special Cases: MVA, Workplace, and Sports Injuries

After a car accident or workplace injury, compensations and protective movement patterns are common. Our team provides thorough assessments and collaborates on return-to-work and return-to-activity plans.

  • If you’re navigating “MVA physiotherapy Calgary,” we can help coordinate your care
  • For workplace injuries, our experienced team offers “WCB physiotherapy Calgary,” focusing on safe and efficient recovery

Athletes benefit from sports injury physiotherapy principles—progressive loading, technique refinement, and targeted strength to support performance and prevent setbacks.

The Benefits of Early Treatment

Addressing gait issues early can be a game-changer. You’ll often notice results in day-to-day comfort as well as performance.

  • Prevent small aches from becoming chronic pain
  • Improve walking and running efficiency to reduce fatigue
  • Speed recovery and reduce time off from work or training
  • Lower the risk of future injuries throughout the kinetic chain
  • Gain confidence with a clear plan and objective progress checks

Why Choose Nolan Hill Physiotherapy and Massage Clinic

  • Personalized plans: We listen first, then build a plan that fits your life and goals
  • Multi-disciplinary care: Physiotherapy, massage therapy, chiropractic care, IMS, dry needling, laser therapy, and medical acupuncture in one convenient location
  • Local expertise: Proudly serving Nolan Hill, Sage Hill, Beacon Hill, Evanston, Citadel, Hamptons, Royal Oak, Glacier Ridge, Panorama, Carrington, Livingston, Kincora, and Sherwood
  • Collaborative approach: Your care team communicates to keep you on track
  • Community-focused: We’re your neighbour in NW Calgary, here to help you move and feel your best

If you’ve been typing “physiotherapy clinic near me” or “physiotherapy Calgary,” you’ll find comprehensive, connected care with us.

Ready to Move Better? Book Your Gait Assessment

Don’t let a subtle stride issue sideline your plans. Whether your goal is pain-free dog walks in Sage Hill, faster 5Ks through Royal Oak, or confident commutes in Evanston, our team is ready to help.

Contact Nolan Hill Physiotherapy and Massage Clinic to book your gait analysis and personalized treatment plan today. From “massage therapy Calgary NW” and “chiropractor NW Calgary” to advanced options like “shockwave therapy Calgary NW” and “custom foot orthotics Calgary,” we have everything you need to walk—and live—better.