Gait Analysis
What is Gait Analysis?
Gait analysis refers to an observation and assessment of how your child walks. At Developmental Therapies, we are trained in analysing your child’s gait. We have a thorough understanding of what typical gait patterns look like, and how to identify any asymmetries or abnormalities.
This comprehensive assessment is crucial for providing valuable information on the strength and mobility of your child’s muscles and the alignment of their bones. This helps us decide on the best treatment approach to assist your child in achieving an optimal walking pattern.
Who is Paediatric Gait Analysis for?
Gait analysis is appropriate for any child experiencing movement difficulties with walking or running, experiencing pain in their lower limbs or demonstrating a limp or change in their gait pattern. Some common gait differences we observe and assess include:
Toe walking on one or both sides
Feet rolling inwards
Feet turning in or out
Excessive tripping
What Does the Service Involve?
The Process for Gait Analysis
Gait analysis can be done simply by watching your child walk. We will often video your child walking or running (with consent) to keep a record of their pattern over time + look in detail from a 2D analysis perspective.
This analysis is coupled with a thorough musculoskeletal assessment and developmental assessment. Based on the findings, there are a range of treatment approaches you can discuss with your physiotherapist.
Treatment Approaches for Optimal Movement
- Monitoring over time – some gait patterns are within normal variance and require no intervention
- Serial Casting read more
- Orthotic Prescription read more
- Physiotherapy Stretching / Strengthening programs
- Mobility aids
- Advice and Referral to medical specialists when required – this can include a Paediatrician, Neurologist, Orthopaedic Surgeon or Paediatric Rehabilitation team
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is Gait Analysis important?
A: Gait analysis provides valuable information on the underlying causes of movement difficulties, helping your physiotherapist determine the most effective, individualised treatment approach.
Q: Is the assessment invasive?
A: No, the assessment is non-invasive, involving observation of your child walking and a physical musculoskeletal and developmental assessment.
Q: Can Gait Analysis help with frequent tripping?
A: Yes, excessive tripping is one of the common gait differences we observe and assess.
Q: When should I definitely have my child’s gait assessed by a professional?
A: You should definitely see someone if your child is:
- Limping or refusing to weight bear on their leg/s
- Changes in your child’s walking pattern especially loss of skills or acute onset
- Asymmetry with their walking – different side to side
- Reports of pain – from their lower back, hip, knee or foot / ankle
- Tripping or loss of balance
- Developmentally if your child is >12 months and not pulling to stand / cruising OR >18 months of age and not walking independently
- Toe walking
- Struggles on stairs or getting up / down from the ground
How to make an appointment
- Call us on 0422 229 971 or fill in the enquiry form below.
- Our team will arrange an initial chat.
- We’ll book your first session and welcome your child to Developmental Therapies
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Our Location
Suite 1/66 Jessica Boulevard
MINYAMA QLD 4575
(In shared rooms with Orthotic Solutions)
Open Hours
Monday 9am – 5pm
Tuesday 9am – 5pm
Wednesday 8am – 5pm
Thursday 8am – 5pm
Friday 8am – 12noon