Running Assessment Vancouver
Changing your running technique and style can contribute to less injuries in the long term and may be especially helpful for runners who have recurrent injuries that have not resolved with treatment.
Shorter assessments of running style on our treadmill can be included as part of your regular physiotherapy appointment, however for clients looking for a more comprehensive running assessment, we also offer a 60 minute analysis.
The more in-depth 60 minute running assessments involve video analysis, including specific advice and exercises to improve your running performance and keep you running injury-free, and are open to new clients to the clinic or current clients looking for written recommendations and video analysis with shoes both on and off.
What You’ll Leave With
After your assessment, you’ll have clear next steps. Your plan is designed to reduce injury risk, support injury prevention, and build better running efficiency without overcomplicating your training.
Comprehensive Running Assessment 60-minute Sessions include:
- Video analysis of running technique on our treadmill with shoes on and off
- Physiotherapy biomechanical analysis to identify alignment issues and strength imbalances
- Advice on running shoes/footwear
- Specific recommendations for improving running technique to run more efficiently and prevent injury or rehabilitate current injuries
- Recommendations for strengthening and further treatment
- Written summary of recommendations emailed following session
Key Patterns We Look For During Running Assessments
Stride and Step Timing
Overstriding
Landing too far in front of your body can increase braking forces and load through the knees, hips, and lower back. This can raise injury risk over time and may be linked to recurring flare-ups.
Low cadence (step rate)
Fewer steps per minute can increase impact per stride. Small cadence changes can support better running efficiency and can help prevent running related injuries.
Landing and Foot Loading
Foot strike pattern
We look at where and how you land, and how your body absorbs force after contact. Your foot strike pattern does not need to match a trend to be “correct,” but it should fit your body, your speed, and your goals.
Heavy heel strike or loud contact
This can increase impact and may contribute to discomfort in the knees, hips, lower back, or can even lead to shin splints or other injuries.
Foot stability and load transfer
We review how your foot loads and unloads, and whether your shoes or orthotics support (or fight) your natural movement. This can matter for runners dealing with recurring foot or ankle symptoms.
Hips, Knees, and Pelvic Control
Hip drop and pelvic control changes
Reduced control through the hips can contribute to knee pain, IT band symptoms, and recurring tightness on one side.
Knee collapsing inward (dynamic valgus)
This can appear with fatigue or speed changes and may increase strain through the knee and ankle.
Mobility and “Up-the-Chain” Compensation
Limited ankle mobility
Stiffness at the ankle can shift load upward to the knee and hip, or contribute to foot and Achilles irritation.
Trunk lean and rotation
Extra movement through the torso can change how force transfers through the hips and legs, especially on hills or when tired.
Asymmetry and Fatigue Effects
Side-to-side differences
Differences in stride length, landing position, or push-off can signal strength, mobility, or motor-control gaps. These often show up as recurring hot spots that feel “fine until they don’t.”
Fatigue-related form breakdown
Many issues only appear after a few minutes. Video review helps us see changes in your running form as you tire, which is key to understand in order to prevent injuries and improve performance.
Running Assessment Vancouver Staff
Our physiotherapists offering comprehensive running assessments are Sam Bellhouse and Katrina Sovio.
Questions about our Running Assessment services?
Please email us at info@alaia.ca or call the clinic at 604-812-4286.
Running Assessment FAQ
Runners of all levels can benefit from a running assessment, but especially those who have experienced injuries or pain from running. A running assessment will help prevent future injuries and give you ways you can improve to avoid any pain associated with running.
The video analysis is conducted on our treadmill. The physiotherapist will capture your running technique from various angles. This helps in identifying any biomechanical issues or inefficiencies in your running form.
We recommend bringing your usual running shoes and any orthotics you use. You will be running, so wearing comfortable, athletic clothing that allows for easy movement is recommended. If you are comfortable doing so, we do recommend women running in a sports bra or fitted shirt and men running with no shirt in order to better visualize what is happening in the thoracic and lumbar spine during the assessment as well.
If you are just getting into running, a running assessment can help you create good habits in terms of running form that might be more difficult to change further into your journey. Your physiotherapist will work with you at whatever pace you are comfortable with during the assessment.
Yes, running assessment is one of the physiotherapy assessments and tools we offer in order to be better able to help prevent and treat running injuries. Therefore, the receipt you receive is for a physiotherapy assessment and is claimable under most extended healthcare plans under Physiotherapy Services. If you have any further questions regarding your coverage, please contact your healthcare insurance provider directly.
With just one assessment you will receive a written summary and recommendations on footwear, exercises, ways to improve your technique, and any other issues that we find and how to address them. After the initial assessment, some clients will do follow-up assessments to see how they’ve improved and to receive any further information on areas that still need improvement.
You can easily book your running assessment with us online today. You can also call us at 604-812-4286 or email us at info@alaia.ca to book and ask any other questions you might have.