Empower U

Running Analysis in Sioux Falls and Omaha

Running Better Starts Here: Running Analysis in Sioux Falls and Omaha

At Empower U Physical Therapy in Sioux Falls and Omaha, we understand the joys, challenges, and frustrations of running. Whether you’re an elite racer or weekly jogger, our experienced physical therapists can take your performance to new heights through our comprehensive running analysis service. Read on to discover how analyzing your running gait, biomechanics, and movement patterns unlocks your untapped potential.

Who Can Benefit from a Running Analysis in Sioux Falls and Omaha?

If you answer “yes” to any of the below, our running analysis service can get you back on track toward healthy, efficient, and pain-free mileage:

Are you an athlete or former athlete hoping to return to an active running lifestyle after injury?
Do you experience pain, discomfort, or require excessive recovery time after runs?
Are you training for your first 5K, half marathon, or working towards a new PR?
Have you noticed declines in your running performance, speed, or endurance?
Would you like to improve your running efficiency and biomechanics to prevent future injuries?

Running analysis provides men and women runners with deep insights into strengths, weaknesses, and movement compensations influencing performance and injury risk. By identifying areas for targeted improvements early, we rebalance muscular imbalances, fine-tune running economy, unlock speed, and set new PRs injury-free.

Our Running Analysis Process

Our running evaluations are grounded in the latest sports science and tailored to your unique goals. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Initial Consultation: We discuss your running history, goals, current training, pain points, and areas for improvement.

2. Biomechanical Evaluation: We analyze posture, joint mobility, strength, and flexibility through various assessments.

3. Video Gait Analysis: We film you running on a treadmill or track and review footage to assess movement patterns.

4. Custom Treatment Plan: Based on the evaluation, we design an individualized plan to fix form faults, improve performance, prevent future injuries, and help you smash through plateaus.

What Are the Benefits?

Optimizing the intricacies of your unique running gait pays dividends through:

1. Reduced Injury Risk
By identifying biomechanical deficiencies early, we construct focused strength, stability, and movement control programs to fix faulty movement patterns before they translate into painful injuries down the road.

2. Improved Running Economy
Fine-tuning your stride length, foot strike, cadence, and hip and ankle mobility leads to enhanced running efficiency. You’ll conserve energy mile after mile, boost speed and endurance, and set new PRs.

3. Better Performance
We are correcting imbalances and weaknesses and improving power and flexibility results in faster race times, longer distances, and achieving fitness goals once out of reach.

4. Injury Treatment and Pain Relief
If you’re currently injured, we find the root cause of discomfort, guide you through proper recovery, rebuild foundational strength, and develop strategies to remain pain-free.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Exactly Do You Analyze Someone’s Running Gait and Biomechanics?
We use a combination of visual observation and slow-motion video analysis. As you run on a treadmill or track, we assess factors like stride length, foot positioning, arm carriage, pelvic and lower limb alignment, and ground force application. We then review recordings to quantify stride rate, impact force, joint mobility, pronation, and areas to refine.

Is Investing in a Running Analysis Worth it For Recreational or Amateur Runners?
Absolutely! Proper biomechanics are essential for runners of all levels to prevent injury, enhance efficiency, conserve energy stores, and make continual progress. A small form of fault left unaddressed can compound into larger issues down the road. Prioritizing running mechanics pays dividends regardless if you run ultra-marathons or just a few weekly miles.

Can a Physical Therapist Help Me Run Pain-Free?
Yes! Physical therapists are movement health experts extensively trained in exercise science, biomechanics, and developing targeted treatment programs. During running analysis, we identify weak links in strength, flexibility, and motor control that contribute to discomfort. We then guide you through corrective exercises, gait retraining, manual techniques, and pain modalities to promote healing and help you run pain-free.

Meet Kaitlyn McNamara: Your Running Specialist

Kaitlyn McNamara, PT, DPT, OCS, is a highly respected performance physical therapist and a recognized leader in the running community. With years of experience and certifications from UESCA and USATF, Kaitlyn is passionate about helping runners at all levels achieve their goals. As a competitive marathon runner herself, she understands the demands of the sport and works closely with athletes to optimize performance and prevent injuries.

Kaitlyn’s expertise extends beyond training—she conducts advanced gait analysis, integrates the latest research in biomechanics, and employs cutting-edge technology to ensure her clients receive the highest level of care. Kaitlyn’s deep connection with the running community and her commitment to individualized, science-backed training make her an invaluable resource for runners striving to reach their full potential.

Ready to elevate your running? Connect with Kaitlyn today for personalized support and expert guidance.

Start Running Injury-Free in Sioux Falls and Omaha

If you’re looking to amplify running performance, prevent future issues, overcome current injuries or plateaued progress, Empower U provides science-backed solutions tailored to you. Contact us today to schedule your comprehensive running analysis and stride toward new records. Our team stands ready to help you reach the finish line.

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Emily Plucker

I highly recommend Empower U! I’m on my feet a lot every day and when I first started working with Nate, I was having a lot of hip issues. My workouts were suffering and I was having a hard time finishing my work days without a significant amount of pain. Nate worked his magic and I am feeling the best I’ve felt in a long time. I feel like a strong runner and lifter again! Definitely give them a try!

Linda Beek

All the staff at Empower U have been wonderful. Customer service has been top notch. Jake T has helped our son not only recover, but also gave him so many tools to stay healthy. He personally checks in to make sure things are feeling ok and helps keep him performing at his healthiest best. We highly recommend Jake, especially if you are a baseball or softball player. But his knowledge is tremendous so he would be great for anyone.