The Benefits of Video Analysis in Running Injury Rehabilitation

Running injuries are frustrating setbacks for runners of all levels. Whether it's knee pain, shin splints, Achilles tendinopathy, or hip discomfort, persistent pain can prevent you from enjoying your sport and achieving your goals. While traditional physiotherapy treatments focus on strengthening, mobility, and tissue healing, one of the most effective ways to address running-related pain is by assessing how you run in the first place.

This is where video gait analysis comes in. As physiotherapists working with running injuries, we use high-speed video analysis to identify suboptimal biomechanics that may be contributing to pain. By breaking down your running technique frame by frame, we can pinpoint movement patterns that place excessive stress on certain tissues and correct them to reduce injury risk and enhance performance.

How Video Analysis Helps Overcome Running Pain

1. Identifying the Root Cause of Pain

Many running injuries stem from mechanical overload—repetitive strain on tissues due to inefficient movement patterns. Video analysis allows us to see exactly what happens when your foot hits the ground, how your joints move, and whether certain areas are being overloaded. Common biomechanical issues include:

• Overstriding – Landing with your foot too far in front of your body, increasing impact forces.

• Excessive Pronation or Supination – Poor foot mechanics leading to instability and stress on the lower leg.

• Hip Drop (Trendelenburg Sign) – Weak hip control causing excess lateral movement and knee strain.

• Poor Cadence – Running with too few steps per minute, leading to inefficient force distribution.

By identifying these issues, we can create a targeted plan to modify your technique and offload the structures causing pain.

2. Personalised Technique Adjustments

Once we know what’s causing the problem, we can introduce small but impactful adjustments to your running form. These may include:

• Increasing cadence (steps per minute) to reduce impact forces.

• Adjusting foot strike position to land closer to the body's center of mass.

• Improving postural alignment to ensure efficient force transfer.

• Strengthening key muscle groups to support better movement control.

Unlike generic advice, video analysis allows us to tailor these changes specifically to your body and running style.

3. Preventing Future Injuries

Correcting biomechanics isn’t just about overcoming current pain—it’s also about injury prevention. Even if a runner is not currently injured, inefficient movement patterns can lead to problems over time. By refining technique early, we can reduce cumulative stress and improve long-term running resilience.

4. Tracking Progress and Making Real-Time Adjustments

Video analysis provides objective feedback that can be used to monitor progress over time. With follow-up assessments, we can see how your biomechanics change as you implement new techniques and make further refinements if needed. This ensures that adjustments remain effective and sustainable.

5. Enhancing Performance Without Overloading the Body

Improving biomechanics doesn’t just prevent injuries—it also helps runners perform better. More efficient movement leads to less wasted energy, better endurance, and improved speed. By optimising stride mechanics, you can run faster and longer while minimising the risk of pain and fatigue.

Why Work With a Physiotherapist at Up N Adam Performance Training & Physiotherapy for Video Analysis?

Many running coaches and gait labs offer video analysis, but working with a physiotherapist who sees a lot of running injuries provides a unique advantage. Not only can we assess technique, but we also:

• Understand the biomechanical demands of different injuries and how to modify running form accordingly.

• Integrate technique changes with strength and mobility programs for a holistic approach.

• Offer hands-on treatment and rehabilitation strategies alongside movement retraining.

Ready to Run Pain-Free?

If you’re struggling with running pain or want to optimize your technique to prevent future injuries, a biomechanical video analysis could be the missing piece of the puzzle. By addressing the root cause of movement inefficiencies, we can help you move better, feel stronger, and enjoy running pain-free.

If you're interested in booking a video gait assessment, get in touch today!

You can book an appointment with Darren or Newcastle Knights Physiotherapists Katie or Hayd'n at www.upnadamptphysio.com