Rehab
What Is Posture and Gait Analysis — and Why Does It Matter?
Have you ever wondered why you keep getting the same aches and pains, even after stretching or exercising? The answer often lies in how your body is aligned and how you move — and that’s where posture and gait analysis comes in.
As a massage therapist, I use posture and gait assessment to better understand how your body is working (and where it might be compensating) so we can target the root cause of your tension, not just the symptoms.
Here’s What I Look At During a Posture & Gait Assessment:
1. How You Stand (Posture)
We begin by observing how your body holds itself when you’re standing still. I look at:
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Shoulder and hip alignment
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Head and neck posture
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Spinal curves (are they too rounded or too flat?)
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Pelvis position (tilted forward or back?)
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Knee and ankle positioning
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Foot arches and balance
These small clues tell me a lot about where your body might be under strain.
2. How You Walk (Gait)
Your walking pattern shows how your body works together in motion. I gently observe:
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How your feet strike the ground
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How your knees track
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How your hips and pelvis move
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Arm swing and coordination
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Any limping, leaning, or uneven patterns
Even subtle imbalances can lead to long-term discomfort or injury.
3. Joint Movement and Muscle Balance
I may also assess your mobility and stability in key areas like:
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Feet and ankles (tight calves? flat arches?)
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Hips and glutes (are they helping or overworking?)
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Shoulders and upper back (tension or restricted movement?)
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Core strength and spinal alignment
Muscle imbalances — like tight hip flexors or weak glutes — can throw your whole system off balance.
4. Daily Habits and Lifestyle
Lastly, we consider your daily activities:
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Sitting for long hours?
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Standing or walking on hard surfaces all day?
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Wearing unsupportive footwear?
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Recovering from past injuries?
These patterns play a major role in how your body holds tension and moves.
Why This Matters in Massage Therapy
When we understand your posture and movement patterns, your massage treatment becomes more targeted and effective. Whether you’re dealing with:
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Neck or shoulder pain
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Lower back tightness
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Foot, knee, or hip discomfort
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Or just want to improve your alignment and body awareness
Posture and gait analysis helps us get to the why behind your symptoms — and guide your body toward better balance.
Have questions or want to include this assessment in your next session? Just let me know at the time of booking, and we’ll build it into your treatment plan.
Looking forward to helping you move and feel better — from the ground up. 🌿
How Yoga Helps Improve Posture and Walking Patterns
Did you know that your yoga practice might be doing more than just helping you relax?
Many yoga poses are actually powerful tools for improving your posture and the way you walk (your gait). If you find yourself slouching, walking unevenly, or dealing with recurring pain — your body might be trying to tell you something about your alignment.
Here’s how yoga helps:
🧘♀️ Posture Awareness
Yoga helps you feel when you're upright and balanced. It teaches you what aligned posture actually feels like — so you can carry that awareness into your everyday life.
🧘♂️ Stronger Core & Spine Support
Many yoga poses gently build the strength you need to hold good posture all day. Think planks, warriors, and even slow transitions between poses.
🦶 Better Balance from the Ground Up
Standing poses strengthen your feet, ankles, and hips — all key for improving the way you walk and stand.
🌀 Hip Mobility for Smoother Movement
Tight hips can affect everything from your stride to your lower back. Yoga opens the hips and teaches them how to move with control and stability.
🌬️ Breath Helps the Whole Body Relax
Tension affects posture too. When you breathe deeply during yoga, your nervous system relaxes — and your body can move more naturally and efficiently.
Whether you're already doing yoga or curious about how it fits into your posture and bodywork goals, it's a beautiful way to support functional movement and lasting change.