True or false? Antalgic (painful) gait typically results in unequal stance phase of the two limbs
From the medical dictionary:
“Antalgic gait: A gait pattern specifically modified to reduce the amount of pain a person is experiencing; the term is usually applied to a rhythmic disturbance in which as short a time as possible is spent on the painful limb and a correspondingly longer time is spent on the healthy side.”
Hey Jordan…
There could be all sorts of things that are out of our scope as trainers that could cause painful gait patterns but if there structural issues we can certainly assess and address with a corrective approach. Its important to have a systematic approach when confronting clients in pain.
Maybe try something like this:
1.verbal assessment–identify injury history, painful regions, repetitive movements, footwear, etc.
2.visual assessment–identify potential common distortion patterns at the foot, ankle, knee, hip and shoulder
3.movement assessment–a step up test and a wall lunge with rotation are excellent options
You may determine that the condition is out of your hands but at least you can speak a language to the proper medical authority if referring out.
hope this helps,
Jeremy