Helensburgh running just got better: Improve your runs with precision Gait Analysis
No matter what you run, how you run matters. Here’s how to do it better.
Perhaps you’re training for the Helensburgh 10K, or preparing for your next marathon. You might love trail running, or simply enjoy a leisurely jog along the Helensburgh seafront in the sunshine (if we’re lucky). But whatever you run, how you run matters.
Your technique significantly impacts your performance and health. Which is why our physio team at The Lomond Clinic is excited to introduce professional-grade precision gait analysis to the Helensburgh running community. We now offer Footscan – highly detailed gait assessment technology, perfect for runners and athletes of all levels in Helensburgh.
Previously, Helensburgh runners needed to travel to Glasgow or further for this level of detailed assessment – but now you can access this advanced technology right here in town.
Although we’ve provided gait analysis for some time – and may be the only clinic in Helensburgh offering this service privately – we previously relied on visual assessment, which is standard practice.
But now we’ve taken things to the next level with Footscan, a state-of-the-art movement analysis system. Footscan delivers precise, digital measurements of how you walk and run. Our qualified physiotherapists then analyse that data to diagnose and advise you accordingly. After that, if you should need any supports, we can then prescribe tailor-made, millimeter-perfect orthoses (corrective supports), based on the measurements captured during your scan. We eliminate guesswork and assumptions, instead relying on actual data that directly improves your running experience.
You can make your more efficient and more comfortable by improving your running gait. But before you make your gait better, you first need to know what it is…
Professional gait analysis goes beyond the free ‘running shoe’ assessment
Anyone in the Helensburgh area who has laced up a pair of running shoes has probably at some point been up to Glasgow to buy a pair of shoes from a well-known shop in the West End. While a lot of running stores offer free ‘gait analysis’ when you’re buying shoes, there’s a significant difference between these basic in-store assessments and the gait analysis we have in Helensburgh at The Lomond Clinic:
| Shop assessment | The Lomond Clinic analysis |
| Visual observation only | Precision digital measurement with 0.1mm accuracy |
| Brief treadmill run | Comprehensive static and dynamic assessment |
| Limited to pronation basics | Captures thousands of data points across the entire foot |
| Focused on selling shoes | Focused on improving performance and preventing injury |
| One-size-fits-many approach from a sales assistant | Personalised recommendations from physiotherapists |
Although store assessments can help with basic shoe selection, they’re basically limited to…selling shoes. And that’s absolutely fine, because that’s what they’re intended to do. However they can’t go beyond that. In contrast, we identify the subtle gait inefficiencies that can lead to running injuries or performance plateaus, for runners and sports people of any level. We can do that because we have the detailed precision of our measurement system combined with the skill-set of our qualified physiotherapists.
Running in Helensburgh? Here’s how you can benefit from professional gait analysis.
Footscan is the same technology as used by elite athletes around the world, and is now available for the first time in Helensburgh. Local runners can use the system to:
1. Prevent injury
A lot of running injuries develop gradually due to minor gait issues that compound over time and miles. Our technology can identify these issues before they lead to shin splints, plantar fasciitis, or knee pain that might put a stop to your running.
2. Run better
Knowledge is power. Efficient running form means better times and more enjoyable runs. Even small adjustments to your gait can significantly improve your efficiency and endurance.
3. Benefit from custom 3D printed supports
Unlike generic off-the-shelf insoles, our Phits orthoses are specifically designed and made for you. We 3D print them from a digital model of your feet, constructed from thousands of data points measured during your Footscan. And because they’re built on your actual running pattern, they provide targeted support exactly where you need it. They’re also crafted from durable, environmentally sustainable materials – perfect for Helensburgh runners who care about both their performance and the planet.
4. Measure improvement
Just as you track your runs, you can also monitor your gait progress – objectively. Baseline measurements and follow-up assessments give you the hard facts on how your body’s moving – which is ideal for goal-oriented runners preparing for races, or anyone who wants to track their progress.
Your physiotherapist thoroughly analyses the comprehensive data we gather during your Footscan to develop a personalised treatment plan specifically addressing your needs, without guesswork. It’s game-changing.
Real results for anyone running or involved in sport in Helensburgh
Although professional runners have had access to this level of gait analysis technology for decades, it wasn’t available to the average runner.
And now it is, at The Lomond Clinic.
Scientific gait analysis can make a measurable difference to all runners, regardless of your level. It’s well worth considering if you want to avoid injury or resolve niggles. Or improve your race times. Or just enjoy running more comfortably.
Even if you’re not a runner, it can help with sports which have an element of balance, running or movement – like football, rugby, tennis, skiing and even sailing.
Next-level sports rehab right here in Helensburgh
We have a great physiotherapy and sports rehab team here at The Lomond Clinic.
And we’ve wanted to offer this level of gait and movement analysis for quite some time.
It takes our sports rehab to the next level. It’s a perfect match with our other physio services. And it reflects the standard of excellence in everything we do. Importantly, no other provider in the West Dumbartonshire area does it – so it lets us bring something unique to Helensburgh.
Until now, serious runners had to travel to Glasgow for this level of analysis. By introducing it at The Lomond Clinic, we’re making elite sports technology and sports rehab more accessible, right on your door step. We’ve learned surprising things about our own movement – we can’t wait for you to try it for yourself.
What to expect from your gait assessment
Your Footscan gait analysis session at The Lomond Clinic will typically include:
- Initial consultation with one of our physiotherapists
- Footscan assessment measuring static balance and dynamic movement
- Detailed analysis of your results with visual reports
- Treatment recommendations which may include custom orthoses, physiotherapy, exercises, or a combination of these
- Follow-up assessments to measure improvement
Run stronger, run longer, run better with professional gait analysis at The Lomond Clinic in Helensburgh.
Book an appointment for specialised Footscan gait analysis by calling us on 01436 672677, or make your appointment online.
If you’re interested in running in Helensburgh and gait analysis, you might also be interested in:
- Advanced gait analysis now available in Helensburgh at The Lomond Clinic
- Phits custom-made 3D printed orthoses
- Our physiotherapy and sport rehab team
- Our physiotherapy and sport rehab services
The Lomond Clinic is a private health and wellness clinic in Helensburgh, and we are renowned for our expert physiotherapy and sports rehab care. We now offer advanced and precise gait analysis through our Footscan system, and can prescribe custom 3D printed Phits orthoses. This means accurate assessment and treatment for pain, mobility issues, and athletic performance, available locally for runners and sports people in Helensburgh.
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