Running Assessment

Precision Running Assessment

Running is the world's most accessible endurance sport, but it comes with inherent injury risk. Research indicates that 37-56% of runners experience overuse injuries annually. Many of these injuries stem from training errors and unaddressed movement dysfunction.

VanCity Physio's Running Lab combines clinical expertise with OnForm video analysis to provide a comprehensive running assessment. Whether you're a recreational jogger, competitive racer, or triathlete, our assessments deliver actionable insights that help reduce injury risk and unlock performance potential.

Our approach goes beyond subjective observation. Using OnForm video analysis, we capture objective footage of your running movement and combine it with clinical movement screening and strength testing. This creates a complete picture of how you run, what's limiting you, and how to improve.

Your Running Assessment Experience

Clinical interview

10-15 minutes

Detailed discussion of:

Running history and experience level
Current training volume, intensity, and structure
Injury history and current symptoms
Performance goals and race schedule
Footwear and training environment
Cross-training and strength work

Movement screening

10-15 minutes

Clinical assessment of

Hip, knee, ankle mobility and control
Single-leg stability and balance
Posterior chain flexibility (hamstrings, calves)
Core stability and control
Foot and ankle function
Movement compensations and asymmetries

Strength and symmetry testing

10 minutes

Quantitative assessment of

Single-leg strength (glutes, quads, hamstrings, calves)
Hip abductor and external rotator strength
Calf endurance testing
Side-to-side strength comparisons
Power and reactive strength measures

Video gait analysis

15-20 minutes

High-speed video capture from multiple angles:

Stride length, vertical oscillation, forward lean
Pelvic drop, hip adduction, tibial rotation
Step rate analysis
Foot strike pattern assessment
Contact time and flight time ratios

Post-assessment consultation

30-45 minutes

Each follow-up builds on your progress. We adjust exercises, introduce new challenges, and integrate treatment modalities as needed to keep your recovery on track.

What You Receive

Detailed written report including

Comprehensive findings from all assessment components
Identification of primary injury risk factors
Specific mechanical inefficiencies affecting performance
Strength and mobility deficits requiring attention
Tailored recommendations for technique modification
Individualized exercise prescription

Upper extremity

Progressive strength and conditioning program
Mobility and flexibility work specific to your limitations
Running drills and form cues
Training load recommendations
Return-to-run progression if recovering from injury

Headaches and jaw pain

Each follow-up builds on your progress. We adjust exercises, introduce new challenges, and integrate treatment modalities as needed to keep your recovery on track.

Follow-up support:

Most runners benefit from 2-4 follow-up sessions over 8-12 weeks to reassess progress, refine interventions, and advance programming.

What You Receive

What to bring

Running shoes (bring multiple pairs if you use different shoes for different runs)
Full running outfit (shorts/tights, shirt, sports bra, socks)
Water bottle
Towel (also provided)

Pre-assessment guidelines

Eat normally but avoid large meals 2 hours before
Hydrate well
Come prepared to run 10-15 minutes at easy-moderate pace
Avoid hard workouts 24 hours before (we want to see your normal mechanics, not fatigued running)

What to expect

You'll run on our Landice treadmill while we record video footage for movement analysis. This allows your physiotherapist to review your running mechanics and provide clear, practical recommendations.

Post-Assessment Implementation

Your assessment is most valuable when recommendations are
implemented.

Your assessment is most valuable when recommendations are implemented.

Exercise program adherence

Strength and mobility work must be consistent (2-3x per week minimum). Results take 6-12 weeks to manifest.

Gradual technique modification

Don't overhaul your mechanics overnight. We introduce changes progressively, allowing neuromuscular adaptation.

Training load management

Even with perfect mechanics, excessive volume or intensity causes injury. We provide load guidelines based on your current capacity.

Follow-up reassessment

Scheduled at 8-12 weeks to measure changes, adjust programming, and ensure you're progressing appropriately

Your Running Assessment Vancouver Investment

Running assessment is billed as a specialized physiotherapy session. The initial 60-minute assessment includes all technology use, clinical screening, video analysis, and report generation.

To book, select "RUN Physiotherapy" from our online platform.Most extended health plans cover running assessments under physiotherapy benefits. Direct billing is available.

Follow-up sessions (if recommended) are standard physiotherapy appointments and also covered by most plans.

FAQs About Registered Massage Therapy

HOW IT WORKS

Our initial assessment includes a thorough interview to learn about your running history, goals, training habits, previous injuries, and current concerns, regardless of your running experience.

This is followed by a screening of your joints, mobility, strength, and movement patterns to help us build a clear picture of how your body moves when you run.

At VanCity Physio, we combine clinical assessment with video-based running analysis using OnForm. This allows us to record and review your running mechanics in detail, helping identify factors such as posture, stride pattern, cadence, foot strike, and movement asymmetries.

Your physiotherapist will then combine the video review with clinical movement screening and strength testing to provide practical recommendations tailored to your goals, whether you're looking to reduce injury risk, return to running, or improve performance.

WHAT TO EXPECT

• One on one, 60 minute assessment
• A consultation to discuss your needs, goals, journey with running and injuries
• A physical assessment and screening
• Run testing on our Landice treadmill
• A tailored exercise program for your specific needs based on the assessment results
• Post run consultation and feedback

HOW TO PREPARE

Bring your running shoes, a water bottle, towel, and all running apparel to assist us with our assessment.Water and towels are also provided.

POST-SESSION

Your physiotherapist will provide you with a management plan moving forward relevant to your personal goals, and what specific interventions will be most beneficial moving forward.

View our Resources

FEES

To book, please select RUN Physiotherapy from our online booking platform. To maximize your session’s value, and take advantage of our diverse treatment options, fees are inclusive of all treatment modalities used during your session.

VanCity Physio offers direct billing.

Running Assessment
Vancouver

Precision Running Assessment

Who Benefits from Running Physio

Your Running Assessment Experience

Clinical interview

Movement screening

Strength and symmetry testing

Video gait analysis

Post-assessment consultation

What You Receive

Detailed written report including

Upper extremity

Headaches and jaw pain

Follow-up support:

What You Receive

What to bring

Pre-assessment guidelines

What to expect

Post-Assessment Implementation

Your Running Assessment Vancouver Investment

FAQs About Registered Massage Therapy

Run Smarter, Stronger, Longer