118. Gait Analysis & Myotomal Weakness: Identifying Key Gait Deviations in PT
02/18/25 • 10 min
Gait analysis is an essential skill for physical therapists—especially when evaluating patients with radiculopathies, post-surgical deficits, or neurological impairments. In this episode of PT Snacks Podcast, we break down the phases of gait, from stance to swing, and explore how myotomal weakness can lead to key gait deviations.
Learn how knee buckling, Trendelenburg gait, foot drop, and other compensations can signal underlying neurological deficits. We’ll also discuss how gait deviations can present in post-op patients recovering from disc herniation surgery, and why understanding these patterns is critical for both orthopedic and neuro PTs.
If you’re looking to refine your observational skills and improve patient outcomes, this episode is packed with clinical insights to help you master gait analysis.
Why PT Snacks Podcast?
This podcast is your go-to for bite-sized, practical info designed for busy, overwhelmed Physical Therapists and students who want to build confidence in their foundational knowledge without sacrificing life’s other priorities.
Stay Connected!
- Never miss an episode—hit follow now!
- Got questions? Email me at [email protected] or leave feedback HERE.
- On Instagram? Find unique content at @dr.kasey.hankins!
Need CEUs Fast?
Time and resources short? MedBridge has you covered:
- Get over $100 off a subscription with code PTSNACKSPODCAST: MedBridge
- Students: Save 75% with code PTSNACKSPODCASTSTUDENT—a full year of unlimited access for less!
(These are affiliate links, but I only recommend MedBridge because it’s genuinely valuable.)
Want to Support the Show?
Help me keep creating free content by:
- Sharing the podcast with someone who’d benefit.
- Contributing directly via the link below (optional, but deeply appreciated).
Thanks for tuning in—your support makes this...
Gait analysis is an essential skill for physical therapists—especially when evaluating patients with radiculopathies, post-surgical deficits, or neurological impairments. In this episode of PT Snacks Podcast, we break down the phases of gait, from stance to swing, and explore how myotomal weakness can lead to key gait deviations.
Learn how knee buckling, Trendelenburg gait, foot drop, and other compensations can signal underlying neurological deficits. We’ll also discuss how gait deviations can present in post-op patients recovering from disc herniation surgery, and why understanding these patterns is critical for both orthopedic and neuro PTs.
If you’re looking to refine your observational skills and improve patient outcomes, this episode is packed with clinical insights to help you master gait analysis.
Why PT Snacks Podcast?
This podcast is your go-to for bite-sized, practical info designed for busy, overwhelmed Physical Therapists and students who want to build confidence in their foundational knowledge without sacrificing life’s other priorities.
Stay Connected!
- Never miss an episode—hit follow now!
- Got questions? Email me at [email protected] or leave feedback HERE.
- On Instagram? Find unique content at @dr.kasey.hankins!
Need CEUs Fast?
Time and resources short? MedBridge has you covered:
- Get over $100 off a subscription with code PTSNACKSPODCAST: MedBridge
- Students: Save 75% with code PTSNACKSPODCASTSTUDENT—a full year of unlimited access for less!
(These are affiliate links, but I only recommend MedBridge because it’s genuinely valuable.)
Want to Support the Show?
Help me keep creating free content by:
- Sharing the podcast with someone who’d benefit.
- Contributing directly via the link below (optional, but deeply appreciated).
Thanks for tuning in—your support makes this...
Previous Episode
117. Disc Herniations: Anatomy, Risk Factors & Treatment for Physical Therapists
Not all disc herniations are the same. In this episode of PT Snacks Podcast, we break down the four main types of disc herniations (bulging, protrusion, extrusion, and sequestration) and how that factors in to their response to physical therapy. We’ll also dive into key risk factors to better understand who may be more susceptible to disc issues.
Who responds well to physical therapy, and who may require surgery? Learn how to identify patients that are great candidates for rehab versus those who may need surgical intervention. We’ll also cover red flags like progressive weakness and bowel or bladder dysfunction that require immediate attention.
If you’re a physical therapist or PT student, this episode is packed with actionable insights to improve your clinical reasoning and patient care.
Why PT Snacks Podcast?
This podcast is your go-to for bite-sized, practical info designed for busy, overwhelmed Physical Therapists and students who want to build confidence in their foundational knowledge without sacrificing life’s other priorities.
Stay Connected!
- Never miss an episode—hit follow now!
- Got questions? Email me at [email protected] or leave feedback HERE.
- On Instagram? Find unique content at @dr.kasey.hankins!
Need CEUs Fast?
Time and resources short? MedBridge has you covered:
- Get over $100 off a subscription with code PTSNACKSPODCAST: MedBridge
- Students: Save 75% with code PTSNACKSPODCASTSTUDENT—a full year of unlimited access for less!
(These are affiliate links, but I only recommend MedBridge because it’s genuinely valuable.)
Want to Support the Show?
Help me keep creating free content by:
- Sharing the podcast with someone who’d benefit.
- Contributing directly via the link below (optional, but deeply appreciated).
Thanks for tuning in—your support makes this...
If you like this episode you’ll love
Episode Comments
Generate a badge
Get a badge for your website that links back to this episode
<a href="https://goodpods.com/podcasts/pt-snacks-podcast-physical-therapy-with-dr-kasey-hankins-412531/118-gait-analysis-and-myotomal-weakness-identifying-key-gait-deviation-84423457"> <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/goodpods-images-bucket/badges/generic-badge-1.svg" alt="listen to 118. gait analysis & myotomal weakness: identifying key gait deviations in pt on goodpods" style="width: 225px" /> </a>
Copy