Kinetic Labs

This runner came in with right hip pain that kicked in around the 2 km mark and lingered for up to 24 hours after a run, along with toe pain that flares during activity. On the surface, it sounds like a hip problem, but a running gait analysis told a different story.

What we found was a stiff left ankle driving the entire chain. Because the left foot couldn't load and push off properly, both legs were overstriding, with the right reaching even further forward to compensate. Over kilometres, that added up to a fatigued, overloaded right hip. The gait scan showed the left foot nearly crossing the body's midline at landing, cadence at the lower limit of normal, excess vertical bounce, reduced forward lean, and the left hip generating extra range at push-off to make up for a compromised power at the ankle. The hip is where the symptoms showed up, but the problem was at the ankle.

A small change in how you move can make a big difference in which muscles are doing the work.

Here we’re using biofeedback to help improve lower trap activation while reducing upper trap compensation.

We can see their muscle activity in real time, adjust based on the cue, and immediately see whether the contraction improves.

A simple way to make muscle retraining a little less subjective.

Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at a lower body massage session.

The client is lying prone with their leg in a frog position. This gives us better access to the lateral hip and thigh while also reducing some of the tension through the area.

Dealing with hip, knee or lower leg pain or tightness? Our Registered Massage Therapists can help assess what may be contributing and tailor treatment to what you need.

Smart insoles are here! And just in time for fall race season 👟

With the Toronto Waterfront Marathon about a month away, this is a great time to get a closer look at what’s happening at the foot with every stride.

Our Running Gait Analysis can now include smart insole testing, giving us more insight into things like:

• Impact forces and loading
• Foot pressure distribution
• Left-to-right differences
• Ground contact time
• Pronation and supination
• How pressure moves through the foot
• Landing and push-off mechanics

We combine this with our 3D running analysis to build a more complete picture of how you move and load while you run.

If you’re in the final stretch of marathon or half-marathon training, it’s a good time to see if there’s anything worth addressing before race day.

Smart Insole Testing is now available as an add-on to our Running Gait Analysis at our East Bayfront location.

September is Concussion Awareness Month. 🧠

Concussion assessment involves more than just asking about symptoms. Balance can also be affected, which is why tests like the modified Balance Error Scoring System (mBESS) can be useful as part of a broader concussion evaluation.

In this video, we’re using the mBESS to screen the balance system across different standing positions and identify changes that may need to be followed over time.

It’s one piece of the bigger picture when assessing concussion and guiding a safe return to activity.

Not sure what to expect at your first pelvic health appointment?

Here’s a quick look at how the first session typically flows – tailored to you and what you need.

The rep count might look similar, but that doesn’t always mean both sides are performing the same.

One side may complete fewer reps but reach greater height with each single leg heel raise, while the other completes more shallow repetitions. That’s why we also look at repetition height, total vertical displacement, and total work measured in joules.

Together, these metrics give us a clearer picture of calf endurance and side-to-side performance than rep count alone.

Consider this your sign to unclench your jaw 😮‍💨

A little more rotation can go a long way.

Assess. Treat. Reinforce with movement.

Because birth isn’t the finish line 🤍

Introducing the Pregnancy to Performance program – pelvic health support for every stage of your recovery and return to movement.

Learn more at Kinetic Labs. Link in bio.