2 days ago
High-Tech Foot Mapping Lands On Auckland's North Shore
Auckland's North Shore now hosts one of the country's most data-driven gait-analysis suites. Gait Doctor, based in Mairangi Bay, has installed the Canadian-made GAITSCAN® pressure-plate system, giving clinicians a 4,096-sensor, 300 Hz window into every patient step. With musculoskeletal pain rising across Aotearoa, the service offers an objective way to pinpoint load-bearing issues without relying solely on visual checks. Alongside the hardware, the clinic has launched free online guides that unpack common movement problems and explain when a professional assessment may be warranted.
What Happens During a GAITSCAN® Appointment?
Dynamic pass: Patients walk across a slim electronic plate; timing and force distribution are logged in real time.
Static balance check: A second standing scan evaluates postural pressure points and sway.
On-screen review: Results appear as a colour heat-map and can be exported to digital casting software if custom orthoses are desired.
Why Objective Gait Data Matters
Large studies estimate that up to two-thirds of New Zealand adults experience ongoing musculoskeletal pain, with the foot and ankle frequently implicated. Among adolescents, roughly one in five already reports chronic lower-limb discomfort. Because gait deviations can transfer stress upward through knees, hips and the spine, sensor-based diagnostics give practitioners a reproducible baseline to guide broader management plans instead of relying on subjective observation alone.
Education Beyond the Clinic
To broaden public understanding, Gait Doctor hosts short articles and videos on foot mechanics, footwear considerations and movement hygiene. The clinic also compares sensor-based gait systems with traditional plaster casting and visual assessments, helping patients make informed decisions about their care.
At a Glance
Location: 59 Hastings Road, Mairangi Bay, Auckland
Phone: 021 240 4248
Services: GAITSCAN® assessments, biomechanical examinations, custom orthotic fabrication, movement-health education resources
Consultations: Initial 45-minute appointments include full pressure-plate analysis and personalised recommendations; pricing and turnaround times are outlined during booking.
Gait Doctor joins a select group of New Zealand practices adopting pressure-plate technology, positioning the North Shore as a hub for evidence-based lower-limb care.
