Frequently Asked Questions: Movement, Gait Analysis & Chiropractic Care in Saratoga Springs

Getting started

What does Dr. Keith Donato treat?

Dr. Keith works mostly with athletes and active people dealing with injuries, overuse problems and pain that keeps coming back. Common reasons patients come in include plantar fasciitis, Achilles and calf problems, shin splints, runner’s knee, IT band pain, hamstring strains, hip and low back pain, neck pain, shoulder problems including frozen shoulder, and tennis or golfer’s elbow. Many patients are runners, triathletes, tennis players and golfers, but you don’t need to be an athlete to benefit. See how treatment works.

How is this different from a typical chiropractor?

Dr. Keith is a human movement specialist and biomechanist first; chiropractic is one of several tools he uses. Instead of treating only the spot that hurts, he tests how your whole body moves, because no area works in isolation. A sore left heel, for example, can be tied to how your pelvis and rib cage are positioned on the opposite side. Care combines Active Release Techniques, movement testing, gait analysis and a targeted home program, with no long-term maintenance plans. Meet Dr. Keith.

Do I need a referral?

No. You can book directly without a referral from your doctor. If you have imaging, reports or notes from another provider, bring them to your first visit.

What is the best way to schedule an appointment?

The fastest way is to book online. You can also call or text Dr. Keith at (518) 538-8200 or use the contact page.

What happens at my first visit?

Your first visit is a 60-minute deep-dive evaluation. Dr. Keith reviews your history, tests how you move, and looks for the pattern behind your symptoms rather than just the painful area. Most first visits include treatment and a short at-home routine, so you leave with something to do that day. See New Patients for forms and details.

How long does each appointment last?

New patient evaluations are scheduled for 60 minutes and follow-up visits for 30 minutes. Some visits run shorter or longer depending on what you need.

What should I wear to my appointment?

Wear comfortable athletic clothing such as shorts, a T-shirt or other active wear. Treatment often involves hands-on soft tissue work and movement testing, so Dr. Keith needs to see and reach the area involved. If you’re coming in for a running or gait concern, bring the shoes you train in.

What time should I arrive?

Please arrive 15 minutes before your appointment. This gives you time to settle in and keeps the schedule on time for the patients after you.

Gait analysis and movement testing

What is 3D motion capture gait analysis?

3D motion capture gait analysis measures exactly how your body moves while you walk and run, using cameras and sensors instead of the naked eye. Dr. Keith pairs the data with a hands-on evaluation to see how your feet, knees, hips, pelvis and trunk work together, then builds a plan around what the test shows. It’s useful for runners with recurring injuries, anyone returning from injury, and athletes who want to move more efficiently. Learn more about gait analysis.

I’m a runner. Why would you analyze my walking?

Your walking gait reveals a lot about your running gait. How your pelvis and rib cage are oriented, how you use your hamstrings, how your heel strikes and how you push off all show up when you walk, and those habits carry straight into your run. Many runners assume they only need a running analysis, but looking at both gives a much clearer picture of why an injury keeps returning.

What is a Movement Reset visit?

A Movement Reset visit is a follow-up built around testing, retesting and finding the best at-home solution for you. Using the results of your initial evaluation, Dr. Keith tries specific exercises and techniques, retests to see what actually changes your movement, and keeps what works. You leave with a short, personalized routine instead of a generic handout. See how Movement Reset visits follow a gait analysis.

What is PRI, and how does Dr. Keith use it?

PRI (Postural Restoration Institute) is an approach that looks at how the body’s natural left-right differences affect posture, breathing and movement. Dr. Keith has completed extensive PRI coursework and uses its principles to explain why some patterns, like one hip that always feels tight, keep coming back. In practice that means testing, specific positioning exercises and, when it helps, a little attention to how you breathe and how your rib cage moves. See Dr. Keith’s care model.

What is SFMA?

The SFMA (Selective Functional Movement Assessment) is a series of movement tests that helps find the true source of pain. It separates movements that are painful from movements that are limited, which often points to a problem away from where you feel symptoms. Dr. Keith uses it alongside gait analysis and hands-on testing. Learn more about functional movement testing.

Do you offer telehealth visits?

Yes. Virtual visits work well for movement assessments, reviewing your home program and progressing exercises between in-office visits, including for patients who live outside the Saratoga Springs area. See telehealth options.

Treatment

What is Active Release Techniques (ART)?

Active Release Techniques® (ART) is a hands-on soft tissue treatment for muscles, tendons, ligaments and nerves. Dr. Keith applies precise pressure while you move the area through a specific range, which helps break up adhesions and restore normal motion. It’s especially effective for overuse injuries common in runners, cyclists, swimmers and tennis players. Learn more about ART.

I’ve been told I have a muscle tear. Do I need surgery?

Often, no. “Tear” and “strain” mean the same thing for a muscle, and strains are graded 1 to 3 by how much muscle fiber is disrupted and how much function is lost. Without signs like significant bruising or a visible dent in the muscle, most strains are grade 1 or 2, and those usually respond well to conservative care like Active Release Techniques. Many of the conditions Dr. Keith treats every week are grade 1 and 2 strains. If your evaluation suggests a more serious injury, he’ll refer you to the right specialist.

Will I have to stop running or exercising during treatment?

Usually not. The goal is to keep you active. Some injuries need a short period of reduced activity to get through the acute inflammatory stage, but many patients keep training for running, triathlon and other sports during care, sometimes with modifications. Almost every visit includes exercises to keep you moving and support healing. Ask Dr. Keith what makes sense for you.

How many visits will I need?

It depends on your condition, how long you’ve had it and how you respond, and there’s no preset package. Dr. Keith retests at every visit so you can both see whether things are changing. Many patients notice a difference within the first few visits, and the plan adjusts based on your results.

Will I go on a maintenance program after treatment?

In most cases, no. Unlike many chiropractic offices, we don’t put patients on long-term maintenance plans. Once your issue is resolved, you don’t need more appointments unless it returns or something new comes up. You’re always welcome to book when you feel you need it.

Insurance, fees and policies

Do you take insurance?

No. Dr. Keith does not participate with any insurance companies, including Medicare and Medicare supplement plans. Payment is due at the time of service. If you have out-of-network benefits, we can provide documentation you can submit for possible reimbursement. Many patients also use HSA or FSA funds; check with your plan.

What if I need to cancel my appointment?

Please give at least 24 hours’ notice. Cancellations with less notice may be charged for the appointment. We understand emergencies happen and will work with you in special circumstances.

Where are you located, and what are your hours?

The office is at 70 Railroad Place, Suite 101A, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Hours are Tuesday and Thursday 7:30am–5:30pm, Wednesday 8:30am–2pm, Friday 7:30am–4:30pm and Saturday 7:30am–3pm. The office is closed Sunday and Monday.