Do you enjoy running?

Whatever your motivation, running is one of the most natural forms of exercise.  Yet, each year 25-50% of recreational runners sustain an injury bad enough to alter training.  While the vast majority of injuries (80-85%) can be attributed to training errors (too much, too fast, too soon), the way we run can have a profound impact as well.

We have seen the enemy and it is excessive force!  

Imagine a sledge hammer that weighs 3-4 times your body weight (450 to 600lbs for a 150lb person); now imagine taking that sledge hammer and striking the bottom of your feet 160 times per minute or more.  It is truly amazing what the human body is capable of withstanding.  The goal of current running science is simply to reduce these forces without increasing energy cost.  It turns out that very small changes in running form can yield major decreases in musculoskeletal stress.

Confused about all the different advice?

Motion control shoe or barefoot, heel or forefoot strike, Chi or Pose, pronator or supinator?  Fusion Physical Therapy Runners’ Clinic is specifically designed to cut through all the noise and deliver results.  Whether you have been running for years or are just starting out, our team of professionals led by our physical therapist will provide expert examination and treatment of your running-related concerns. We will work with you to help you achieve your running goals.  Runners of all ages and levels are welcome!  

State of the Art Evaluation and Treatment

Running is a fundamentally simple exercise.  It does not require expensive equipment and can be done almost anywhere.  We were born to run.  However, running is an extremely complex activity requiring the interaction of many different systems within the human body.  For a variety of reasons, dysfunction in the systems can result in pain and injury.

Fusion Physical Therapy offers a Runners’ Clinic that is specifically designed to address the needs of those that choose to run.  We get it; created by runners, operated by runners, for runners, our approach follows the latest scientifically proven methods of improving performance and decreasing the risk of and/or managing injury.  This can only be achieved with the aid of high speed video analysis; a 30 second jog at the running shoe store under the watchful eye of the salesperson or even on a treadmill with standard video simply won't cut it.

With all the varied and often conflicting information that surrounds running, you may be frustrated and/or confused.  There is no one perfect formula; everyone is unique.  Our Runners’ Clinic greatly simplifies things to identify and focus on what works best for you!

Research has shown that the most effective approach to injury prevention and treatment is to decrease the forces acting on your body while running; this is mainly achieved through minor changes in your running form.  After that, the plan is to increase the ability of your musculoskeletal system to tolerate force (think strength and flexibility)

Regardless of your age, experience level, or motivation, our team of professionals will provide expert examination and treatment of your running-related concerns. We share your passion and will strive to give you the results you expect.  

Running Injury/Performance Evaluations

Biomechanical assessment is used in combination with a thorough musculoskeletal evaluation to address injury and performance issues.  During the 60 minute initial evaluation, clients receive:

• History and running program review

• Orthopedic examination (eg. flexibility, strength, balance, alignment, foot structure)

• High speed 2D video analysis of running mechanics

• Treatment plan development (eg. recommendations related to footwear, running mechanics, exercise)

All tests and findings will be reviewed with you immediately following the examination.  If necessary, a treatment program will be implemented, with follow-up options discussed.  Your treatment could consist of therapeutic exercises, manual physical therapy, and guidelines for a progressive return to your prior running level.  Modification to your running form might also be recommended to correct adverse running mechanics.  If you have an injury, your exam may be covered by insurance; we can give you the paperwork needed to get reimbursement.  Even if you don’t have an injury, suggestions to improve your efficiency, reduce energy cost and prevent injuries can be made.