Real Solutions for Rehabilitating Runners
Running is extensively characterized as an effective and efficient form of aerobic or anaerobic exercise, known to escalate cardio-pulmonary function and endurance. However, running often causes inflammation, micro-trauma, and various other injuries to the musculoskeletal system, which result in interruptions to training regimens and personal fitness goals. Rehabilitation professionals in many different settings are faced with the challenge of treating runners with any one of a multitude of acute to chronic injuries caused by this pastime. And for many of these clients, whether they run as a hobby or competitively, their top priority is getting back "on track" as quickly as possible—thus creating an even bigger challenge to treatment planning.

Rehabilitating and training athletes and other runners requires a complete understanding of pertinent anatomy, common injuries, and a variety of conditioning drills for runners. This one-day seminar provides the opportunity to develop effective strategies for aggressively treating common running-related injuries; preventing deconditioning and re-injury; and improving running speed and strength. Course participants will explore manual techniques and specific regimens for the core and upper and lower extremities to maintain or increase cardio-pulmonary endurance during the healing process. Through multiple hands-on lab sessions, interactive lecture, and multimedia technology, this class provides attendees with a solid grasp of "what to do and how to do it," including more creative options, when faced with various running injuries. The instructor's enthusiasm and passion for the content is truly infectious, so attendees leave with not only practical approaches and new techniques to implement immediately, but also an optimistic, fresh approach to healing and rehabilitating

Course Content

EVALUATING THE INJURED RUNNER

Determining what is wrong

            • biomechanical abnormality

            • pes planus

            • pes cavus

Intrinsic factors to consider

            • hip flexor and extensor stretching

            • calf and shin stretching

Extrinsic factors to consider

            • running shoes

            • training

            • warm-up

            • core strength

            • nutrition

INDIVIDUALIZED TREATMENT OF COMMON RUNNING INJURIES

Varied symptoms and therapeutic recommendations specific to each population of runners for the following injuries/conditions: 

            • lower extremity

                        -  Achilles strain, bursitis, and tendinitis

                        -  heel pain and plantar fasciitis

                        -  neuroma

                        -  shin splints

                        -  ankle sprain

                        -  stress fractures of the tibia, fibula, and foot

                        -  patellofemoral pain syndrome

                        -  hamstring and quadriceps strain

                        -  popliteus tendinitis

                        -  iliotibial band syndrome

                        -  gastrocnemius and soleus strain

            • back pain

                        -  common problems resulting in back pain

                        -  mechanical imbalance

                        -  limb length discrepancy

                        -  pelvic imbalance

                        -  spinal curvature

                        -  degenerative disk

HANDS-ON LAB: Non-Traditional Therapies and Soft Tissue

Manipulation for Aggressive Rehabilitation

Gait and posture re-education to reduce the domino-effect

Combining passive range of motion (ROM) with Russian electronic muscle stimulators (EMS)

Massage therapy for lymph flow

Manual eccentric resistance for greater development in muscle size and strength

Therapeutic Kinesiology Elastic Taping techniques for various situations

            • the 24-hour healing process

            • gate control theory

            • mobility

Contraindications to consider

HANDS-ON LAB: Preventing Deconditioning with the

Healing Process

Applying Therapeutic Kinesiology Elastic Taping techniques  

            • for common running injuries

            • for performance enhancement

Common problems encountered when injury occurs

Maintain or increase performance and/or fitness level

Training the energy systems—five components of physical fitness

Regimens for cardio-pulmonary system

            • core

            • upper extremity

            • lower extremity

HANDS-ON LAB: Coaching Strategies for Plyometric Exercise

Preventing injury/re-injury in varying client populations

            • muscular endurance vs. muscular strength

            • beginners' routine

            • intermediate routine

            • advanced routine

            • considerations specific to client type/population: athletes, teenagers, seniors, women, men, etc.

*This course content is not intended for use by participants outside the scope of their license or regulation.