I completed it Whoo Hoo!!!
Over 20 hours of video presentations, over 30 hours personal research, two running seminars, in-service training, a presentation to University students on running and over 100 running clients analysed; I have finally completed the course.
But in the same way that passing your driving test is the start of learning to drive, I feel the same way with running injuries….and I’m determined to use these skills for the greater good ( Sound like a marvel comic hero ).
I have now completed the 10 online modules “Running Repairs” ( @running.physio – I have also used two of his slides below – a great resource for all runners – The Running Physio) I started back in July 2017, just before my wedding. This distant learning included a couple sneaky presentations during my honeymoon when the wife was taking ages to get ready.
I wanted to improve my skills in gait analysis to give a greater depth to my treatment and management of runners. The one thing that runners love apart from running and that is numbers.
Working with more and more runners daily, really fuelled my fire to try to be the best I could be to help them. I wanted to feel what they were feeling, sympathise when required but also be firm when “but I don’t have time to get the long runs in” or “recovery isn’t the top priority”. N.B The last phrase is like saying, I don’t have time to stop for petrol, I just want to keep on driving…. I know right (slips away and pulls out the spiky ball).
This included signing up to the Stirling marathon, starting the blog (#project345), running the very popular #unlacethebrace and set up the @PhysioRun gait analysis service. The service has been very popular with multiple athletes (recreational and elite) attending the session to help them improve on their load management and tissue capacity. (I have also met some lovely people who share the love of running, I always seem to run over on days I get lost in conversations about ultra’s, marathons or running buggies)
The major learning point from the online course was how to manage the load versus the capacity that the individual has. Many running injuries can be avoided. There I said it. MANY INJURIES CAN BE AVOIDED. There I shouted it… 🙂
By looking at the specific runner’s load ( the training plan including: frequency, durations, mileage, intensity and type of training) versus their bodies capacity ( flexibility, strength, neuro-dynamics, gait, footwear and biomechanics ); a balance is required. Both the loading and the tissue capacities were then linked with injury history, past medical history and training habits to give a great insight into how to avoid / manage injuries.
I have really immersed myself in running, I’m not normally a book reader but I have read 4-5 books now on all things running, from marathon training to ultra marathons. One book, “The Cool Impossible” allowed me to explore the important role of the foot in running and in lower limb injuries. Following this book, I set up #unlacethebrace (This link has all the pictures from all the participants – they make my heart warm), a free programme to really explore the foot, strengthen the foot, experience barefoot walking and help reduce injuries. I trialled this in April and have created the facebook page for the June version (slightly modified due to GDPR). The results blew me away. The response was amazing. If you wish to complete the challenge, join the facebook site for June.
Sorry I digress, The reading along with the online modules has really helped me understand what running means to people and the importance on their life that their 30mins- 1hr run a day means to them.
Book Review – Running:Cheaper than Therapy
Book Review : Running Up That Hill
So what is this blog post about…. It is to highlight the services that I have created to help you. One free ( #unlacethebrace ) and the other more tailored to your individual needs.
PhysioRun offers a one-off session (follow-up if required) for a running assessment (profile) and analysis. The session is a little longer to explore your capacities and view you on the treadmill. The clients that have been through the PhysioRun analysis have noticed imbalances between their left and right legs, the injured versus the non-injured but also that the injured leg can often be the strongest out of the two which always surprises them. There is an increase in the amount of literature surrounding gait analysis and modification of gait to help prevent and manage injuries, with a good strong evidence linking cadence to different injuries.
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Looking into cadence, stride length, stride width and body kinematics ( position of one part of the body on the next ) and linking with the presenting condition you can hypothesise WHY an injury may have occurred and also help manage it in the future. (Remember most injuries can be prevented.)
The final part of the PhysioRun is education – the most important part. Load management education helps to point out the stressors that may relate to the over loading (or under loading) of tissues so that they have the appropriate tissue adaptations. The client is also given education also about healing times and the speed the body recovers following a heavy session but this is dependant on the structure that is injured and the nature of the injury ( Bone – tendon – muscle ).
I am continually learning and with each individual that passes through the assessment, I get a firmer grasp of the process of gait analysis and modifications and whether it is required. If it is, what is the minimum I can change to get the maximal performance and response for the certain injury?
Is a running injury preventing you from your goal? Do you have a time target for a future race? Are you interested in being educated in how best to manage your training load and find out about your tissue capacity?
If you are interested and have any questions, or wish further information on the PhysioRun service please email physiorun1@gmail.com…. or if you have any suggestive reading books please tag @physiorun in any instagram pictures of books…I don’t know how long this reading phase will last but I have to surf this wave out 🙂
Summary of the Service –
- In-depth subjective questioning
- S-M-A-R-T goal setting
- Running profile looking at specific range, strength and performance markers relating to running
- Gait viewed and reviewed – with copy sent as required to personal account (GDPR consent)
- Profile results print out and personalized explanation of the findings – sent by email as required (GDPR consent)
- A problem/solution list specific to findings of profile / analysis
- Specific strength / flexibility programme to meet your needs
If you are interested and would like further information please contact:
physiorun1@gmail.com
Since launching in September, PhysioRun has successfully changed the capacity of many runners that have completed it. Working with both International athletes and recreational runners, one thing that is common, is the love of the sport. What frustrates people the most is running injuries and not being able to compete, train or run when they want. The service looks to limit time out injured through education and load management.
Thanks For Reading
Run Long and Prosper
James
