Running Assessment
Running injury
Running is an extremely popular sport, enjoyed by millions of people globally. It requires minimal equipment and can be carried out in most environments. In recent years, the popularity of running has increased significantly. The introduction of parkrun and many other local races and events have increased the accessibility and popularity of running. It is an excellent form of physical exercise and is known to assist with weight loss, longevity and reduced risk of conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
Unfortunately, despite the many health benefits, runners are prone to running related musculoskeletal injuries (RRMI). Novice runners with poor conditioning or load tolerance are more prone to RRMI’s. Research suggests that approximately 50% of runners experience a RRMI each year that prevents them from running for a period of time. At any one-time, further research has suggest that 25% of the population are injured. Overuse injuries account for approximately 80% of running injury and these are predominantly in the lower limb. Shin pain and anterior knee pain are thought to be the most common RRMI’s.
Running related injury or poor performance can occur due to a combination of internal or external factors such as training error, weakness, flexibility issues. At Metro Physio, we offer a comprehensive running assessment that aims to highlight any potential issues that can be contributing to an individual’s running related injury or poor running economy. Subsequently, we will then provide a structured plan that aims to overcome these issues.
Running Assessment
Our running assessment includes:
A detailed subjective history – It is thought that training error contributes towards a high percentage of RRMI’s, particularly in novice runners. Our assessment will help us gain an understanding of a runners recent training schedule as well as their motivations, any potential injuries or current problems.
A thorough functional Musculoskeletal assessment including strength, flexibility, alignment, range of motion, control, work capacity and balance tests will be conducted. Any anomalies that we feel could be potentially contributing towards a runner’s problems will be highlighted.
Filmed gait analysis on the treadmill. The physiotherapist will ask you to run at a comfortable speed on our treadmill and film you from various angles using gait analysis software. This will then be slowed and studied at 1/8 speed and again any anomalies will be highlighted that could be potentially contributing towards your injury or poor running economy.
Following your thorough assessment, data is collated and a potential problem list is formulated. From this, if appropriate, training advice, exercises, verbal gait cues and running specific drills can be prescribed to help address these problems. These are specific to your needs highlighted from the assessment.
Initial feedback will be provided at the time of the assessment and then followed up with a report within 48 hours of the assessment. Furthermore, your exercises and drills will be sent via our exercise prescription software Physiotec. We ask you to bring all the shoes that you run in and to arrive in your usual running kit.
Ben Farrelly conducts our running assessments at our Stockport clinic. As a keen runner, Ben has a special interest in running related injuries. He has undertaken post graduate training in this field and keeps abreast of all up to date research in this area. Ben runs for Salford Mets and competes on the road, track and cross country at distances from 3k to marathon.
We provide running assessments at our Stockport clinic so if you would like to find out more about our Running Assessment – Please click here to contact us as we would love to help you.