The treadmill remains a necessary evil when completing run training allowing athletes to escape inclement weather to complete their workouts. Thankfully, in Boulder we have few inclement days as we move through the Spring and Summer months allowing athletes to train outside. Prior research has noted significant bio-mechanical differences in treadmill vs. ground running including...
Compression garments including shorts, tights, and socks have gained in popularity among both amateur and professional runners. Manufacturers and athletes claim improved circulation, recovery, and performance can be found using these products either during or after a run. As with many products in health, fitness, and performance these claims should be taken with a grain...
Knee arthritis is a common condition among older adults leading to increased knee pain and decreased participation in recreational and sporting activities. A incorrect, but commonly held belief is exercise may lead to further arthritis or knee damage due to a “wear and tear” effect. This outdated line of thought has been disproven by many research...
As we move towards the middle of summer many runners have experienced an increase in overuse injuries in their legs. Unfortunately, these running injuries are common among athletes with the vast majority of runners reporting one injury over the last year of training. Two of the most common injuries include shin splints (medial tibial stress...
The analysis and implementation of different foot strike patterns among runners has grown over the last 10 years. Changes in foot strike patterns have been shown to reduce loading through the leg and may help reduce the risk or symptoms associated with different running related injuries. Many runners entering our Physical Therapy clinic state confidence...
The selection of running shoes continues to be a controversial topic in the sport. Arguments are heard from both sides of the running shoe continuum from barefoot/minimalist to heavily cushioned shoes. Both groups advocate their product based on its’ perceived influence on reducing the large numbers of running injuries seen every year among both recreational...
Running is one of the most popular sports in Boulder, Colorado with many individuals taking advantage of our many trail options. In general, run workouts can focus on short duration, higher intensity sprints performed as intervals or longer duration, sustained low to moderate intensity distance runs. Each training option promotes beneficial changes in the body...
The use of foot orthotics are commonly prescribed for many lower quarter conditions including running injuries, foot and ankle pain, and even low back pain. As we have described in previous posts off the shelf orthotics perform as well as more expensive custom orthotics, but overall their impact on many conditions is limited. When compared to...
In our previous posts on running shoes we have described the limitations of orthotics and shoe wear to alter foot, ankle, or knee mechanics during gait. Despite the hype and claims shoes have been unable to significantly improve running mechanics compared to proximal interventions including hip strengthening and gait retraining by a Physical Therapist. The...
The golf swing involves movement from our feet through our hands as we accelerate the club head through the ball. In our Boulder Physical Therapy practice we often see golfers with low back pain aggravated by their golf swing. Often these athletes have a loss of either hip rotation or hip strength which places unnecessary...
