Functional Rehabilitation and Prevention of Common Running Injuries

• • Discuss the basic biomechanics of running
• • Participate in lab sessions including: video analysis of biomechanics and dysfunctions, warm-up and cool down exercises, and functional screening for evaluation and treatment of the runner
• • Identify the biomechanical phases of distance running
• • Discuss causes, symptoms, and evidence-based treatment strategies for the most common running injuries
• • Identify risk factors that may predispose a runner to injury
• • Identify biomechanical dysfunctions through video analysis of a distance runner
• • Perform a functional screen of a distance runner
• • Develop a treatment plan for successful return to running
• • Examine types of footwear and their contribution to injury prevention
• • Recognize what types of stretching are most appropriate for runners and when

Treating Common Running Injuries

Over 40 million Americans participated in running events in 2007, a 9.4% increase in male and 52% increase in female participation in the last 10 years. The Boston Marathon has grown by almost 14 thousand participants since 1998. This is primarily because of the increased awareness of the health benefits of regular aerobic exercise. The rise in popularity of distance running has led to an increased incidence of running-related injuries. An average 150-pound runner competing in a marathon absorbs approximately 12 million pounds of impact. These forces placed on the runner's body often result in injury.

This one-day seminar provides health care and fitness professionals with skills and strategies to evaluate, manage, treat, and prevent the most common running-related injuries. Participants will understand the biomechanics of running and risk factors that contribute to running injuries. Participants will examine current research regarding conservative methods of treatment for these injuries. Through hands-on lab you will learn how to perform a functional screen of the injured runner and apply the results to rehabilitation and injury prevention. Participants will leave this course with a better understanding of how common running injuries occur in order to better evaluate the runner and design more effective rehabilitation and injury prevention programs.