Common Injuries and Therapy Management for Runners
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About the Course
With the popularity of running increasing, so are the frequency of injuries reported for those involved in the sport - many of these injuries involve the lower extremities; the most commonly injured body part is the knee. This course will familiarize the physical therapy professional with the unique needs, complications and injuries that he or she may encounter when dealing with runners.
Learning Objectives
With the popularity of running increasing, so are the frequency of injuries reported for those involved in the sport - many of these injuries involve the lower extremities; the most commonly injured body part is the knee. This course will familiarize the physical therapy professional with the unique needs, complications and injuries that he or she may encounter when dealing with runners.
Learning Objectives
- Discuss key biomechanical impairments that contribute to injuries in runners and identify the physical therapist’s role in facilitating healing, as well as improving practical function of an injured runner.
- Define gait cycle and discuss the key components of each phase.
- Summarize the fundamental components of objectively and subjectively evaluating a runner, including efficiently using initial intake forms, effectively observing the runner to recognize any abnormalities, and providing suggestions for improvement to avoid future injuries and pain.
- Identify and discuss the importance of footwear considerations, including the types, design and performance of the shoe and how the quality of the shoe and its fit will dictate the foot contact performance of the runner.
- Describe common injuries and common sources of pain or discomfort found in runners; discuss the pathology, symptoms and treatments of each.
- Discuss the treatment principles for physical therapy, including isolating mechanical dysfunctions, strengthening weak muscles, encouraging running efficiency, controlling tissue loading and overuse and training in dynamic stability.