Running Analysis Program and Rehabilitation

The Running Analysis Program and Rehabilitation’s mission is to rehabilitate and educate runners on returning to efficient running and injury prevention.

Approximately 79 percent of runners experience a running-related injury (RRI) in a given year. A majority of them will recover and resume running. However, some may experience serious injuries leading to prolonged recovery or requiring medical intervention. Physical therapy may be beneficial in addressing one’s injury through specific running-based interventions and educational components to prevent further decline and build towards returning to running safely.

Core Values

MOTIVATE TOWARDS SELF-EFFICACY: Our goal is to provide patients with the knowledge, beliefs and tools to promote an active approach to their recovery. This involves empowering patients to overcome their injuries or dysfunctions with minimal reliance on the therapist. We strive towards a self-sustaining model of rehabilitation to train runners and prevent future running-related injuries.

PRIORITIZE FUNCTION, NOT PAIN: Pain can be a roadblock to running, and is expressed in many forms. It results in altered running mechanics, poor emotional health or anxiety with the exercise itself. Often times the mechanisms leading to running-related injuries are due to overuse, trauma, lack of a proper training program or poor quality of sleep or nutrition. We will work with each patient in addressing these barriers by having an adaptive approach towards pain to mitigate its effects while also prioritizing function. Our primary goal is to focus on the quality and strength of our patients’ functional movements in order to maximize their running capacity. Being a smart and efficient runner will lead to better outcomes.

SEEING IS BELIEVING: We utilize video performance technology to record and analyze our patients’ running. Discrepancies in running mechanics or dysfunctions are difficult to determine with the naked eye. We use Dartfish, a video analysis software, to record running gait and provide visual feedback. When a patients sees themselves run, it can be useful in understanding areas of improvement and a greater awareness into self-correcting when needed.

Running Analysis Program

The Running Analysis Program is a comprehensive treatment approach, provided by physical therapists with specialized training in the evaluation and treatment of running-related injuries. This biomechanical assessment is performed by a physical therapist using the Dartfish Video Analysis System, a digital video analysis program that measures cadence, flight time, contact time, asymmetries of left and right leg and stride length while running.

Running analysis takes place on a treadmill. Digital cameras are placed to capture the movement of the patient from three to four different views. The digital video data is then collected and analyzed by a physical therapist.

This data, combined with a physical therapy evaluation, identifies any abnormalities in gait and misalignment that could lead to injuries, from the neck to ankles. It allows the therapist to create a personalized rehabilitation program that will increase a runner’s efficiency and effectiveness.

This program is for all levels of runners, from new recreational runners to elite competitive runners.

Rehabilitation of Running-Related Injuries

• Comprehensive evaluation performed by the physical therapist addressing subjective and objective measurements.
• Physical performance testing for runners to establish areas of improvement and assess body mechanics.
• Gait analysis testing measuring the patient's running mechanics using Dartfish, 2D analysis software, on the treadmill with visual feedback provided.
• Personalized home exercise prescription incorporating strength training, pre-running exercises and a detailed running program based on the patient's goals.
• Education on pain management, footwear recommendations and training guidelines for injury prevention.
• Referral to orthopedist, musculoskeletal specialist, sports medicine specialist, endocrinologist, sports nutritionist, and other health care practitioners for further medical consultation if appropriate.

Conditions We Treat

• Spinal Injury/Low Back Pain
• Gluteal Injury/Hip Bursitis
• Iliotibial Band Syndrome
• Patellar Tendinopathy
• Meniscal Injury
• Tibial Stress Syndrome
• Achilles Tendinopathy
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fracture
• General Orthopedic Diagnoses Impacting Running
• Post-Surgical Diagnosis – Return to Sport/Performance Phase

You do not need a prescription to access physical therapy services at our facilities.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 973-322-7500.