Illness and Injury
How should I adjust my training program when I am sick? I have dealt with hundreds of marathon runners and most of them have a hard time “taking it easy,” even when they are sick. Listening to your body is…
Category Low Back Pain
Hamstring Strain
My hamstring that I injured at the Chicago ½ marathon last year is still not fully recovered. I read online to aggressively stretch, ice and rest it, but 6 months later, I still cannot run normally. Will it ever get…
Foot Orthotics
Do foot orthotics work and should I use them? An orthotic for the foot is an orthopedic device designed to adjust or accommodate for a variety of biomechanical foot disorders. Orthotics range from a temporary over-the-counter device to more permanent…
Core Strength
I recently have heard people talking about the importance of core strength. Why is it so important? Your core muscles, consisting of the abdominals and gluteal muscle groups, are a key group of muscles for spinal stability and health. These…
Minimalist Running
What is Minimalist running and what are its benefits/risks? Minimalist running is the use of shoes with very minimal support at the arch and sole of the foot. A true minimalist shoe is very flexible and the whole shoe could…
A Progression of Balance Training
How can I improve my balance? Balancing upright is a very import aspect of our lives, it is something that we learn from a very young age and sets us apart from other species. Since this is a learned trait,…
Desk Job Inflexibility and Fixes
What can I do to reduce my risk of pain and injury while at work? Most jobs come with occupational hazards, any condition of a job that puts you at greater risk for injury. While we normally equate those who…
Hyperextended Knee Injury
What is a hyperextended knee injury and how is it treated? A hyperextended knee injury happens when excessive pressure or force pushes your knee past its normal extension range of motion, while the knee is in a straightened position, and…
Achilles Tendinopathy
I recently ramped up in mileage, now my Achilles hurts, why? Countless runners, triathletes, and weekend warriors experience this pain each year, and it usually starts with the goal of running a marathon, participating in a triathlon, or simply getting…
Video Gait Analysis
Over the past few years, the applications of video gait analysis (VGA) have greatly increased, causing more and more physicians, podiatrists and physical therapists to recommend VGA for their patients to address underlying issues. Many patients are curious as to…