Physical Therapists and Athletic Trainers from Soldiers + Sailors Memorial Hospital’s Rehab team were on hand to help runners have fun and run safe at this year’s Laurelfest 10K and Fun Run events.
Prior to the races, the Rehab team psyched runners up and cheered the starting lines, then set up at the finish lines to celebrate and hand out water bottles as they arrived. At their booth, the team also stretched runners afterward to cool them down properly and identify any potential trouble areas.
Prior to the races, the Rehab team psyched runners up and cheered the starting lines, then set up at the finish lines to celebrate and hand out water bottles as they arrived. At their booth, the team also stretched runners afterward to cool them down properly and identify any potential trouble areas.
Spectators and participants alike stopped by to learn about shoe wear, important stretches and strengthening for key muscle groups essential to runners, injury prevention, staying active safely, the importance of warming up and cooling down (as this plays a key role in injury prevention), best times to stretch, and the difference between dynamic and static stretching.
Running is becoming increasingly popular with a lot of differing information available to athletes. Many seek out tips online in hopes of becoming a better, faster runner, but it is important to remember not all of this information is accurate or appropriate for all runners as a whole. “Minimalist running with little to no shoe support is becoming a new fad, but is not the best option for all runners,” explains Barbara Rouse, PT, OCS. “We wanted to provide some more information about what minimalist means and how to progress to this safely if this is your goal.”
“Many of our physical therapists are runners themselves and know the importance of addressing our areas of impairment to run our best,” adds Tanya Geneski, MPT, Rehab Supervisor. “There are many running theories to choose from and follow, but not all of them work well for everyone; the latest fad might not be what works best for you. Our Rehabilitation team seeks to be a resource to our running community in helping determine the healthiest, best option for them personally to perform at their highest level. Running form varies greatly from person to person based on our strength, flexibility and musculoskeletal makeup. Some exercises are better suited for certain runner’s needs and might not be appropriate for others.”
In addition to proper training and conditioning, injury prevention and treatment is vital to healthy running. “Up to 79% of runners are sidelined by an injury each year,” states Jessie Hamilton, DPT, OCS. “Runners often push through the pain and continue running, which only makes the initial problem worse. Pushing through an injury ultimately prolongs healing time, keeping you sidelined even longer. Runners should stop at the earliest sign of an injury and address the problem immediately by contacting their doctor or physical therapy department to receive an accurate diagnosis and to receive proper treatment to allow return to running as soon as possible.”
For more information on SSMH Rehab or running safely, call 570-723-0675 or visit susquehannahealth.org.