By Brian Schiff A problem many runners face is diminished strength in the hips and core, which can predispose them to knee pain as the miles add up. Current research suggests that strengthening both the hips and quadriceps is more effective than pure knee or
By Carolinas HealthCare Knee pain and injury can occur at any time, whether you’re out for a run, playing with your kids or doing some seemingly harmless task around the house. A sudden twist to the knee can cause major pain and lead to a serious injury. “Oftentimes, it’s
By Brian Schiff Most runners are very much in tune with their bodies when it comes to aches and pains felt during or after a run. However, they are typically much less aware of asymmetries and the presence of poor stability or limited mobility in their lower body. Identifying
By Carolinas HealthCare Beginning a marathon-training program is not as easy as lacing up your running shoes and walking out the door. “First you should get fitted with good shoes,” says David Price, M.D., of Sports Medicine & Injury Care at Carolinas HealthCare System. “Don’t just use an off-the-shelf
By Emily Wegmann and Sarah Talley Most runners and other athletes usually don’t think about breathing during exercise, aside from using respiration to measure the intensity of a workout. But respiration is only one function of the diaphragm. The respiratory diaphragm is part of the “inner circle” of the
Sitting on a yoga ball? Using a standing desk? These two trends are catching on in the workplace. Are they really that great for your back? Research indicates that sitting too long can be bad for your back and your overall health, according to Carolinas HealthCare System’s Carolinas Rehabilitation
If you’ve sprained your ankle, there’s a six-fold increase in the chance of re-injury in the next six months, says Dr. Catherine Rainbow, a Carolinas HealthCare System sports medicine expert. Don’t like those odds? Minimize your risk of re-injury by following these tips. A sprain is a stretched or partially torn ligament.
By Brian Schiff Most runners would be thrilled to achieve faster times and improve running efficiency without training harder or doing more hill work. In my profession, I analyze movement and running form on a regular basis for runners of all ages and abilities. A common physical issue I
By Brian Beatty Most of you will be sitting as you read this. In general, sitting is not good for our health; moving is. The body is designed to function best when we are upright on our feet. When we sit, multiple body systems are stressed. The compressive load
Dear Physical Therapist, I have been told by multiple health-care providers and fitness professionals that I am a “pronator.” Several of these individuals have recommended that I transition to a more stable shoe. I have been running in a neutral shoe for five years and occasionally run in a
