Lifting and Carrying a Box Will Lead to Better Running Injury Management!

The New York Times has finally brought to light what I have been saying for years. Medical professionals do not have any formal education or knowledge in the treatment of running injuries and the current treatment strategies commonly implemented are ineffective.

“Most general doctors don’t know a lot about running injuries. Most docs, often even the good sports docs will just tell you to stop running anyway, so the first thing is to stop running yourself.” states doctor-athlete, Paul D. Thompson, a marathon runner and a cardiologist in the article, “Sports Injuries: When to Tough it Out.”

In the article, “Treat Me, but No Tricks Please“, Joseph Feinberg, a doctor at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York, is quoted as saying, “Very often, I think the hot packs, cold packs, ultrasound and electrostimulation are unnecessary. For sure, in many cases these modalities are a waste of time.” James J. Irrgang, president of the Orthopaedic section of the American Physical Therapy Association, added “With all that voodoo physical therapy out there, though, how can you tell if what you are getting is helping or useless?”

The truth is that there is no industry standard for treating running injuries and many physical therapists manage these injuries with ineffective modalities and redundant exercise. However, there does exist an industry standard for treating back pain and other nontraumatic injuries and I’ve used this logic in my approach to running injury management. For example, the ability to safely lift would be an important functional goal for a patient with back pain. If I treated this patient with ultrasound, electrical stimulation, avoidance, and advised them to take medication without ever instructing and treating them how to safely lift a box, then the therapy prescription is below my profession’s standard of care. This concept is the same for running injuries. I treat the athlete with the goal of returning the patient to full functional and efficient running.

There is no magical drug, no surgery, and no machine that will fix your running injury. You must be guided through specific functional based movements and activities in order to return safely to the sport you love. Passive care may feel good, but this approach does get you back in the game. Keep this in mind when seeking medical advice about your running injury!

Bruce R. Wilk, P.T., O.C.S., MTC

Orthopedic Board Certified Physical Therapist

Running Coach Specializing in Prevention & Management of Musculoskeletal Injuries

Director

Orthopedic Rehabilitation Specialists

8720 N. Kendall Drive

Suite 206

Miami, Fl. 33176

Office (305)595-9425

www.wilkpt.com

President

The Runner’s High

11209 S. Dixie Hwy

Pinecrest, FL 33156

(305)255-1500

www.therunnershigh.com

Running Coach

Miami Runners Club

(305)227-1500

www.miamirunnersclub.com