Running Injury Assessment

Every weekend, millions of Americans lace up their running shoes and hit the pavement. Running can be an excellent exercise. It has been shown to raise levels of good cholesterol, increase lung function, lower risk of stroke and fight depression, among many other health benefits. As with any physical activity, though, there is the chance for injury. In this interactive guide, we explain the possible causes of 10 common running injuries and offer suggestions for how a physical therapist could treat them. Says Michael Conlon, PT, who specializes in working with athletes, "The treatment advice is generic in nature. For all of these injuries, athletes need at least thorough evaluation of hip and ankle joints and often extending up to the thoracic spine. The goal of PT evaluation is always to determine the root cause." http://physical-therapy.advanceweb.com/Web-Extras/Online-Extras/Common-Running-Injuries.aspx