Summer’s warm weather means running season is here, not just for competitive runners, but also for those just starting a running routine. Running is great for a variety of reasons, but it can take a serious toll on your body. The hot weather can put you at risk of injury, especially when not enough attention is given to recovering after a workout.
Most athletes focus on preparation and training for the big event and completely forget about taking care of their bodies after the race. The experts at Accelerated Physical Therapy emphasize RECOVERY as part of a balanced training program and offer a variety of treatments to help speed up recovery, prevent injuries and help athletes prepare for the next competition.
There are old wives tales about post-race recovery methods such as chocolate milk, energy drinks and even alcohol.. However, research shows there isn’t much merit to those remedies.
Here are just a few of the many recovery techniques offered at Accelerated Rehabilitation Centers by our physical therapists and running specialists:
● Runner’s Video Evaluation: Dartfish Prosuite is a movement analysis software that allows clinicians to examine patient movement patterns and dysfunction during and after rehabilitation. It provides qualitative and quantitative motion analysis, gait analysis, muscle imbalance assessment, injury prevention, ergonomics, as well as performance and fitness testing.
● ASTYM: evidence-based, non-invasive rehabilitation program that stimulates the regenerative healing process of the body, resulting in the resorption and remodeling of scar tissue and the regeneration of degenerative tendons. In other words, ASTYM treatment helps rejuvenate muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
A certified Accelerated therapist uses specially designed instruments to identify the areas of dysfunction and moves the instruments firmly along the patient’s skin, in very particular directions. This helps the therapist recognize the defective soft tissue, and ultimately, help those areas heal.
● Graston Technique: This innovative form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization enables clinicians to effectively break down scar tissue as well as stretch connective tissue and muscle fibers.
The Graston Technique utilizes six specially designed stainless steel instruments that allow clinicians to isolate adhesions and restrictions, and treat them very precisely. Using a cross-friction massage, the therapist “combs” over and “catches” on injured fibrotic tissue, which reintroduces small amounts of trauma to the affected area. This process helps initiate healing by causing temporary inflammation, thus increasing the rate and amount of blood flow in and around the area.
● Sproing: The first soft-platform training machine that absorbs impact as you train. It offers the softness of an elliptical and the workout of a treadmill. Using bungee resistance instead of a moving platform, Sproing® has two interchangeable platform surfaces — one filled with air for easier training and the other filled with special high-density foam for an intense beach-surface workout. These platform types allow for customized workouts consisting of cardio, strength, and power movements.
- Unloads the force on the lower body
- Helps prevent injuries with its low impact technology
- Improves strength, balance, and stability
- Provides handrails and harness to help patients feel more comfortable
- Allows athletes to train at various speeds
- Improves running form and cadence
● Dry Needling: Intramuscular manual therapy or dry needling refers to the insertion of a filament needle directly into or over a myofascial trigger point in order to release tension and decrease pain. The trigger points consist of multiple contracted bands within the muscle, which are related to the production and maintenance of the pain cycle. When the needle is inserted into the trigger point, it improves blood flow and healing to the area, as well as stimulates biochemical changes.
The experienced physical therapists and running specialists at Accelerated can help athletes recover muscle strength, balance and become pain and injury free more quickly in addition to keeping you ready for your next workout.
If you experience a running related injury, you should see a board-certified physician to rule out any serious condition.
Call Accelerated to learn more about recovery techniques or to schedule a free injury screen at 877-97-REHAB or log on to http://www.acceleratedrehab.com.
