Take the guesswork out of running better

There are all sorts of runners: marathoners, sprinters, joggers, soccer players, kid chasers, just to name a few. What do they all have in common? They want to run without pain! Whether it be in the foot, knee, hip, or low back, pain can take the enjoyment out of running and oftentimes prevent one from running at all. Many times it's unclear why the pain began and it can be frustrating figuring out how to get rid of it. Here at Duffy and Bracken, we specialize in getting to the root of the problem and resolving your running woes.

How, you may ask? First of all, we don't simply "eye ball" the problem. We use the latest technology to objectively assess your running form. Using wearable sensors on the legs, important data is collected while you run, such as ground reaction force, ground contact time, cadence, and leg loading symmetry. This helps us to determine how much impact is going through each leg and whether it could be resulting in injury.

Our running assessment also incorporates video recording to closely monitor what is happening at your joints, from head-to-toe, during each phase of the running cycle. Measuring the alignment of each joint helps us determine where along the "chain" suboptimal running mechanics may be occurring.

Finally, we assess your strength, range of motion, and flexibility to tease out the limitations that are contributing to suboptimal running mechanics. Using the synthesized findings from the assessment, we will develop an individually tailored training program to help you run more efficiently.

So if you're a runner, were a runner, or strive to be a runner, come on by for an assessment! We have the tools and expertise to help you achieve your running goals.

Hillary Keating, PT, DPT

Hillary@duffyandbracken.com

Ready, Set, Go The Distance Injury Free!

 

Are you preparing for a marathon, half marathon, 10k or 5k? Let the experts at Duffy & Bracken help you get ready for your race with our Marathon Training Program. We have put together a dynamic team of therapists to help our patients prepare for their race as well as prevent injuries.

Here at Duffy & Bracken our therapists want to see you perform at your best, so they have arranged an incredible package to get you ready for your chosen race. Since every individual has special needs and are at different fitness levels, we give you the option of choosing three out of the four available sessions. You have the power to decide what sessions you would benefit the most from based on your areas of strength and weakness.

Marathon Package Session 1:  “The Rub Down”
This 50-minute massage will utilize both deep tissue and medical massage techniques to restore your optimal performance. Physical Therapist Johann Howard helps to reduce pain, facilitate increased range of motion and improve tissue quality.

Marathon Package Session 2: “Body Fuel”
This 20-minute session will include tips on performance eating, proper hydration as well as suggestions on the finest supplements such as; gels, chews and recovery drinks. You will receive nutritional advice from physical therapist and avid runner, C. Shante Cofield. Since Shante is always training for her next race, she knows where you’re coming from. She’ll provide support, motivation and recommendations on informational reading about running.

Marathon Package Session 3: “It’s a Marathon Not a Sprint”
This 30-minute session will start by assessing your current training program. It will include a gait analysis, running stride and lower extremity mechanics evaluation. For optimal running the session will include core training and lower extremity strength training. Internationally trained therapist, Renuka Pinto, has been working with professional athletes for over a decade, so she won’t have a problem whipping you into shape. She’s our foot expert, so she will also make shoe and socks recommendations based on your individual foot type and running style.

Marathon Package Session 4: “The Finish Line”
This 20-minute post-marathon session will evaluate you after the race. It will include both corrective exercises for common running injuries as well as preventative exercises to avoid future injuries. Our therapists will be here to patch you back up and get you into a treatment plan if needed.

For just $250 we help prepare you for your most successful race yet. Whether it’s your very first race or you’re a veteran, we can help you cross the finish line injury free.

Call the office to reserve your sessions today!

Kieffer Pearce
Director of PR & Marketing
212-402-5430

Avoid Injury by Steering Clear of the Terrible Toos!

It is that time of the year again... The time when runners begin training for the abundance of Fall marathons all over the United States. It has been said that approximately 1/3 of all individuals training for a marathon will never cross the finish line, or for that matter, even make it to the starting line. The reason? Injury, most likely due to over training. 

Every research paper and expert agrees that —"training errors"—are the number one cause of self-inflicted running injuries. Runner and Sports Podiatrist, Stephen Pribut D.P.M., warns runners to beware the "terrible toos"—doing too much, too soon, too fast. The body needs time to adapt from training changes and jumps in mileage or intensity. Muscles and joints need recovery time so they can recover and handle more training demands. If you rush that process, you could break down rather than build up. 

Most marathon programs will build up your running mileage 10% per week for an average 16-week program. Yet, there may be times when even a modest 10% increase proves too much. Biomechanist Reed Ferber Ph.D., an assistant professor in the faculty of Kinesiology and head of the Running Injury Clinic at the University of Calgary, found that most 16-week Canadian programs push the mileage too hard. Meanwhile, his clinic's nine-month marathon training schedule for first-timers increases mileage by just 3% per week. "We have a 97 percent success rate getting people through the entire program and to the marathon finish line," Ferber says. 

Keep these few tips in mind and be injury free come race day.

Increase your weekly and monthly running totals gradually. Use the 10% rule as a general guideline, but realize that it might be too aggressive for you—especially if you are injury-prone. A 3-5% increase might be more appropriate. And remember that mileage isn't the only issue. Experts point out that an overly aggressive approach to hill running, intervals, trail running—or, any change in your training habits—can produce problems. Keeping a detailed training log can help you gauge your personal training threshold. Record your weekly mileage and how you feel after your runs. Look for patterns and listen to your body!  More is less when training for your first marathon.  

Greg Minnis, DPT