74: Dr Rich Willy - Running Researcher & Physical Therapist at University of Montana (Assoc Prof.)
Sep 4, 2017
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Dr. Rich Willy, Running Researcher & Physical Therapist at University of Montana, discusses running mechanics, injuries, strength training for runners, running shoes, and trends in running technology. He shares insights on knee pain, the impact of increasing running cadence on joint loads, and the role of strength training in running. He also explores the potential downside of relying too heavily on devices and promotes his work and book on strength training.
Exercise therapy is effective for treating patellofemoral pain and surgery is generally not recommended.
Strength training targeting the calf muscles can help prevent injuries in older runners.
Shoes do not have a significant impact on the occurrence of running injuries, instead focus on strength training and running mechanics.
Deep dives
Key Point 1: Patellofemoral pain is a common running injury and is not caused by cartilage degradation or malalignment. Pain sources can include the synovium, fat pad, and bone beneath the cartilage. Patellofemoral pain can be effectively treated with exercise therapy and surgery is generally best avoided.
Patellofemoral pain is a frequently occurring running injury that is not caused by cartilage degradation or malalignment. The pain sources can include the synovium, fat pad, and bone. Exercise therapy is an effective treatment for patellofemoral pain, and surgery is generally not recommended. Strength training exercises that target the calf muscles, such as calf raises, single-leg squats, and single-leg Romanian deadlifts, can help alleviate patellofemoral pain. These exercises can effectively load the calf muscles and offload the knee joint, promoting recovery and improved function.
Key Point 2: Running mechanics can change with age, leading to different types of injuries. As we age, we tend to offload the calf musculature and rely more on the knee and hip extensors. Older runners are more prone to issues such as plantar fasciopathy and Achilles tendinopathy. Strength training and footwear modifications can help manage and prevent these injuries.
As we age, there are changes in running mechanics that can contribute to different types of injuries. Older runners tend to offload the calf muscles and rely more on the knee and hip extensors. This shift in load distribution can increase the risk of plantar fasciopathy and Achilles tendinopathy. Strength training, particularly targeting the calf muscles, can help manage and prevent these injuries by increasing tissue tolerance and offloading the affected areas. Footwear modifications, such as using mild rocker bottom shoes or heel wedges, can also help reduce load on the affected areas and promote healing.
Key Point 3: The role of shoes in running injuries is often overemphasized. Research indicates that shoes do not play a significant role in causing running injuries. Focus should be on strength training and proper running mechanics for injury prevention.
The role of shoes in running injuries is often exaggerated. Research shows that shoes do not have a significant impact on the occurrence of running injuries. Instead, emphasis should be placed on strength training exercises and maintaining proper running mechanics to prevent injuries. While choosing appropriate footwear is important for individual comfort and preferences, it should not be seen as a major factor in injury prevention.
Importance of Exercise Therapy for Patellofemoral Pain
For those managing anterior knee pain or patellofemoral pain, it's important to understand that there is no magic pill for its treatment. However, exercise therapy has shown to be effective in improving patellofemoral pain. Seek out a practitioner who can provide an active program that emphasizes strength training, particularly quadriceps and hip strength training, to help alleviate the pain. Additionally, when it comes to running, it's okay to experience some pain as long as it's within a manageable limit. It's crucial to keep moving, whether through running, cross training, or strength training, while also exploring different methods to offload the patellofemoral joint, such as gait evaluations to identify potential running mechanics that may contribute to greater joint loads.
Gait Modification and Running Cadence
When it comes to addressing running mechanics for knee pain, it may be necessary to temporarily alter the way a runner moves to build up tissue tolerance. Increasing running cadence by about 5-7.5% can reduce patellofemoral joint loads by up to 20%. To achieve this, biofeedback is crucial, using visual aids like video or mirrors, or internal feedback to sense movement. Wearable devices like GPS running computers can provide real-time feedback on running cadence, allowing runners to target a specific range. Simple strategies like increasing cadence can positively impact knee pain symptoms and are easily accessible for runners of all levels.
In this episode of The Physical Performance Show I have a fire-side chat with Running Researcher & Physical Therapist at University of Montana (Assoc Prof.) - Dr Rich Willy. During the episode Rich unpacks about running mechanics, injuries and research. We discuss, knee pain, strength training for runners, running shoes, running trends and technology as well as so much more.
Listen in as we delve into the following:
Introduction Dr Rich Willy
Rich’s week in a snapshot
Why Rich got into Physical Therapy
Focus on researching Knees
Patello Femoral Pain
BMI and Patello Femoral Pain
Best advice in regard to Patello Femoral Pain
Running Mechanics
Preferred Step Rate
The role of strength training in running
Changes in running mechanics with aging
Running Shoes
What Rich is most excited about
Best Advice
Physical Challenge – Strength Training – start off with some easy weights
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