Rehab and Performance Lab: A Medbridge Podcast Rehab and Performance Lab Episode 1: How Can We Create Effective Return-to-Running Protocols?
Apr 11, 2024
Todd Arnold, medical officer for elite athlete care at USA Track & Field, joins Phil Plisky to discuss effective return-to-running protocols. They delve into the complexities of tailoring strategies for various injuries, moving beyond one-size-fits-all solutions. Todd emphasizes the importance of translating research into practical applications while managing cases like tibial stress injuries. They also explore the nuances of fitness preservation during recovery, the role of biomarkers, and how setbacks are a normal part of the process, urging communication and individualization.
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Individualize Return Plans
- Return-to-running can't be one-size-fits-all because injuries and goals vary widely.
- Tailor plans to injury type, athlete age, fitness and event timeline.
Assess Key Variables First
- Assess injury severity, athlete age, fitness and risk tolerance before prescribing progression.
- Use those variables to decide pace of return and what cross-training and corrections to prioritize.
Use Progressive Cross-Training
- Replace running with targeted cross-training (bike, elliptical, pool) while reducing pain and maintaining fitness.
- Progress time/resistance daily until tolerating 45 minutes at moderate load before transitioning.