Southern Indiana Rehab Hospital (SIRH) is committed to supporting the promotion of lifelong fitness. In order to accomplish this, services and education are provided to allow for safe performance of these activities and to assist in injury prevention. It is common for people who are training for a sport or fitness program to experience some sort of injury in their career. Running and walking are sports that have the potential to contribute to aches, pains, or injuries.

Why Injuries Occur
Running and walking injuries often occur due to a combination of training errors, muscle, strength and flexibility imbalances, and poor running technique. These factors, along with the repetitive nature of running and walking, can lead to acute or chromic overuse injuries that can keep individuals from reaching their exercise goals.

Although there is not one single running or walking form that is perfect, runners and walkers may benefit from a few small changes in technique, especially those who have experienced an injury. For instance, improving posture, decreasing stride length, or increasing stride frequency are possible ways to help someone reduce the risk of an overuse injury.

A Comprehensive Approach
The Running & Walking Program at SIRH is a comprehensive approach to assist our clients in maximizing their abilities and to minimize the risk of future injury. This approach includes a video analysis using Dartfish video technology, musculoskeletal strength and flexibility examination, and education on training program development, running technique, and rehabilitation exercises specific to the individual’s needs.

Who Would Benefit?
Runners and walkers of all ages would benefit from the Running & Walking Program at SIRH. Whether a person is an elite athlete or a “weekend warrior,” achieving a balance between strength, flexibility and running technique is beneficial.

Anyone with current or a past history of injuries (such as plantar fasciitis, shin splints, knee pain, stress fractures, or Achilles tendonitis) would benefit to help them reach their training goals and to maximize their running potential.

Program Features

• Musculoskeletal exam by a licensed Physical Therapist
• Functional assessment of strength and flexibility
• Video analysis of running using Dartfish™ video technology
• Personalized DVD of running analysis
• Individualized exercise program using results of musculoskeletal exam