Title: Pathomechanical approach to the treatment of the injured runner
Session Description:
Abnormal running mechanics may result in pathological levels of loading on anatomic
structures, resulting in overuse injury. Failure to address the underlying faulty running
mechanics, if present, may contribute to the high rate of recurrence that is often associated with
many running-related injuries. Adopting a pathomechanical paradigm may be beneficial when
treating many running-related injuries. In a pathomechanical paradigm, faulty mechanics, rather
than injured anatomical structures, are the focus of clinical assessment and treatment programs.
Attendees will learn how to conduct a thorough gait evaluation and how to address the most
common faulty running mechanics. How to address the mechanics associated with
patellofemoral pain, iliotibial band syndrome, tibial stress fractures, femoral acetabular
impingement, Achilles tendinopathy will be addressed. Additionally, therapeutic exercise
interventions to improve tissue tolerance and strength will also be discussed. Emphasis will be
placed on established evidence, case studies, and laboratory sessions.
Course Objectives:
Each attendee will:
1. Understand why the nature of running makes certain structures susceptible to injury
2. Learn the characteristics of “normal” running kinematics of the:
a. Ankle
b. Knee
c. Hip
d. Pelvis
3. Understand the role ground reaction forces has on running mechanics
4. Contrast heelstrike running with forefoot running.
5. Become more familiar and comfortable with evaluating a runner’s gait
6. Learn a simple and clinically relevant classification system for abnormal gait mechanics
7. Shift to a focus on running mechanics, rather than running dosage or even structure for
the cause of many running injuries
8. Understand the influences on many common types of running mechanics
9. Learn the appropriate prescription of therapeutic exercises to gain the desired response in
the injured runner.
10. Explain why therapeutic exercise may be insufficient to alter abnormal movement
patterns
11. Understand the rationale and evidence supporting gait retraining
12. Apply the concepts of motor learning and gait retraining for the injured runner for the
major abnormal gait classifications of:
a. Medial collapse mechanics
b. Overstriding running mechanics
c. The role of abnormal trunk mechanics
d. Crossover running mechanics
13. Learn appropriate verbal, visual, and tactile cues to prompt corrections of most common
gait flaws
14. Develop a clinical toolbox to assist in the treatment of common running injuries
including patellofemoral pain, iliotibial band syndrome, tibial stress fractures, femoral
acetabular impingement, Achilles tendinopathy
Timed outline:
Title
Introduction
How to conduct a clinical gait analysis, basic running biomechanics
and terminology
Video Analysis Laboratory
Pathomechanical approach to running injuries
Theoretical basis for therapeutic exercise: Focus on treatments for
Patellofemoral pain, iliotibial band syndrome, Achilles tendinopathy,
patellar tendinopathy, tibial stress fractures, hamstring injuries.
Therapeutic exercise lab
The use of motor learning principles in treatment of the injured runner:
Applications to gait retraining and therapeutic exercise
Gait retraining lab
Gait retraining and abnormal running mechanics case studies
Discussion and questions
Segment time
30 minutes
1:15 Hour
1 Hour
1:15 Hour:
0.5 Hour
45 min
1:15 Hour
1 hour
1 Hour
0.5 Hour
Keywords: Motor learning, biomechanics, running, gait retraining, patellofemoral pain, tibial
stress fracture, iliotibial band syndrome
Richard Willy, PT, PhD, OCS: Dept. of Physical Therapy, East Carolina University Greenville,
NC
Dr. Richard Willy is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy, East Carolina
University (Greenville, NC). He received his PhD in Biomechanics and Movement Science
from the University of Delaware. Dr. Willy has been a clinician for 15 years and is a Board
Certified Orthopedic Specialist. His research aims to develop clinically effective treatments for
patellofemoral pain syndrome, Achilles tendon injuries, tibial stress fractures and early onset
knee osteoarthritis. Besides publishing in peer-reviewed journals, Dr. Willy is a national and
international presenter on his research and clinical expertise on innovative techniques to evaluate
and treat the injured runner.