Low back pain is a common problem in active populations, but I rarely see runners with back pain—and when I do, it’s often a bone stress injury (BSI). When a runner reports a gradual onset of unilateral back pain, I’m immediately concerned about a potential sacral stress fracture (SSF). Although rare in the general public, these often occur in endurance …
Is burnout necessary?
I use the phrase “challenging but manageable” about every day. It perfectly describes the intensity and focus I want when working with patients or starting the next business project. Being just on the edge of discomfort is the goal. But being on the edge of your abilities can be a tricky balance. If you never push, you won’t accomplish the …
I’d Feel Better if You Smiled
My mom had a kidney transplant when I was in 2nd grade. Three decades of recovery have meant many doctors, medications, and side effects. A few weeks back, I went with her to a cardiology appointment after she had some concerning blood work. Needing to meet with a medical specialist usually is unwanted and stressful. As we walked into Research …
Programming Exercise for Femoral Neck Stress Fractures
Femoral neck stress fractures (FNSF) are challenging to treat. Let’s go through four fundamental principles that are crucial to consider when designing efficient FNSF rehab programs. Then, let’s cover how to implement effective exercise programs with actual people.
Do I Have a Femoral Neck Stress Fracture?
Navigating hip pain can be challenging for runners. Ranging from a mild pinch to pain forcing you to limp to the nearest set of crutches, hip pain can frustrate both athletes and providers. A lot of things can cause your hip to hurt. I want to zoom in on a specific injury we need to do a better job of …
Meditating with Tom Hanks
The ability to sit in silence does not come naturally to me. I feel a consistent pull to be distracted by work, social media, a podcast, or another shiny device. Normally I can justify this as helping my professional career, even if that’s stretching the truth. Unfortunately, this approach often leads me to a poor understanding of my current situation …
Are you eating enough?
That sounds like a question your Grandma might ask you at Thanksgiving dinner. As silly as the question seems, it’s something many runners should take serious thought in answering. The culture of running often preaches lowering your body weight and “training light”. The act of running can also be an appetite suppressant meaning it takes extra work to meet your …
Programming Exercises for with Achilles Tendinitis
After we have removed the aggravating positions, movements, and footwear we want to start challenging the achilles tendon (AT) with progressively more challenging exercises.
Achilles Tendinitis: How Do I Get Back to Running?!
The sun slowly cracks through your window as you slowly wake from a restful night’s sleep. You throw your feet over the side of the bed ready to attack your day. Then “BAM!” an invisible foe sticks an imaginary knife in the back of your heel, rendering you motionless and ready to crawl back under the covers.
Treating Runners Like Numbers
It usually starts with a single conversation: a few words, a simple comment, or chatter at a meet. A seemingly meaningless interaction that sets the stage for lifelong troubles. I was finishing up a session with one of my long-term clients when the conversation quickly switched from superficial topics to her experiences growing up. She spoke on struggles with an …