Last week I discussed the concept of Postural Restoration™ (PRI) and that this type of therapy can be very beneficial in treating all types of athletes.  This week I am going to discuss specifically how PRI can be used in treating running injuries.  Running requires the capability of all muscles to work together in three planes including the sagittal (front to back), frontal (side to side), and transverse (rotary).  This allows for reciprocal alternating activity to occur.  If control in any of these planes is lost, the body will compensate leading to fatigue, strain, pain, and finally injury.

Most recreational and professional runners overuse muscles in the sagittal plane reducing the effective contributions of other muscles needed to maintain the pelvis in a neutral position.  Most often, certain muscles are stronger on one side of the body further contributing to muscle imbalance and painful conditions such as back, knee, and hip pain.  For this reason, PRI works to re-establish muscle strength and activity in the frontal plane and transverse planes to restore the balance.

Through a specialized evaluation process, asymmetries are discovered and exercises are initiated that may be done only on one side of the body if necessary in order to activate the families of muscle groups that are not functioning correctly.

When properly positioned, aligned and balanced, the joints and muscles of your body can work in a more effective and efficient manner making you a better runner.  For more information on PRI please take a look at their website at: posturalrestoration.com.   Also, please see us at Alliance Physical Therapy for treatment of your running related injuries.  Tune in next week when I will be discussing the treatment of volleyball injuries using PRI principles.  Until then . . .

Yours in health,

Val