RUNNING DOES NOT STRENGTHEN
I would like to clear up the big misconception that you will get stronger by running. Contrary to popular belief, RUNNING DOES NOT STRENGTHEN and for this reason a vast majority of our patients are runners of some sort. Some have completed marathons and Ironman triathlons. Some do it recreationally for stress relief or to eat whatever they desire. Others are getting off the couch and trying to get back into shape. What ever your reasoning is for running, the most important thing to remember is that running is great for improved cardiovascular endurance, stress relief, and a weight loss boost, but it will not strengthen you.Muscular endurance is not the same thing as muscular strength. Muscular endurance is the ability of one or multiple muscles to sustain a repetitive, sub-maximal force or contraction over an extended period of time. Muscular strength is related to the muscle’s ability to move or produce a maximal force on an object. Imagine the difference in a Prius that gets upwards of 51 miles to the gallon verses a vintage muscle car running at 8 miles to the gallon. One has endurance, while the other has power and strength. One you would take across the country on a trip, the other down a drag strip. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not promoting that everyone should completely abandon their workout routine, become meatheads in the gym and start performing Olympic lifts. I’m just saying endurance is very different from strength. If you are a runner, you need to understand this difference to protect yourself against injury and extend your running life.
Nearly every runner that comes through our clinic has one of two stories: I have been training for (insert the race of your choice) and this began hurting or I run because (insert reason) and this started hurting. The ultimate reason for the injury is typically weakness isolated in the hips and/or lower abdominals. Many of the runners that I treat do not understand this difference between muscular endurance and strength. One automatically assumes that “I have to be strong because… I can run 26.2 miles” or “… I can run a mile in 6 minutes”. This is a very poor assumption and always leads down the road to an injury. As a runner, it is necessary for one to diversify workouts. Strength training is just as important, if not more, as the long 20 mile run on Sundays because it is what will help you maintain good form and prevent a breakdown in the running cycle. Endurance is easy to get, but it is also the weakest part in the chain. Strength comes by a little bit harder, requires more focus and dedication, but it is what supports the entire chain. Understanding the importance of having a balance of strength and endurance is the key to have a long and safe running career.
If you are currently running and are pain and problem free, that is great, but before a small amount of weakness develops into a problem take a look at your training program and start strength training (your body weight is all you need to get started). If you are hurting or feel uncomfortable in your running cycle, do not hesitate to call until you cannot run and have to shut it down for months. Many weaknesses are easily identified and easily corrected if caught soon enough by a professional at FIRST CHOICE PHYSICAL THERAPY. Don’t wait until it is too late!
Brent Holtgrewe
Director of MVP Sports Enhancement
What’s Up Doc?
There are many changes being made in national healthcare today, one of which is the Doctorate of Physical Therapy. It is an important part of the APTA’s (American Physical Therapy Association) continued advocacy for legislation granting patients and clients direct access to qualified physical therapists, rather than requiring physician referral. Direct access is said to decrease wait times for access to care and even help reduce both cost to consumer and overall healthcare costs. Direct Access to Doctors of Physical Therapy is also covered by many insurance carriers who realize the cost effectiveness of allowing patients to see the specialist they need without other unwanted office visits that might require a copay/coinsurance. Doctors of Physical Therapy provide that entry point into the healthcare system due to the ability to assess patients’ specific musculoskeletal needs immediately and without the need of a referral.
What you Need to know about the Doctors of Physical Therapy at First Choice Physical Therapy
● Our doctoral degrees are recognized by the American Medical Association
● Our doctors are specially trained in differential diagnosis, giving them knowledge and skills for appropriate referral to other specialists and imaging procedures
● Our doctors have specialized training in physical therapy spinal manipulation
● Our doctors use a team approach to treatment, providing patient’s with the collective knowledge of highly trained professionals
● Our doctors create a relaxed environment and approachability for patients. This is designed so that you feel free to express your concerns and problems in a low stress/non-intimidating atmosphere
● Our team consists of both male and female doctors
● Our doctors serve as clinical educators for several Doctor of Physical Therapy programs from universities across the southeastern US. So our doctors train doctors.
Bottom Line- Be a good consumer of your healthcare and research the person to whom you are entrusting your healthcare needs to. We want to be your first choice for all of your physical therapy needs.
Dr. Wade Rinehart, PT, DPT
Originally Published April 4, 2013 |
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Big Changes at First Choice in 2013
Next we painted the entire outside of the building, including the monument style sign on Jenks Avenue. Since we had the sign painted, it was a great time to have Crow Signs redo the signs there also. That project turned out perfect. The signs for First Choice, MVP Sports Enhancement and The Wreck (Emerald Coast Fellowship’s youth ministry) were all changed. With all that new paint on the outside, Wade decided it would be a good time to freshen up the inside as well. We brought in an interior designer and she helped to pick out a super color pallet and even told us exactly which walls to paint which color. She really knew what she was doing and we could not be happier with the new look.
While all this was going on, business was not only still going on, we kept reaching new heights in the number of patient visits. The number of staff, both on the gym floor and in the office, has grown to make sure that we maintain our self imposed level for patient care. Those of you that have been here know that it is a pretty high bar we have set for your care. One thing that First Choice Physical Therapy continually reminds the entire staff of is that we can never forget that patient care is the core of our business. As one of our mottos says, “Knowledge guides us. Passion drives us.”
Please tell us if you notice anything we can do to improve how our patients are treated and if everything was perfect, tell your friends. We recognize your referrals as the best compliment we can ever receive.