This is the 17th in a series of RunSmart videos. The series is on-going, with a new video released on a biweekly basis. These videos complement the material presented in the book “RunSmart: A Comprehensive Approach To Injury-Free Running”. The full series of videos can be found here. A compilation of the first 10 videos will be available on Vimeo as well.
For those of you that are interested in a more interactive learning environment, consider attending a Level One (half day), Level Two (one day), or Level Three (two day) RunSmart program. The Level One program is 4 hours and focuses on basic training principles, running mechanics, and injury prevention. The Level Two program is 8.5 hours and focuses on performance optimization and training program development. The Level Three program is a two day, 15 hour program that includes a comprehensive approach to running injuries. The next Level One program will be offered in Austin on June 30, 2012. The next Level Three program will be offered in Austin, Texas on August 17 - 18, 2012.
In this video, I discuss MDT and running injuries. MDT, or Mechanical Diagnosis And Therapy, is a mechanical assessment process that emphasizes self care strategies and injury prevention. MDT is, from my perspective, the optimal means of assessment and treatment of running injuries.
The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) has done a fine job of producing a vision statement – Vision 2020 – that contains many issues that are both pertinent and relevant to the health and survival of the profession. But the harsh reality is this: a 20 year window in which to accomplish this has seriously undermined the profession. Two decades? Glaciers have been known to move faster. Congress even moves faster – albeit barely.
Professional autonomy drives the success or failure of all of the issues of our profession. At this point, we talk the talk about autonomy, but frankly, we don’t walk it.
As Henry Ford once noted, “Whether you think you can, or you think you can't – either way, you're right”. People will behave in a manner that is consistent with their self image and self perception.
It is time to put an end to incremental thinking and self-destructive behaviors about our professional autonomy. It is time for a reality check, for disruption, for revolution, and for change.
It is time for “Vision Now” – a manifesto for physical therapists.
We are now into year 12 of the APTA’s 20 year “Vision 2020” mission statement. With the APTA National Conference right around the corner, I think it is important to assess the accountability of the organization in meeting the goals of Vision 2020. I would like to believe that the association exists to serve the membership, and thus here is one member’s personal report card.
For those that need a refresher, here is what the APTA’s House Of Delegates put forth in 2000: “By 2020, physical therapy will be provided by physical therapists who are doctors of physical therapy, recognized by consumers and other health care professionals as the practitioners of choice to whom consumers have direct access for the diagnosis of, interventions for, and prevention of impairments, activity limitations, participation restrictions, and environmental barriers related to movement, function, and health.”
So with that said, let’s take a look at where we stand on all of this, 12 years down the road.
This is the 16th in a series of RunSmart videos. The series is on-going, with a new video released on a biweekly basis. These videos complement the material presented in the book “RunSmart: A Comprehensive Approach To Injury-Free Running”. The full series of videos can be found here. A compilation of the first 10 videos will be available on Vimeo as well.
For those of you that are interested in a more interactive learning environment, consider attending a Level One (half day), Level Two (one day), or Level Three (two day) RunSmart program. The Level One program is 4 hours and focuses on basic training principles, running mechanics, and injury prevention. The Level Two program is 8.5 hours and focuses on performance optimization and training program development. The Level Three program is a two day, 15 hour program that includes a comprehensive approach to running injuries. The next Level One program will be offered in Austin on June 30, 2012. The next Level Three program will be offered in Austin, Texas on August 17 - 18, 2012.
In this video, I discuss the reality of running injuries. The statistics are abysmal. The scientific research indicates that injuries are not related to biomechanical mal-alignment or that sort of issue. The key element to running injuries? Training.
On April 24, physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and students of physical therapy took part in a Federal Advocacy Forum on Capitol Hill. I for one applaud the efforts of this group in that they were able to present one small (yet at least united) voice to Congress. We certainly need a stronger voice in today’s health care world.
With that said, and with my annual APTA membership due for renewal, I am having my doubts about the direction that the profession is heading in this country these days, and the rate at which it is heading there.
I have now practiced in the United States for almost 22 years. The APTA’s Vision 2020 – the official vision statement for the profession – has now been in existence for 12 years. But when you look at the issues that are front and center with our Federal Advocacy Forum, you have to wonder where our priorities truly lie.
A few days ago, I posted about the perpetuation of spinal myths in common mass media markets such as television. It just so happens that both video clips that I shared in the article involved chiropractors.
There are plenty of physicians and physical therapists out there that are quick to point their fingers at what chiropractors do. Many that are pointing fingers at chiropractors about practice patterns and excessive numbers of visits are the same ones applying ultrasound 3 times per week, using yellow theraband forever, and manipulating because they can – not because it is necessary. As the saying goes, when you point a finger, three point back at you … and who knows where the thumb stands on the issue.
With that said, I would suggest that the chiropractic profession has provided three valuable lessons that physical therapists could benefit from learning.
This is the 15th in a series of RunSmart videos. The series is on-going, with a new video released on a biweekly basis. These videos complement the material presented in the book “RunSmart: A Comprehensive Approach To Injury-Free Running”. The full series of videos can be found here. A compilation of the first 10 videos will be available on Vimeo as well.
For those of you that are interested in a more interactive learning environment, consider attending a Level One (half day), Level Two (one day), or Level Three (two day) RunSmart program. The Level One program is 4 hours and focuses on basic training principles, running mechanics, and injury prevention. The Level Two program is 8.5 hours and focuses on performance optimization and training program development. The Level Three program is a two day, 15 hour program that includes a comprehensive approach to running injuries. The next Level One program will be offered in Austin on June 3, 2012. The next Level Three program will be offered in Reno, Nevada on May 5 – 6, 2012 at the University of Nevada.
In this video, I discuss an issue that seems to be trendy amongst runners these days – barefoot running. We would do well to learn a lesson or two from the old-school track coaches. I think they may have had the right approach to running footwear 30 or more years ago.
Up to 60% of runners will sustain an injury within any given year. Poor running mechanics, in conjunction with poor, ineffective and outdated training methods, can pose a significant injury risk. "RunSmart" was written to address these issues in the running community.
"Running Injuries: Etiology And Recovery- Based Treatment" (co-author Bridget Clark, PT) appears in the third edition and fourth editions of "Clinical Orthopaedic Rehabilitation: A Team Approach" by Charles Giangarra, MD and Robert C. Manske, PT.
Allan Besselink, PT, DPT, Ph.D., Dip.MDT has a unique voice in the world of sports, education, and health care. Read more about Allan here.
Top 5 finalist in three categories: "Best Overall Blog", "Best PT Blog" and "Best Advocacy Blog".
PO Box 26161
Austin, TX 78755
512-222-6263
