Common Injuries and Therapy Management for Runners

Course overview

Running, as a hobby and as a hard-core competitive sport, has virtually exploded in popularity in the past several decades because its health benefits and also because of its sheer accessibility. According to RunningUSA.org (2015), the sport has experienced a 300 percent growth from 1990 to 201393. In the United States alone, approximately 40 million people run regularly; more than 10 million people run at least 100 days per year. The popularity has spawned entire industries: from the evolution and progress of increasingly functional running shoes and fashion, to themed races, events and activities aimed at an adventurous, health-conscious and active crowd. IBISWorld, a market research firm, values the road-running industry at $1.4 billion. With the popularity of running increasing, so are the frequency of injuries reported for those involved in the sport - many of these injuries involve the lower extremities; the most commonly injured body part is the knee. This course will familiarize the physical therapy professional with the unique needs, complications and injuries that he or she may encounter when dealing with runners in his or her daily scope of practice.