How to Maximize Your Off-Season
Are you ready for that big race that’s right around the corner? Chances are, you don’t have any races or big events within the next few weeks to months. Welcome…
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| What to do with your arms while running |
 A couple weeks ago I evaluated a patient who was having knee pain while runningDuring the running gait analysis, it was apparent to me that what he was doing with his HANDS was contributing to his knee pain Yes you read that correctly Focusing on his lower body, when looking at his running form, it was obvious that he was getting TOO HIGH off the ground The vertical height of each of his strides was large Which causes higher impact forces once he contacts the ground The main method for improving his knee pain was going to come from decreasing the vertical height of his running One of the things I did to achieve this was look at what his hands were doing His hands were repeatedly going ABOVE his clavicle as he was swinging his arms When your hands go above your clavicle, it contributes to UPWARDS momentum resulting in greater vertical height This got me going on explaining what he should be doing with his hands in general There are 2 important landmarks when thinking about what to do with your hands while running: the clavicle and the sternum (pictured below)  Your hands should stay below your clavicle and not cross your sternumAs I’m swinging my arms, I like to imagine like my hands are staying within 2 separate boxes. Underneath the clavicle and within the sternum If your arms cross midline (crossing the sternum), it contributes to heavily too side-to-side motion If your arms cross your clavicle, it contributes too heavily to upwards motion  If you weren’t sure what to do with your hands while running, now you knowIf you’re not sure what to do with your running injury, I’m here to help. Schedule a free discovery phone call with me to get the ball rolling on your recovery Over the phone we’ll talk about your specific issue, get you scheduled an initial evaluation, and establish a treatment plan for you to get you all patched up and enjoying running again Your best is yet to come Dr. MichaelUpcoming EventsIllinois Brewery Running SeriesValiant Physical Therapy is one of the sponsors for a local 5K in the Illinois Brewery Running Series! August 17th, Illinois Brewery Run Series – Take Flight Spirits – Skokie If you’re itching to run a local 5K, come to this one!  |
