Running can be a strain on the body. Problems could happen in an instant, or they could develop over time. And for many high school athletes who participate in sports, these issues could, at best, hinder performance or, at worst, derail a season.
Two Decorah High School juniors know what it’s like to deal with the setbacks of a rigorous running routine. Kealy Heins and Davis Coppola have both participated in various sports – Kealy in volleyball and track and field, Davis is cross country, track, baseball and swimming.
Unfortunately, each developed problems that kept them from performing to their potential. For Davis, he’s dealt with tight hamstrings and over pronation, while Kealy worked through painful shin splints. Looking for relief, they sought the help of physical therapist Greg Lane at Gundersen Decorah Rehab.
A reason behind the problem
Under Lane’s care, the teens were given a running assessment, which involved Lane filming them from various angles while running on a treadmill. The assessment can pinpoint issues such as touching knees, crossed feet and, in Davis and Kealy’s cases, collapsing hips. Seeing that, Lane suggested exercises to strengthen those muscles so the issue wouldn’t persist as they ran. Recommendations for appropriate footwear was also prescribed.
“It made me more conscious of what I was doing when I was running,” Kealy said of the assessment. “I never realized my knees touched when I run. That’s helpful to know.”
Davis also discovered during his assessment that he had over pronation, which involves the way his foot hits the ground as he runs, putting stress on his knees and back.
“The main thing was physical therapy,” Davis said, when asked about the treatment he received. “The reason I do over pronate is because I have some weakness in my hips, which I didn’t even realize, but now I’m very glad he told me about things to strengthen those hips that’ll naturally fix the running form.”
Davis said the hip strengthening was a huge relief.
“I’m feeling way better running, and hopefully that’ll translate to some (improved) times,” he said.
Kealy said it’s nice to know why she’s in pain when it happens and that she has the power to fix it because of the exercises and resources she’s been given during treatment.
“It helps me feel more conscious of my running form and being more ‘in it’ instead of just zoning out when I run,” she said.
An assessment worth having
Both recommend a running assessment and, if needed, physical therapy to any of their peers who might be in the same predicament.
“I learned so much about things I wouldn’t have even considered being an issue that are going to make me a better athlete in all aspects,” Davis said.
“It’s a lot of really helpful information,” added Kealy. “Having that additional professional opinion was very helpful for me.”
To schedule an appointment for a running assessment at Gundersen Decorah Rehab, call (563) 382-4770.