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The Proper Running Warm-Up (02/26/2010)

Many runners know the importance of warming up prior to exercise, however when I see athletes stretching or touching their toes, I get discouraged. I feel the need to educate and get the word out about the proper warm-up. Stretching is an outdated concept and actually causes the muscles to weaken and be less responsive to exercise which can lead to injuries (see previous blog by Dave Drummer). Dynamic stretching, however, can increase power, flexibility and range of motion. This new concept has the individual using the muscles with movement, and when sport specific, it can be really effective. Click on the video link below as I demonstrate two dynamic hamstring activities that would be good for the runner to warm-up versus the traditional static stretching. Also, if you want more information about dynamic stretching, read Stretching: The Truth by Gretchen Reynolds for more information.

Happy Running,

Lori

Hamstrings - What Every Runner Should Know About Stretching (or Not) (02/10/2010)

Runners are known to be very ambitious and dedicated athletes. They are also known to stretch a lot, especially their hamstrings. For many if not most runners, the more they stretch their hamstrings, the tighter they feel. There is good reason for that. If you would like some insight into the problem with overstretching hamstrings from a physical therapist’s perspective, click here. You might be surprised by what you learn. Our next entry will focus on the difference between static (example typical hamstring stretch) versus dynamic warm-up for preparation for running.
Train hard and train smart!
Dave

Winter Running - treadmill or outside? (02/08/2010)

What a run. I just got done running six miles outside in balmy, 37 degree weather, with a light snow falling and Lee Greenwoods “God Bless America” in my ear. It was awesome! These last couple of months have not be the most ideal conditions for outdoor running...brutally cold temperatures, ice, and snow packed sidewalks and trails. These circumstances have caused us to either run on a treadmill (boring) or brave it and run outside anyway. The result has been increased complaints from my patients of back and hip flexor tightness, or knee pain. Ideally in my biomechanical world, we would all run outside. The ice and snow cause us to change the mechanics of how we run, thus resulting in postural changes and positioning, leading to injury…..let alone the risk of a falling. The treadmill on the other hand, does not allow our powerful hamstrings and glutes to push us forward. Instead the belt pulls us through, therefore these muscles weaken which cause a change in our positioning and create pain. So what is the answer? My colleagues would tell us that we would get more out of walking the mall and going up the steps backwards (works the hamstrings and glutes), or cross training on the elliptical on bad days, rather than taking to the streets or the treadmill. These activities would enable us to stay more mechanically sound and decrease our risk for injury. If, however, you need to run no matter what, then I would encourage you to either run the track at your local gym or run the treadmill on an incline of .5 to 1.0 as this will help to keep those hamstrings and glutes working for you. Split the time between the two to break up the boredom of it all. The other opition is to hope that the Ground Hog was wrong this year and that spring is only six weeks away!

Happy Running,
Lori
Questions? Comments?

What to look for in a new mattress… (02/05/2010)

Overwhelmed by all the different choices when it comes to finding the right mattress? Ron Hruska offers his PRI recommendations on what to look for when selecting a new mattress. CLICK HERE!

Welcome to our Running Blog! (01/13/2010)

Happy New Year! Welcome to the first ever Hruska Clinic Running Blog. It’s four months until the Lincoln marathon, and my hope is to assist you in finishing a strong and healthy race this year. My goal is to provide you with insight, tips, and suggestions regarding biomechanics, shoes, healthy eating, breathing, and other topics to assist you in achieving optimal health and performance. Being a passionate runner myself, these are tips that have worked for me personally; although they may not work for everyone. Since implementing Postural Restoration Institute (PRI) principles in my life six years ago, I have been injury free. I have finished 10k’s, and half and full marathons, hitting PR’s and most importantly, running pain free!

In 2003, I finished my first full marathon; however I experienced severe right hip pain. I had been running for a few years prior to the marathon with right hip pain, occasional right knee pain, and altered sensation down my right leg. I thought these problems were due to running and just part of pounding out the miles while training. A couple of months after I completed my marathon, I decided to begin preparing for another marathon, and dedicated myself to training harder. I was more consistent with weight training, speed work, and tempo runs only to find myself again injured after a couple of months. I could hardly walk, let alone run. I took the long trip down from North Dakota to see Ron Hruska. After 5 months of performing PRI exercises, I was pain-free for the first time since I started running, and my form improved dramatically. I now knew what it was like to run pain free, and it was so much more enjoyable! This trip and my personal experience completely changed my professional life, and I continue to dedicate myself to helping other runners.

Here at the Hruska Clinic, we have a strong belief that 1) Our bodies are asymmetrical and we tend to favor our right side. 2) Asymmetry of the body demonstrates a predictable pattern demonstrated with objective testing and 3) These patterns are treatable by inhibiting some muscles groups and facilitating others. Please see our website under “our approach” for more information. This will help you in the coming weeks with information that will be provided from this blog.

I hope you’re as excited as I am about 2010 and your personal fitness goals. Until the next entry, Happy Running!

Lori Thomsen, MPT, PRC
Questions? Comments?

PRI Interview of Janie Ebmeier, Education Coordinator and Director of Certification (11/05/2009)

Click here to read about Janie’s background and her very important role in the Postural Restoration Institute…

Congratulations Bobbie! (10/01/2009)

Congrats to Bobbie on her recent marriage! We are all very happy for you!

Ron Hruska and Jason Masek go to Poland! (09/16/2009)

Ron Hruska and Jason Masek will be traveling to Warsaw this September to present at the 1st International Congress of Polish Rehabilitation. This presentation follows Michal Niedzielski and Gregory Parfianowicz successful instruction of the Postural Restoration Institute’s (PRI) Myokinematic Restoration course last year. PRI is excited about the continued expansion of Postural Restoration in Poland and the opportunity to educate internationally!

“The Congress will be held on September 10 – 13, 2009 at the University of Economics and Computer Science in Warsaw. The outstanding specialists in rehabilitation and physiotherapy, physicians dealing with these branches, researchers and students of rehabilitation and physiotherapy from academic centres worldwide will participate in the Congress. We expect around 1000 participants from Poland and other countries (it is worth mentioning that there are over 20,000 specialists in physiotherapy and rehabilitation in Poland). Apart from scientific sessions and the widely understood context of physiotherapy and rehabilitation, we are planning to organize Therapeutic Panel Meetings.”

Congrats Ron and Jason - and have fun!

Meet our new Physical Therapist! (05/07/2009)

Get to know Jennifer Gloystein, new staff physical therapist at the Hruska Clinic. Jen will start with us July 1st, and she will be a great addition to our team. To read Jen’s bio, click here.

Jen and her brother Jason

Congrats Kenzie! (05/07/2009)

Kenzie Lillie, receptionist and physical therapy aide, is graduating from UNL, moving to Omaha, and getting married, all this month! We are proud of you and we’ll miss you!

Ron and Kenzie