This course is a two-day course that emphasizes putting the latest evidence into practice.

The course is led by Richard Willy, PT, PhD, a recognized expert in running-related injuries.

Attendees will leave with practical skills that will enable them to fully evaluate the injured runner and design a comprehensive training approach to maximize patient outcomes. This course emphasizes a theoretical framework for restoration of load capacity in the injured runner through optimal tissue loading.

Attendees will learn how to perform a running gait analysis using techniques that readily translate to various clinical settings. Attendees will also develop a clinical decision making process to determine when and if gait retraining is indicated, including how to use simple wearable devices to assist with optimizing patient outcomes.

There will be an emphasis on hands-on, laboratory experiences to put into practice the didactic components of this course so that attendees can immediately put into practice newly learned skills.

Course Objectives:

1. Recognize runners who are most at risk for running injuries and when to intervene with appropriate prevention programs.

2. Describe the “envelope of function” and how it can help guide clinical decision making and training programs.

3. Conduct a valid and repeatable clinical gait evaluation. Evidence-based best practices will be emphasized.

4. Be able to make recommendations regarding shoe prescription

5. Contrast heel strike running with forefoot running: Does evidence support one over the other?

6. Describe a simple and clinically relevant classification system for gait mechanics that may contribute to injury.

7. Recognize psychosocial and training factors that contribute to the etiology of running injuries: Is biomechanics important?

8. Explain why therapeutic exercise is key to enhancing load tolerance but is insufficient to alter abnormal movement patterns.

9. Design a return to running program, based on the runner’s diagnosis and their goals.

10. Utilize appropriate verbal, visual, and tactile cues and feedback schedules for a gait retraining intervention

11. Based on identified impairments, develop a treatment program for runners with common running injuries including patellofemoral pain, iliotibial band pain, lower leg and foot stress fractures, and tendinopathies.

Day One

0845 - 09:00 Registration

09:00 - 10:45 Introduction and Epidemiology: Which runners are most likely to get injured?

10:45 - 11:00 "Envelope of Function:" Preparing the runner for high training loads

11:00 - 11:45 How to conduct a clinical gait analysis, basic running biomechanics and terminology

11.45 - 13:00 Qualitative gait analysis: Relating injury to mechanics

13:00 - 14:00 Lunch

14:00 - 15:00 Practice case studies: breakout session

15:00 - 16:00 Video Analysis Laboratory

16:00 - 16:15 Break

16:15 - 16:45 Running Shoes

16:45 - 17:00 Discussion and day 1 wrap up

Day Two

0845 - 09:00 Registration

09:00 - 11:30 Principles of resistance training: Applications to lower limb tendinopathies

11:30 - 11:45 Break

11:45 - 14:00 Therapeutic excercise laboratory

14:00 - 14:45 Return to running & gait retraining

14:45 - 15:15 Gait retraining laboratory

15:15 - 15:30 Break

15:30 - 16:45 Live Case Study: Group evaluation of an injured runner

16:45 - 17:00 Discussion

Tutor:

Dr. Richard Willy

Dr. Rich Willy is an Associate Professor in the School of Physical Therapy, University of Montana (Missoula, MT, USA) and the Director of the Montana Running Lab. He received his PhD in Biomechanics and Movement Science from the University of Delaware and his Master’s of Physical Therapy from Ohio University.

Dr. Willy has been a clinician for over 20 years specializing in the treatment of the injured runner and provides consultation to Olympic sports medicine staffs from around the world as well as to the National Basketball Association.

He has published over 65 peer-reviewed papers primarily on two populations: endurance runners and tactical athletes. His research aims to develop clinically effective treatments for individuals with patellofemoral pain, Achilles tendon injuries, and bone stress injuries. His research has been funded by the United States Department of Defense and the Foundation for Physical Therapy.

His work is regularly featured in Runner’s World and Outside Magazine. Dr. Willy treats runners and athletes of all levels, from the new runner to the elite competitor.

The course venue

How to get there

Train

Falkirk Grahamston Station is a few minutes walk from the clinic. Falkirk High Train Station is a short taxi ride from the clinic.

Please check on the national rail website before travelling www.nationalrail.co.uk

Driving

The clinic is located on Weir Street, Falkirk. It is situated right opposite Taiyuan Restaurant and close the junction with Vicar Street. Please beware the postcode may not take you direct to the studio address. The best Sat Nav postcode is FK1 1RA.

Parking

If you are bringing your car please use the link to Parkopedia to find the best car park for your purposes.

Planning your journey

To help plan your journey please visit www.nationalrail.co.uk for train times or www.google.co.uk for car and walking directions.

Accommodation

Orchard Hotel In walking distance of the Wellness centre but is in the town centre so could be noisy at night

Premier Inn: There are 2 in Falkirk; Falkirk East which is 5min drive and Falkirk Central 10 min drive away

The Grange Manor Hotel A 10 min drive away from the venue.

Best Western Park Hotel A 10 minute walk away from the venue

The Falkirk Loft self-catering accommodation 2 minute walk away