Do you have pain when running? Q and A at Fleet Feet with Dr. Ron Miller of Pursuit Physical Therapy

Do you experience pain with running?

This is not the time to have a running injury in the middle of training season.  If you are having pain with your training, stop into Fleet Feet Orlando this Saturday November 2nd 11am-1pm and next Saturday November 9th for 11am-1pm for a FREE question and answer period.  Dr. Ron Miller will be there to answer all of your questions regarding your injury.  Don't miss this free opportunity!

For more information about Pursuit Physical Therapy, our running injury program, and what others are saying about us visit PursuitTherapy.com.

Are you tired of running in pain? Let me tell you how I went from not running, having knee pain at week 1, to running 9 miles pain free in week 2!

So, I have been wanting to get back into running lately and hopefully to run in my first half marathon in 2 months.  I used to be a very active runner but have not ran seriously in the past 4 months, with an occasional 2 miles run.  I decided to get active and more involved in local running groups and have joined USA FIT Orlando as a member and a sponsor.  2 weeks ago I committed to running a 9 mile run with a patient of mine and with the group.  What was I thinking?  At 1 week, I attempted to run 6 miles after a few small pain free runs, and experienced an acute flare up of left knee pain.  3 days later, I was able to run 9 miles pain free!

This case shows the importance of addressing your running pain early and to solve the problem of your pain, not to treat the pain.  So what caused the left knee pain?  Eventhough, I had knee pain, I did not have a knee problem.  My problem, or the true cause of my pain, was left hip muscle weakness.  My whole left leg is weaker when compared to my right leg.  My left hip muscle weakness was causing altered knee biomechanics at my knee, thus resulting in patellar tendon pain, during, after, and for 2 days after my run.  Below is a picture that shows an example of what occurs with hip muscle weakness and its result at the knee.

I also had trigger points in my left quad and lateral leg.  The cause of trigger points is a topic for another blog posts, but when overloading a weak muscle, trigger points occur, and can have an affect on my knee pain.  Many people attempt stretching, but stretch of my IT band was not my problem.  My bigger problem was that I was scheduled to run 9 miles in 2 days but I was having left knee pain still, even 2 days after my run.  So what did I do to get pain free in 2 days and be able to run 9 miles pain free?

1)  2 days of rest

I did not continue to run in pain and just hope that the pain would go away.  Another thing is, DO NOT TAKE A PAIN RELIEVER OR ADVIL AND RUN.  This is a definite DO NOT DO for all of my runners.   There are numerous side effects of taking anti-inflammatories when running.  If I would have ran in pain I would have just exacerbated my pain and then I probably would have not been able to run my 9 miles in 2 days.

2)  Avoid over training

Simply stated.  No need to train in pain.

3)  Addressed the cause of my pain

I immediately started foam rolling to my lateral left leg and left quad to resolve the trigger points.  I started to address my left hip muscle weakness with exercises at home and in the clinic.  I also added some eccentric training to my left quad in a pain free range of motion.  This was correcting the cause of my pain.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nsZiCStiJqg&list=PLwLS88Fgo0BkQ0Yre4XbsnOymp9NDC0yx&index=2

On Saturday morning, 3 days after my injury, I was pain free but I did not want to re-aggravate my injury.  My goal was just to complete the 9 mile run pain free since I have just started running and was not trained.  I was not concerned with my time but just wanted to complete the distance and workload.  I ran a 4 minute run, 1 minute walk for 9 miles.  I completed the run pain free and had no complaints!

At Pursuit Physical Therapy we specialize in the treatment of running injuries and we understand what it takes and the importance of training for a race.  There is no need to run in pain, and if addressed early, you can solve the problem that is causing your pain and get back to pain free running in just a few days.  We have also designed a proven Running Injury Program specifically for runners!  Feel free to call us at 407-494-8835 to schedule a consultation or visit us at PursuitTherapy.com today!  Get back to pain free running now!

How does wearing heels affect your feet and the rest of your body?

Are you having difficulty wearing your favorite heels because of foot and knee pain?  Having low back pain when wearing heels?  Well, below is a picture of how wearing heels affects the feet and the rest of the body maybe predisposing you to getting your pain.  

We can help address some of the problems that can present with wearing high heels.  We can correct the problems, address any impairments, to help get you back to wearing the shoes you love.  Call us at 407-494-8835 or visit us at PursuitTherapy.com to schedule an appointment today!  Get back to being pain free in your favorite heels!

Pursuit Physical Therapy is a sponsor for USA FIT Orlando now! Get back to pain free running today!

We are proud to be a new sponsor for USA FIT Orlando!

Dr. Ron Miller is the owner of a private physical therapy practice where they focus on better results in fewer visits, called Pursuit Physical Therapy.  Pursuit Physical Therapy is a new brand of therapy that is based on treatment outcomes and what is best for the patient.   Dr. Miller specializes in the treatment of heel pain and running injuries, and his main goal is to get you back to pain free running as soon as possible.  He designed the Running Injury Program specifically for runner's of all types and who want to get back to running quicker through a proven 4 step process that will guide your recovery.

As part of our sponsorship and their dedication to helping our local runner's, Pursuit Physical Therapy is offering FREE COMPLEMENTARY consultations to all of the USA FIT Orlando members!  If you have an injury or are experiencing pain with running with your USA FIT Orlando training, call us at 407-494-8835 for your FREE COMPLEMENTARY consultation or schedule at PursuitTherapy.com.  See what other runner's are saying about our programs here.  Can back to pain free running now!

Are you tired of having Foot Pain? We have the treatment for you! The Heel Pain and Running Injury program

Are you tired of having foot and heel pain?  Tired of running with pain?  Not interested in surgery or injections?  This is the answer for you!

Running Injury and Heel Pain 

Program

Want to get out of pain? This is the program you need to be on!

1.  Evaluation with accurate diagnosis and with prognosis

2.  4 Step Recovery Treatment Plan

3.  1 hour treatment sessions with One-on-One Patient Care with Board Certified Specialist

4.  Individualized Home Recovery Program

5.  Free pair of shoes or orthotics at your favorite running shoe store!

6.  Running Video Analysis 

7.  1 month consultation period after completion of program

8.  No surgery! No Injections!

9.  Pain free in fewer visits.  Get back to running sooner!

This is what are patient's are saying

"I suffered from achilles tendinitis after starting new training.  Luckily a friend introduced me to Dr. Ron Miller.   Dr. Miller was able to treat my achilles tendinitis without any drugs or injections and the best part was that I was back running pain free in just 2 weeks.  Not only did Dr. Miller help me recover faster but he also showed me how to prevent future flare-ups.  His treatment was able to save me time and money and I only needed 2 visits!  If you are currently suffering from any kind of physical pain trust me, Dr. Miller can help you."

Kathleen B.

This is the most comprehensive program to resolve your pain, make sure it doesn't come back and to get you back to the activities you love.  No surgery!  No injections!  Call us now at 407-494-8835 to schedule you evaluation today or visit us at www.PursuitTherapy.com for more information.

Who is the best medical specialist you should see for your heel pain in Orlando, FL? Pursuit Physical Therapy!

You can receive great results with physical therapy treatment for your heel pain!

No surgery and no injections!

Heel pain or plantar fasciitis is a very common musculoskeletal (involving bone, muscle, ligaments, joints, etc) injury that many athletes and non athletes experience, but who is the best expert who you should consult with regarding your injury.

A recent research article analyzed musculoskeletal knowledge of physical therapists and physicians.  A 73% was considered passing. The results were:

• Physical therapists demonstrated higher levels of knowledge than most physicians.
• A board certified physical therapist scored higher than non-board certified physical therapist

The results of this study show that a board certified physical therapist is considered one of the most knowledgeable experts regarding musculoskeletal conditions and are capable of providing safe and effective care for your injury. 

As a patient, you need to know that you are in good hands and you are being taken care of by the best.  The Pursuit Physical Therapy staff has unmatched academic credentials and you will always be treated by a board certified specialist.   Moreover, Pursuit Physical Therapy prides itself on promoting only the very best evidence-based practice with optimal patient care, and patient satisfaction.  So this means you can get better in fewer visits, saving time and money.  For more information about our staff, patient testimonials, and about Pursuit Physical Therapy, visit us at PursuitTherapy.com or call us as 407-494-8835 to schedule your COMPLEMENTARY CONSULTATION today!  Get PAIN FREE now!

Are you a middle-aged recreational athlete with an injury? Not pleased with your health care? Pursuit Physical Therapy is the answer for you!

Is this you?

On Saturday morning you wake to get ready for your long run, tennis match, or golfing with friends.  You end up not warming up or you end up doing a very small and quick warm-up.  So your body is not ready for an aggressive exercise.  At first your start performing well and then you push yourself or try to" kill the golf ball from the tee like you are in a long drive competition" and you start to experience some pain.    Your knee starts to hurt, or you experience some elbow pain with your back swing, or you notice you low back is hurting after that last drive.  Out comes to anti-inflammatory meds.  The pain subsides, during the activity or after,  but the injury actually worsens.

By the end of the night the pain start to intensify.  The next morning when you wake up, you have increased pain with increased stiffness and the hot pack comes out to relieve the stiffness.  By mid week, the injury is agonizing.  You start taking pain meds just to continue your activity (which is the WORST THING YOU CAN DO!) or the pain stops you from doing the activity you love.

Is this you?

Well new research, shows that middle aged recreational athletes have limited awareness of the proper management of their injuries and they are dissatisfied with health care services.  A summary of the research and the finding can be found here.  Well, Pursuit Physical Therapy is your answer!  There is no need to wait for a physician appointment for a script, which usually takes weeks to get in.  In Florida, you have direct access to physical therapy services, so you can get seen today.  The One-on-One patient care will give you everything you need to ensure that you receive high quality care for your injury.  Getting better results, in fewer visits!  You can also ask as many questions as you want so you fully understand your injury and the plan to treat it.  For more information about our specialty programs, our services, and what our patient's are saying, visit us at PursuitTherapy.com or call us at 407-494-8835.

Join us for a Healthy Living Lunch and Learn at the Citrus Club!

Are you not able to enjoy the activities you love because of pain?  This is the lunch and learn for you!

Tired of having low back pain when golfing?  Do you experience pain when running?  Sick of not being able to enjoy yourself with recreational sports because of pain?  Come to the exclusive Citrus Club in downtown Orlando of Sept. 27th at 11:30 am and learn the cause of your injury, how to properly treat it, when to consult a specialist, and get back to being pain free again!

Join Dr. Ron Miller, from Pursuit Physical Therapy, for a Health Living Lunch and Learn September 27th at 11:30-1:00 pm when he will review these 3 common injuries:   runner's knee, plantar fasciitis, and golf swing related low back pain.

$10 for members, $16 for non-members.  Call the Citrus Club today to RSVP your spot at 407-843-1080.  If you are not a member, this is the perfect time to visit the Citrus Club and see what being a member entails and the great benefits.   We look forward to seeing you there for a great Lunch and Learn.  For more information about Dr. Ron Miller, Pursuit Physical Therapy, our specialty programs, and if physical therapy is right for you, visit PursuitTherapy.com.

5 Tips for Pain Free Running: Avoid Heel Strike

1.  Avoid Heel Strike

Many beginner runners ask me how they should be running.   Running training should be focused on 1 of 2 things:  1)  injury prevention or 2)  performance.  So the main purpose of this post is to focus on injury prevention and treatment.  So I promote runners to avoid a heel strike and to try more of a mid foot strike when running with pain or recovering from an injury.    Landing with a midfoot strike has been associated with decreases in peak impact loads and a decrease in knee pain (patellar-femoral symptoms).  Below is a diagram from a breakthrough article in Nature   that shows landing forces with different striking patterns.

Notice the lack of the sharp increase spike with a mid foot strike.  One of the main points to take away from the article is the decrease in force and lack of transient impact with strike with a mid foot strike.  This difference and benefit of barefoot vs shod running is for another post, but these two articles show great evidence to help support a mid foot strike to help prevent injury and decrease impact forces to the legs.   I personally tried this and loved the way it feels when running vs with a heel strike. Tune in next week for Tip #2!!!  For more information about running injuries, our Running Injury Program, and about Pursuit Physical Therapy, call us at 407-494-8835 or visit us at PursuitTherapy.com.  Exercise is medicine!

Regards,

Ron Miller, DPT OCS

Pursuit Physical Therapy on the Radio! Tune into am 740 The Game

Tune into am 740 The Game from 9am-12 throughout the week, starting labor day weekend, to hear the new Pursuit Physical Therapy radio commercials!  Also, on Fridays, we will have a call in live-talk and ask a question to our very own Dr. Ron Miller about sport injuries, rehab, and prognosis of injuries.  Visit www.thebeatofsports.com or 740 The Game for more information.  For more information about Pursuit Physical Therapy, our specialty programs, and what we can treat, visit us at PursuitTherapy.com

Have you heard the Pursuit Physical Therapy Radio Ad Yet?

Do you listen to News Talk WFLA 104.5?  Have you heard the Pursuit Physical Therapy ad yet?  Listen from 8/19/13-8/30/13 and see if you catch the commercial!

Running Injury and Heel Pain Program!

Do you ever wake up with pain in the heel of your foot first thing in the morning? Do you ever get heel pain when running or just pain when running? If so, you may have plantar fasciitis, the most common type of heel pain.  Many running injuries and heel pain can easily be prevented with the proper treatment and education.  We have designed a proven and evidenced-based running injury and heel pain program that allows patient to get pain free in fewer visits!  What does this program entail?  

1.  Evaluation with accurate diagnosis and with prognosis

2.  4 Step Recovery Treatment Plan

3.  1 hour treatment sessions with One-on-One Patient Care with Board Certified Specialist

4.  Individualized Home Recovery Program

5.  Free pair of shoes at Track Shack or Fleet Feet!

6.  Final visit to running shoe store with Dr. Ron Miller!

7.  2 month consultation period after completion of program

8.  No surgery! No Injections

This is the most complete evidenced based program yet! For more information visit us at www.PursuitTherapy.com or call us at 407-494-8835.  Don't be in pain any longer and get back to doing the activities you love!

How to Use a Foam Roll!

Does using the foam roll really work for my pain?

I found this picture with different positions to use a foam roll.  Many people are using the foam roll for a "myofascial release" and to help with their muscle or tendon pain.  A recent blog post we reviewed the current research to understand the mechanism of how the foam roll works.  Strength and Conditioning Research also did a review to see if the research supports using a foam roll.   It might not be what you think? There is still much discussion among professionals regarding the foam roll and more research is needed to support its usage with certain pathologies.

Do you use a foam roll?  Does it work for you? 

 I use a foam roll in combination with strengthening to help prevent my anterior knee pain when running, and I know it works.  A patient of mine, starting a new training regime, began complaining of anterior knee pain.  I instructed him to perform the foam roll once a day and by the end of the week he was pain free with his exercise.  So it works and it is simple.

The research to support the use of the foam roll is very limited.  One study showed and increase in range of motion without any muscle strength loss.  Another study showed a change in vascular function after foam rolling.  Clinicians sometimes say that "research needs to catch up to clinical practice"?  This may be one of those examples.  Using a foam roll to help decrease you pain is simple, cost effective, and there are no side effects.  So if it works for you, use it!  Here is an example of what I teach patients to use for mid back pain at home.  This simple foam roll exercise can help decrease any mid back muscle pain that is associated with prolonged sitting and bad posture.  You can visit the Pursuit Physical Therapy YouTube Channel to view other techniques on using a foam roll.  Feel free to contact Pursuit Physical Therapy regarding any questions about your pain at 407-494-8835 or visit us at PursuitTherapy.com.