Physical Therapy or Surgery?

Ever been doing something you love with your kids, like shooting hoops or playing catch, and injury or pain strikes? You’re not alone! Repetitive motion over and over again can take its toll on joints and muscles, especially as we age. Muscle and joint damage that was a minor problem in our younger days can resurface as a major issue.

Most people want get back to “normal” life as quickly as possible and some perceive surgery as the quickest or only route to recovery, but it has its associated risks and is expensive. Is there an alternative to surgery? A way to eliminate pain and return to a full active lifestyle? Yes! Physical Therapy.

Read the latest CoachAmyPT blog post to hear how patient, Kirk E., a former pitcher, avoided surgery on his shoulder with physical therapy treatments, and if this could be a viable treatment option for you.

Kirk returning to doing what he loves with his kids.

“Race for the Planet” with RRKC and Athleta Town Center

Join Roadrunners of Kansas City in partnership with Athleta Town Center on Saturday, August 24th for a “Race for the Planet” 10 mile Training Run. The event is FREE, and the first 25 to register will receive a $25 Athleta Shop Card to use after the run. Participants can also enter to win a $200 Athleta Shopping Spree at event check in. More information and registration are in the link below.

For RRKC members, this run will replace our normal Saturday morning group run. However, since this is a community event bring one, bring all! Friends and family are most welcome. Event details below:

• 6:00am: Onsite registration/check-in begins.

• 6:30am: Group run begins (led by RRKC’s Coach Amy and Jennifer Wolf).

• Run will start and end at Athleta Town Center (4844 W. 119th St., Leawood, KS).

• Route will wind through South Leawood. Details and course map at RRKC Events Page. Printed copies of the map will be provided at the run.

• Winner of the Athleta Shopping Spree will be drawn at conclusion of the run.

See you at the starting line of this FREE fun event!

New "Amp'ed Up" Run Clinic Series: Register Today

Roadrunners of Kansas City is about to kick off the 2019 Run Clinic Series! Formerly known as Speed Work, these new sessions are revamped and fully loaded with more training techniques to change your running game. We will address running form for efficiency, strength for power, strategies for embracing “the suck”, taking over the hill, and more. Open to beginners and advanced alike.

Three sessions are offered in a variety of locations the Prairie Village, Overland Park and Leawood. Attend one or all three. Those that are racing this Fall will get maximum benefit by attending all three.

All sessions are held on Tuesday evenings at 6:00 PM.

• Summer Session (4-weeks): Aug. 6 - Aug. 27, 2019

• Fall Session 1 (4-weeks): Sept. 3 - Sept.24, 2019

• Fall Session 2 (4-weeks): Oct. 1 - Oct. 22, 2019

Space is limited, so act fast. Registration is open today!

Power of "The Walk"

When I suggest an athlete walk for cross training or an injured runner walk in lieu of a run, they typically respond with a furrowed brow and the stink eye. I get it. For most runners, walking is akin to quitting; it feels like a failure. It certainly doesn’t come with the same post workout Serotonin high, but hear me out.

Walking has many benefits for runners including improved recovery between workouts, which enhances the next day’s performance. Walking can also be used as an alternative to running for injured athletes, or as a strategy to return to sport. Read the full article on the CoachAmyPT blog to learn how to take advantage of the “power of the walk” not just for your run health, but for your mind and soul. 

Stinky Shoes!?

Running shoes got the funk after a muddy, sweaty or rainy work out? Trail running or running in Mother Nature’s unpredictable elements can make for memorable and fun runs, but they often leave running shoes in need of some TLC. Follow these quick and simple tricks of the trade to dry them out, freshen them up, and get them ready for the next run.

• Wash with a garden hose to remove excess mud or debris.

• Loosen the laces and open the “mouth” of the shoe nice and wide.

• Sprinkle baking soda generously inside of each shoe.

• Crumple up old newspaper and shove several newspaper wads inside of each shoe.

• Set the shoes outside in a sunny location to dry out, and bake out the stink.

Depending upon humidity and amount of sun, your shoes should be dry and ready to go for tomorrow's run.

For useful tips, information on the latest PT treatments, and endurance training trends and advice subscribe to our blog.

Such a Pain in the Knee Cap!

My first serious running injury was a pain in the knee cap! I was 17 years old running my fastest mile times during the indoor track season. This came to a halt with patellofemoral pain syndrome AKA Runner’s Knee.

Back in the 80’s the advice from the orthopedic specialist was, “Stop running.” Sadly, some physicians still give that same advice. But I say, no! Don’t hang up your run shoes. Seek an alternative. I wish I’d known back then that physical therapy was an option.

With early intervention, physical therapy can prevent or decrease time off. In chronic cases, modification or a break from training may be necessary, but physical therapy can help return runners back to sport earlier and healthier. 

To learn about the causes, signs, symptoms and treatment options of Runner’s Knee, read the full article on the CoachAmyPT blog.

Don’t let a pain in the knee cap put an end to your running game!