By Lindsey Grossman
With the weather warming up, there’s no better time to spring back into action outside. But before you lace up those running shoes or hit the bike trail, consider a personalized running analysis or bike fitting at the CarePartners Outpatient Rehabilitation Clinic. These services can help athletes of all skill levels improve performance and reduce the risk of injury.
As a Pose Method Certified Running Technique Specialist, Thomas Minton can incorporate his training to reduce impact at the knee by 50 percent.
Runners’ Clinic
Thomas Minton, a physical therapist with Mission CarePartners Outpatient Rehabilitation Clinic, and his team of fellow experts implement numerous strategies, like a video running gait analysis that identifies errors in technique and pinpoints sources of pain and injury. “We can actually show them video evidence of their progress,” said Minton. “It’s pretty cool.”
Minton sees an overwhelming majority of his clients trying to use their muscular force to propel their bodies forward, which ends up causing more impact, making running harder rather than easier. As a Pose Method Certified Running Technique Specialist, Minton can incorporate his training to reduce impact at the knee by 50 percent.
In addition, the clinic offers strength and flexibility conditioning, plus advice on footwear and warm-up exercises. The initial overall evaluation lasts about an hour. For those wanting to train, three to six follow-up visits can be scheduled to focus on a client’s specific goals and needs.
Bike Fit
The Bike Fit program helps veteran and novice cyclists prevent and overcome injuries and enhance performance, all by finding the proper position on the bike. “A bike has only a certain amount of ranges that we can adjust it in,” said Minton. “But people come in all shapes in sizes, so a lot of times when someone gets on a bicycle they don’t line up with it really well without significant adjustments and modifications.”
No matter the bike type or person’s ability level, the bike fitting generally takes about 90-120 minutes, with follow-up visits scheduled as needed. Mission’s Switch-It saddle program (part of the Bike Fit service) gives clients the chance to test out an entire line of bicycle seats, set-up instruction on their spin bike to find the perfect fit and referral to a local bike shop.
“The most efficient position is the position that you’re going to be able produce the most power in, and it’s also going to be the position that’s safest for your body,” said Minton.
Thomas Minton is a physical therapist with Mission CarePartners Outpatient Rehabilitation Clinic.
For a personalized running analysis or bike fitting at the CarePartners Outpatient Rehabilitation Clinic with Thomas Minton, call 828-274-6100.