Running in Woodbury MN is one of the most popular exercises around. As the weather is beginning to be nicer out, some of us will start to run outside again. If you have not kept up with your exercises or running over the winter months, some of your muscles may have forgotten what it is like to contract and relax properly. There are different types of contractions within the muscle groups.

1. Concentric: when the muscles shorten as they contract
2. Eccentric: the muscles lengthen as they contract
3. Isometric: the muscles maintain the same length as they contract

What can help your gait in Woodbury MN?

There can be a few different things that can influence your gait. Poor posture, injury or muscle deficiency can cause muscles to not fire correctly. If you feel like your body is insufficient or if you are suffering with pain when you run, you may wish to find a professional who can work on re-training those muscle groups. In order to find out what is wrong, you may wish to take a video of yourself running a certain distance. Once you find a personal trainer, physical therapist, etc., they will want to watch you as you run to watch your muscle patterns as they fire.

It is important that your nerves are firing properly as well. A visit with your chiropractor can help you there. They may also have a physical therapist in the facility; they can most likely help you with your running. Personal trainers and physical therapists will be looking at your muscles to see if the proper muscles are firing at the right time. The person who is providing you care may also take a look at your feet to see if you in fact need orthotics for proper support. Orthotics can be put in most shoes to help with your support all day. The second thing is to make sure that your feet are supported with a shoe that will provide you with all that you need for a comfortable run. Visit your local athletic store to look at your options.

Another thing that you must consider is the strength of your core stability. Core stability is defined as the capability to control movement of the pelvis and the low back. Most people lack core stability due to repetitive motion injuries, poor posture and improper body mechanics. While running there is a point in time at which both of your feet are off the ground. In order to prevent from slips and falls and other injuries the average runner should always be working on core stability. This usually involves exercises with a stability ball, wobble discs and one-legged exercises.

Along with core stability exercises, awareness of your core strength is taught by your physician/personal trainer with abdominal bracing. Abdominal bracing strengthens your core and pelvic floor muscles from the inside-out and can be increased with intensity by holding the braces stronger and longer.

If you are in need of help, contact us or your local chiropractor!

Thanks for reading!

Dr. Christine