Continuing our “Running Form” series…
If you haven’t figured it out by now, we’re pretty into running around here!
Well… we actually might be a little more than just “pretty into running” since we make it our mission to learn and educate our clients as much as possible about how to maximize their running performance (no matter what level they are at) all while staying healthy along the way!
One of the coolest ways that we get to apply our knowledge with our clients is through our comprehensive 3D Running analysis service at AWAKEN that categorizes a runner’s form into one of twelve different categories!
If you missed our Newsletter or blog post about over-striding and cadence, make sure to check those out here.
Next up: “COLLAPSING” mechanics
So what on earth does collapsing mean in terms of running form? Well I’m glad you asked…
Collapsing occurs when the foot, ankle, knee, hip, and/or pelvis excessively drop down or rotate inward in response to the forces transmitted into the leg during the stance phase of running (when the leg is on the ground).
Research estimates that our leg as a whole typically absorbs up to 2-3 times our body weight and the Achilles tendon in particular can absorb up to 6-8 times our body weight during the stance phase of running!
That’s a significant amount of force our body has to be prepared to withstand!
Unfortunately, when the body is unable to absorb the forces appropriately this can often lead to “collapsing” mechanics - and this excessive collapsing then typically leads to inefficiency and a significant increase in injury risk!
So what can we do about COLLAPSING mechanics?
Well we first need to actually identify the specific cause of the “collapsing” mechanics - this is how we can be sure that we are actually going to target the most effective treatment solution!
Some typical causes of “collapsing” running mechanics are:
Over-striding: we’ve heard about this topic in a recent newsletter/blog, but once again if the leg lands too far in front of the body this can cause excessive force into the leg that the body is not able to absorb as adequately
Ankle/Hip Stiffness: significant stiffness in the ankle or hip (as is discovered in A LOT of runners) typically means that these stiffer body regions aren’t able to absorb forces as well potentially causing another region to have to excessively collapse as a compensation
Foot/Arch Instability: if a runner lacks stability through the foot/arch, it is common for them to demonstrate with excessive collapsing of the arch and/or inward turning of the knee
Hip/Core Weakness: if a runner lacks strength and stability of their core/glute muscles in particular, this can commonly lead to the pelvis dropping downward and/or the hip dropping inward toward the body
If you notice from this list, there are potential form reasons, mobility reasons, and strength/stability reasons for why “collapsing” mechanics can occur - and certain runners could even potentially have a mix of all of these reasons!
So this is why it is so important to have a trained specialist perform an individualized evaluation to ensure that you are treating the actual ROOT CAUSE of the running form category!
Are you ready to take your running to the next level!?
At AWAKEN, our 3-Dimensional Running Gait Analysis service is a 90-minute session that includes a running-specific movement screen, a helix 3D running gait analysis, a 10-page packet detailing the results of the analysis, and individualized running cues, drills, and exercises for your individual running form.
This analysis provides our clients with an objective, visual representation of their running form allowing us to determine the root cause of injuries and inefficiencies!
If you are tired of continually dealing with a nagging pain/injury that you train through hoping it will go away or if you feel like you are stuck in a rut with your current training, then it’s time to give us a call!
We not only perform the 3D running form evaluations, but we are currently still accepting a limited amount of clients interested in individualized run coaching!
Reach out via the link below today to request a FREE phone consultation and learn about how our services can help you AWAKEN YOUR POTENTIAL!!!
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