London Marathon 2011
The Marathon is an extremely competitive event to gain an entry place. Injury prevention strategies will ensure that your training in the months leading up to the marathon won’t be in vain.
Our Marathon Packages includes:
- Initial Physiotherapy - muscle balance assessment and running gait analysis to assess possible causes of current and future injuries.
- Podiatry/Chiropody - biomechanical in-depth study of pain and discomfort, in this case related to foot function.
- Strength & Conditioning Coach to review physiotherapy findings and map these into a periodised and progressive training program.
- Sports Massage to release tension in muscles and prevent injury.
Click here to view our Marathon Packages for 2011
What is a Muscle Balance Assessment?
A Muscle Balance assessment is specifically designed to detect imbalances in posture and gait that can lead to injury. When a joint is incorrectly aligned, the muscles that normally protect the joints are compromised in their performance and as a result, they weaken.
Other muscles may be recruited as a substitute but their performance will be less than that of the muscle designed for the task.
Why have a Muscle Balance Assessment?
- It will help identify areas to work on that will improve strength and flexibility, enhance running efficiency and prevent injury.
- The results of this muscle balance assessment will be discussed with you and a programme designed to correct any imbalances detected.
- Our strength and conditioning team will focus your training on injury prevention and be able to monitor your progress along the way.
What is Video Gait Analysis?
High-speed digital equipment is used to record recurrent movement patterns that take place during walking, and running. It is additionally used to record the movement patterns that occur with specific sports. This can include a tennis serve, a golf swing, bowling and throwing or kicking a football. Each activity requires control, precision and power.
Most individuals are unaware of their own particular patterns of movement and are often very surprised when they see a recording of themselves in motion. Few individuals move as they imagine themselves to.
Normal and Faulty Movement Patterns
In normal movement specific muscles are recruited in a finely co-ordinated sequence. If incorrect muscles are recruited or are incorrectly activated faulty movement patterns develop, alignment of joints alter, pain and/or injury can develop and performance may be markedly reduced.
How does it work?
A physiotherapist uses video equipment to record your movement patterns. This is played back to you through a computer. As you are watching, the physotherapist will replay and capture the frames that highlight areas of poor alignment or faulty technique patterns. They will explain exactly what you are looking at, what is happening and why. You will gain new insights into how you move and recruit your muscles.
Copies of these images are kept on file for your own reference. We can also supply you with a brief written report.
What happens next?
We will provide you with the solution to resolving any problem areas we have identified. A personalised and progressive exercise rehabilitation plan will be devised for you to ensure that you achieve and maintain optimal muscle activity and control.
Long Term Benefits
Patterns of movement that may lead to pain and discomfort can almost always be transformed into movement patterns that:
- ensure joints are correctly aligned
- can noticeably improve performance
- minimise the risk of injury
You can benefit from Video Analysis,
- if you suffer from persistent pain or discomfort during or after excercise, recurrent injuries or reduced level of performance
- if you would like a precise analysis of your own particular movement patterns or running style
- if you would like to learn how to use your muscles to their optimal capacity whilst simultaneousley minimising the risk of injury
Info And Booking
Your assessment will take one hour. Prior to the video analysis your physiotherapist will sit down with you to learn more about your history. This is to ensure they are aware of your concerns and priorities and any potential problem areas.
You will need to bring a pair of trainers or appropriate walking shoes, shorts and sports top for the video analysis.
If the video reveals potential problem areas your physiotherapist will also test specific muscles for strength, timing and control.
