Running Smart

The Running SMART® program, offered in Olathe, Kansas, is designed to meet the needs of runners of all ages and performance levels. We can help you improve your running biomechanics and reduce your chance of injury. We do this by studying how you move while running, evaluating your foot strike pattern, stride length, posture and cadence.

Our physical therapists work with you to develop a personalized plan to improve your running biomechanics and reduce your overall risk of injury.

We conduct a comprehensive evaluation that includes strength, flexibility and biomechanics assessments as well as a comprehensive videotaped running gait analysis and review.

Using this data, we tailor recommendations about running technique, strengthening and stretching programs, shoe selection and training progressions to meet your individual needs. You will learn how even small changes to your running mechanics can keep you running longer and safer.

Runners of all ages and skill levels, from beginners and weekend warriors to professional athletes, are candidates for the Running SMART program.

Novice runners are more likely to be injured and then stop running after the injury. This program can help you as a beginning runner learn to run correctly and avoid injury. 

For seasoned athletes, one of the biggest predictors of future injury is past injury. If you’ve been previously sidelined with a running injury you can benefit from a movement analysis to determine the root cause of the injury. 

Distance runners who are increasing their mileage or intensity are at increased risk for overuse injury if they are adopting anything but the most efficient movement strategy. This program can help you as a distance runner to correctly apply the most efficient movement strategy and avoid injury. 

If you have or have had any of the following injuries, you should consider a Running SMART evaluation of your stride:

• Achilles tendonitis
• Back or neck pain following running
• Calf strain
• Hamstring pull
• Hip pain
• Iliotibial band (IT band) syndrome (causing knee pain)
• Plantar fasciitis
• Runner’s knee
• Shin splints
• Stress fracture

Depending on your particular need, your physical therapist will use the following methods to help improve your running:

• Advice on training to prevent injury
• Cadence manipulation
• Flexibility exercises
• Joint or soft tissue mobilization
• Running from coaching
• Shoewear advice
• Strength exercises

Our physical therapists are experts and use the latest treatments and corrective therapies to help you return to running.

They work closely with medical providers and can communicate with your doctors and nurses about your progress or any new challenges. This helps create continuity in your care. We collaborate as part of your care team – whether that’s at the health system or elsewhere.

We use state-of-the-art equipment and technology and always make sure your physical therapy program prioritizes your health and minimizes your chance of injury.