What I Learned from a RUNANATOMY Assessment

If you follow me on social media you've likely caught on that I'm running the SF Half Marathon in July with #teamunicorn. While I've run pretty consistently my whole life, this is my first half marathon. It wan't until working with my physical therapist and getting my left foot more mobile that I could run more than five miles without pain. Now, almost magically, I can run long distances (up to 15 miles so far!) without pain.

But I wanted to be smart about this. I realized there could be some dangers to running 20-30+ miles per week over many months. So before I really amped up my training, I worked with the awesome Dr. Justin Jellin, DPT, ART to have my running gate, muscle output and form professionally analyzed in a RUNATOMY assessment. 

Dr. Jellin and his team were amazing and gave me helpful things to tweak, new shoe suggestions and better warm ups and post run stretches to keep me safe and injury free. It was well worth the modest cost and time investment. And yes, I had electrodes in my pants! (To measure the strength and output of various muscles.) The video play back and analysis was extremely helpful. You can see my side view here and back view here. I interviewed Dr. Jellin below so you can learn more about RUNATOMY and decide whether you could benefit from a similar experience. Run safe! 

1. What is RUNATOMY and what can clients expect to learn from the assessment?

RUNATOMY is a custom video running analysis.  Using slow motion video analysis in addition to EMG (electromyography) we analyze runners' form to make sure they are running safe and efficiently.  Clients can expect to learn if they are running correctly, the amount of utilization of each muscle, how to run faster, and how to be a safe runner.  Additionally, at the end of each session the client is given referrals or recommendations for things such as running shoes, insoles, and corrective exercises.  Each client spends one on one time with our running specialists so they understand the fundamentals of how to run better, faster, and safer. 

2. What are some of the most common issues you find with your patients and how do you help them run better?

Some of the most common issues I find with RUNATOMY clients is that they come in with knee, hip, or ankle pain while they are running.  Commonly I see plantar fasciitis, runner's knee, and shin splints when a client is in pain.  Often I find runner's let their knees become unstable or land too hard on their heels during their assessment.  With many runner's it's making sure they understand their running form and how it relates to their anatomical structure, upon that foundation of knowledge giving each client running cues and/or recommendations such as proper footwear is helpful to improve their running form. 

3. Can you tell us about the technology and equipment you use and how it works?

RUNATOMY uses a slow motion video analysis through an App called Dartfish in addition to ATHOS wearable shorts which allow us to monitor muscle activity through EMG (electromyography).  Our slow motion video allows us to draw angles and measure ankle, knee, hip, and torso position while a client is running.  Our EMG shorts allow us to calculate the amount of muscle activation of the important hip musculature while running.  Combining the slow motion video and EMG shorts allows us to analyze if a clients running is safe and efficient. Additionally, it helps us determine if we need to prescribe specific corrective exercises to strengthen various muscles. 

4. What's your background and can you tell us about GSPORTS?

I have a background as a Physical Therapist graduating with my Doctorate in Physical Therapy from University of the Pacific.  Additionally, I specialize in sports medicine, specifically in the treatment of runners.  My idea for RUNATOMY came from seeing so many runner's in general practice and realizing there was a great need for custom video running analysis.  GSPORTS Physical Therapy specializes in the treatment of orthopedic conditions with all of our doctors specializing in sports medicine.  Additionally, we accept most major insurance plans and are located across from Equinox on Pine street in the Financial District. 

5. How can someone book a RUNATATOMY assessment with you?

To book a RUNATOMY assessment call GSPORTS Physical Therapy (415) 732-5608 or feel free to email the RUNATOMY@gsportspt.com