#choosept1st

[virtualphysicaltherapists]

Level up your game and don’t be afraid on injuries during running or playing any sports get in touch with us any time anywhere- no prior appointment needed. https://bit.ly/336Or4b

[jgorden2-blog]

Happy Physical Therapy Month to all the Physical Therapists and Physical Therapist Assistants changing lives every day!! #ChoosePT1st #LetsMove #PhysicalTherapyRocks https://www.instagram.com/p/B3xa6xPlN-BRy2uG4S5IBUbVDAn0EOvkL2ULSs0/?igshid=h4vqtkn66vg0

[appletherapy]

Can Running Help Our Joints?

June 30, 2017

Karin Biskovich, MPT

CAN WE STRENGTHEN OUR SPINAL DISCS?

A new article just published in Scientific Reports interestingly showed a positive change in intervertebral disc (IVD) height in a group of runners versus non-runners.  A group of 79 subjects ages 25-35 included a non-sporting group, joggers (20-40km/week), and long-distance runners (50+ km/week). The runners and joggers had to be performing this distance for a minimum of 5 years. The testing showed better hydration in the IVD in the runners versus non-runners.  Furthermore, the height of the IVD in the long -distance runners was higher than the joggers.  When they looked more closely at the speed of running that supported the most benefits for the IVD, they found that fast walking or slow running had the most positive change in the IVD height. 

RUNNING AND HIP/KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS

Now that we have started talking about the benefits of running we may as well continue.  In the recent issue of The Journal of Sports and Orthopedic Physical Therapy, a group performed a systematic review looking at the prevalence of knee and hip osteoarthritis (OA) in recreational runners (amateur, non-professional), non-runners/sedentary individuals, and competitive runners (professional/elite athletes).  They included 25 studies with 125,810 individuals and found the prevalence of OA in competitive runners to be 13.3%, recreational runners 3.5%, and non-runners 10.2 %. 

In conclusion, don’t shy away from recreational running for general health and exercise.  The PT’s at Apple Therapy can help you get started; teaching people the proper way to stretch and offering support should they encounter any pain or issues.