Running is a natural human movement that we all begin soon after we learn to stand erect. As such, you might assume that there is no right or wrong way to run. However, the human body is mechanical in nature, a series of levers (bones) that rotate around fulcra (joints) when acted upon by muscles. Just like any other machine, it is subject to wear and tear, and body mechanics can become less efficient.
Poor postural habits, tight or weak muscles, and overuse can all affect the mechanical efficiency of your running gait. Unless corrected, poor running mechanics can lead to pain and injury, and can compromise your performance. Yet changing the way you run can be difficult without understanding the many factors that play into optimal running performance. Running Gait Re-Training is a personalized program that evaluates and analyzes your unique running gait, and fine tunes the mechanics behind it so you can enjoy a lifetime of pain free running with minimal risk of injury.
There are many benefits to running gait retraining. If you are recovering from an injury, RGR can be a great asset to your rehabilitation program. Improving your mechanics during the course of your recovery can help you grow stronger and maintain your strength gains as you begin to train again.
If you suffer from chronic pain associated with running, correcting your gait is critical to prevent further injury and to begin to run pain-free. If your goal is improved run time, RGR can tweak the mechanical deficiencies that are holding you back from peak performance. If you are new to running, RGR can teach you to run efficiently so you can avoid the pain and injuries often associated with running.
Dr. Kalika’s experience comes from working with Prof. Pavel Kolar the renowned Czech School of Rehabilitation as well as Prof. Christopher Powers who is one of the worlds leader in treatment and prevention of running injuries. Another unique approach that Dr.Kalika is certified in is ISM (integrated system model) therapy.This approach is now used by most elite EPL soccer teams (Manchester city and Chelsea) to keep their players away from injuries as well as for in season rehabilitation. Dr. Kalika has knowledge not only in several different types of therapy he also has expertise with diagnostic ultrasound, gait and running analysis, orthopedics, and sports medicine. The combination of all these different experiences helps him correctly diagnose and rehabilitate athletes better than most clinics in NYC. Dr. Kalika has also studied under top leading running authorities like Brian Hidershide and Irene Davis. These experiences and extra training has given Dr. Kalika the unique expertise in running performance.
Despite 10 years of experience with instrumented gait analysis, attending multiple running medicine conferences, certification in clinical biomechanics, and personal experience with Chris Powers, I decided to undertake this additional certification to ensure that no single detail concerning the assessment and treatment of running injuries escapes me.
Running Gait Retraining is personalized for each individual. The anatomy of every runner is unique, and therefore your body mechanics are also distinct. Running gait analysis is a complex science with a steep learning curve. After obtaining a comprehensive medical profile, NYDNR will analyze your movement mechanics using state-of-the art equipment that utilizes virtual imaging to identify problem areas. We will then design a training protocol and regimen to help you overcome deficiencies in your running gait.
The number of RGR sessions will vary with the needs of the individual. If recovering from an injury, you may need several sessions to help you get back to pain-free running. The clinicians at NYDNR will work with you for as many sessions as you need to overcome your mechanical deficiencies. Typically it will require just a few sessions to improve your running gait. It is also advised that you return to NYDNR for periodic check up sessions to ensure that old habits have not returned.
Dr. Kalika, I just want to thank you and your incredible team for helping me recover and run the NYC marathon for the 30th time this coming Nov. 7th. As you can see in the attached poster, the NYRRC had selected me as one of the runners in this year’s marketing campaign. When I got injured in June and visited various Dr. with no improvement , I was referred to you. When I came in, I could hardly walk, never mind running. Now I’m ready to tackle the NYC marathon for the 30th time! Thanks to Nick, Gregg, Sunny and Anna!! Your team is great and thanks to “your incredible personal attention” to my injuries! I’m ready!!