A complete biomechanical evaluation

In the past 10 years I've received many e-mails from injured athletes. Injuries are part of all athlete's lives, but when the injury prevents them from participation, runners get crazy, except one -- Bill Rodgers. He's run 58 marathons, and to this day still logs 60 miles per week. Except for a spiral fracture of his right lower leg two years ago, Bill has been blessed at the very least by great genetics. He's suffered with short bouts of plantar fascitis and achilles tendonitis, but all in all, the leg fracture was the most severe injury he's ever had.

A Structural FingerprintTM Exam, which looks at an athlete from an architectural perspective, allowed us to get a little insight into what keeps him ticking. This exam gives both a status report of an athlete's structure, as well as identifying structural imbalances. These imbalances are always the underlying cause of most running injuries. Over time, specific areas of the body prematurely break down due to the constant aggravation of that area. Until these imbalances are identified on examination and corrected, further breakdown is predictable. The exam is the first step in our Structural ManagementTM Program.

The digital scan of Bill's feet in the standing position shows a slight imbalance between the two sides of the body. Further exam shows a 5/8" shortness of the left leg, the type of shortness that requires a lift in that shoe. Bill has worn a lift for many years, which is part of the reason he's had so few injuries. The soles of Bill's shoes show a difference in the wear and tear, further suggesting some imbalances. He also is a supinator, which suggests there is minimal shock absorption in his feet, as a supinated foot, or high arch, is a more rigid arch. We recommended cushioned shoes, as well as custom orthotics. The orthotics help to support the arches that are there, while also providing further quality shock absorption.

Range of motion of the two hip joints shows a restriction of the left hip, which was identified once we took Bill's x-rays in the standing position. The four standing x-rays must be taken in the standing position to see the athlete's biomechanics, and to see the structure under the influence of gravity. The dramatic increase in the need for hip replacements today begins with loss of normal mobility, which often can be detected long before symptoms begin.

The most telling sign on Bill's exam can be seen from the side view x-ray of his low back. This clearly could be confused with the x-ray of a 25-year-old. Not only are his biomechanics virtually perfect (great pelvic angle and center of gravity), but the status report of his structure shows very little wear and tear, healthy disc spaces as well as good, strong bone in his low back. There are no arthritic indicators, something unheard of for a 58 year old with the running history that Bill has. With these findings, his priority now is to just keep good mobility in the joints of his hips and spine, which can be done with regular adjustments.

All in all, Bill's biomechanical imbalances and wear and tear are minimal relative to most other runners. Any runner who suffers from chronic knee, low back or hip pains, muscle pulls or tendonitis, this exam will help uncover the imbalances that are the underlying cause. Until a runner locates and corrects these imbalances, the conditions continue. Unfortunately, this very often leads to a life of no more running.

Recommendations for Bill

Custom orthotics with a 3/8" - 1/2" lift in the left shoe is needed, as well as the use of cushioned shoes. Weekly massages, which Bill has done all his life, should continue. In addition, add once per week chiropractic adjustments to the feet, knees, hips, and full spine to maintain mobility in all joints. If an area becomes inflamed or irritated, use cold laser therapy until restored to normal. Continue using The Stick for both muscle warm-up and recovery, and consider using a proteolytic enzyme nutritional supplement, as well as glucosamine, on a daily basis. With this type of "Structural ManagementTM", Bill drastically increases his odds of running the rest of his life.

Dr. Maggs writes for many magazines and travels the country 25 weekends a year teaching The Structural ManagementTM Program to doctors in an effort to build his Structural ManagementTM Network and to raise the awareness of biomechanics in sports today. RunningDr@aol.com and www.DrTimMaggs.com .