Specialty Services
RUNNING GAIT ANALYSIS
As someone who started out crippled after running 3 miles (while biking 3-4 hours without a problem), I had a sense that some people are just not built to run. Three years later, while training for the Mt Mitchell Challenge, my perspective had changed just a bit. I left my custom orthotics and motion-control shoes behind (literally, I left them in a parking lot one day) and progressively got lighter, more flexible shoes as my body told me to. Even after orthopedic surgery on my right leg (that’s a story for another day), I quickly returned to running typical distances for 30-50 miles per week without issue. While in Chicago, I got so bored I started running in Vibram Five- Fingers and eventually barefoot (flat surfaces bore me).With the insight from other running specialists (physical therapists, coaches, professional runners, trainers) I have been able to use the other aspects of physical therapy practice, combined with video gait analysis and training, to build programs for injury prevention and injury rehabilitation. Running / jogging /walking will be a core part of your recovery program, rather than something you do “once you are healed” as other health care providers might suggest.
FOOTWEAR & ORTHOTIC EVALUATION
Until Wesley discovered barefoot running, he was a long-time user of orthotics. Many providers fabricate orthotics, but at Anti-Fragile we always:
1- Look at how your entire body moves when you’re on your feet
2- Give you non-orthotic options to help improve your condition
3- Lay out why you should consider off the shelf orthotics, custom orthotics, or shoe changes
4- Discuss the pros and cons of making any or all of these choices
Referral to other practitioners for certain materials OR shoes are part of the primary issue and both need to be changed together. Asheville is lucky enough to have several great shoe stores that can help you out based on your needs and we will provide a footwear prescription for you to take to your shoe specialist.