RunWell

The Run Well program is designed for runners of all ability levels and speeds! It is very helpful for new runners or runners who have been injured in the past to help make sure they can continue to run with less pain. It can also help runners who have been running for years to break through training plateaus or help them continue to run as they get older. Whether you are young or old, new or veteran, fast or slow – the RunWell program is for you!

The program helps with common running injuries caused by improper running form. Plantar fasciitis, Achilles’ tendinitis, shin splints, patellofemoral (knee) pain, IT band syndrome, hamstring strains, low back pain, sciatica and stress fractures are just a few of the injuries that can result from improper form. Many runners seek other treatments that simply alleviate the pain but do nothing to address the cause of the problem. This usually leads to recurrence of the same injury or a new one taking its place.

The RunWell program is a cash-based program different from traditional physical therapy. It is designed for runners who are pain-free or only experiencing minor pain when they run. You will be asked to run as part of your program and usually minor pain will clear up as your form changes. You will also be given a home exercise program of four to five exercises per session that are designed to improve your running. Typically, the sessions are only one visit every other week for up to three sessions (instead of multiple times per week for several weeks). No prescription is needed to do the RunWell program.

It is recommended that runners who are unable to run at all due to pain begin with a physical therapy evaluation. In these instances, runners require more frequent visits and more extensive evaluation and treatment. Clients must first alleviate pain before they are ready to safely run. Once ready to run, clients can transition to the RunWell program. Cost of therapy sessions will differ depending on your insurance and a prescription may be required depending on which insurance plan you are on. You can call TherapyPlus and have us check on your insurance benefits for pricing and discuss if therapy may be a better option for you. It is also recommended to request to schedule with Doug, the RunWell physical therapist, so the transition is seamless when you are ready for the RunWell program.

The full RunWell program includes three sessions. The first session is one hour long and includes a full evaluation, video analysis with breakdown and prescription of your personalized program. The two follow-up sessions are 30 minutes long and are used to progress your program and continue to address other running form changes. These three sessions are typically spaced out over three to six weeks in order for the running form changes to take effect.

Runners needing more or less instruction to meet their goals may also choose to purchase the initial evaluation or additional follow-ups individually. After the initial evaluation, we will be able to give you recommendations for how many sessions you would benefit from based off of your findings.

You are welcome to submit the program to your insurance company personally for reimbursement. It is recommended you contact your insurance provider ahead of time to see if the program will be reimbursable.

Runners from out of town frequently do the RunWell program. The sessions are designed to be spaced out in order for changes to occur over time. Visits can be spaced out for weeks or even months to coincide with your schedule. Those who rarely come to Lincoln can also utilize the initial evaluation without follow-ups. The education and program you get from one session is enough to have a positive impact on your running! If you have concerns about your schedule, please call to discuss possible options.

Yes! You will see changes after your first visit. Initially, the changes may seem awkward and may feel foreign, but over three to four runs, the new form will feel much more natural. It is also normal to experience slight soreness in different muscles as you learn to use the correct muscles to help you run faster and more efficiently. Typically, the body will adapt to these changes in the one to two weeks as part of sessions.

Please arrive 10 to 15 minutes before your first appointment to fill out basic paperwork. You will need your current running shoes and clothes to run in. In order to ensure good video quality, it is recommended that you wear shorts or running tights and a short-sleeved T-shirt. Please do not wear black tops with black bottoms as this also makes poor video quality. It is also recommended that you bring a pair of old running shoes so that we may examine your wear pattern.