Reducing the Risk of Running-Related Injuries

Denise Smith, PT and founder of Smith Physical Therapy+, presents on reducing running-related injuries by enhancing biomechanics, technique training, and targeted strength development. She notes that running, a fundamental skill often untaught, leads to preventable injuries labeled as “overuse” due to poor mechanics and overstriding. Video analysis, skill-specific drills, and exercises can address these issues, as 85% of injuries are linked to overstriding. Smith explains that runners absorb forces ranging from two to seven times their body weight, emphasizing the importance of proper technique, cadence control, and strengthening key muscles, such as the hamstrings and gluteus medius. Warm-up drills, mobility training, and tools such as metronomes and power straps are recommended to reinforce efficient movement. In conclusion, Smith emphasizes the importance of individualized assessment, video feedback, and evidence-based strength programs to enhance performance and reduce injury risk, urging professionals to integrate running-skill instruction and highlight the crucial role of athletic trainers.

BIO

Denise Smith holds a Master’s Degree in Physical Therapy from Marquette University. She also travels nationwide with the Pose Method Education Team, delivering lectures on injury prevention and treatment and leading certification courses on running technique.  As a certified running technique specialist, Denise brings extensive experience in working with runners from an injury prevention and rehabilitation perspective. Her primary focus is on runners and triathletes aiming to enhance efficiency, reduce injury risk, or recover from running-related injuries. Using tools such as video analysis, technique drills, strengthening exercises, and education, she helps athletes across various sports improve their running skills. Denise also leads workshops for teams, individuals, and groups on the Pose Method of Running and other running-related topics. Denise recently took on the role of Assistant Coach for the Marian Central Catholic High School Cross Country Team. In this position, she seizes the opportunity to teach proper running techniques while also fostering leadership skills, teamwork, confidence and a lifelong passion for running as a foundation for future success. The impact Denise had on her athletes this past season was remarkable, but the impact they had on her was even more profound. She eagerly looks forward to continuing her journey as a coach, striving to inspire her athletes to shape a positive and successful future. She believes a strong foundational understanding of proper technique can lead to a life-long love of running for all levels of runners.