Return to Running Checklist for Runners Rebounding from Injury

Running is a repetitive plyometric activity that involves a specific set of performance demands. Therefore, clearing injured runners for a safe return to training following injury should be premised on such demands. In the event a rehab professional fails to adequately prepare a runner for a safe return to training, the runner will invariably blow up only to find themselves hobbling home. In an effort to safeguard against such a situation, I thought it would be helpful to share my criteria/checklist to help rehabilitation professionals return injured runners to training in a safe and timely manner. Hopefully this provides you with a simple and objective framework in helping injured runners seeking your services. 
                                     STRONGER - FASTER - TOGETHER

1. BASIC UNDERSTANDING OF PAIN SCIENCE 
2. NO SIGNS NOR SYMPTOMS OF INFLAMMATION
3. ABILITY TO FULLY WEIGHT BEAR THROUGH THE AFFECTED EXTREMITY 
4. ADEQUATE TOE DEXTERITY
5. ABILITY TO BALANCE ON EACH LEG IN A WOBBLE FREE MANNER
6. IDEALLY 30+ DEGREES OF ISOLATED EXTENSION AT THE 1ST MTP
7. ABILITY TO PROGRESS THE LEG OVER THE FOOT (>20 DEGREES OF DF)
8. TOLERANCE TO OPEN & CLOSED CHAIN LOWER EXTREMITY CONTRACTIONS
9. GOOD FRONTAL & TRANSVERSE PLANE CONTROL AT THE TRUNK & HIP
10. TOLERANCE TO FITNESS WALKING (3.5MPH)
11. TOLERANCE TO A PROGRESSIVE WALK-RUN ROUTINE
11. ABILITY TO HOP ON EACH LEG IN MULTIPLE DIRECTIONS

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