CoreAlign From the Perspective of an Expert Physical Therapist - by Angela Listug-Vap

By Angela Listug-Vap, DPT, FAAOMPT

The big picture to me is INJURY PREVENTION. The key to injury prevention is training the body to withstand the repetitive stress of running. In order to do this several areas must be addressed:
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1. Good STRENGTH in both your power muscles and stabilizers. It is frequently weak stabilizing muscles in the trunk, hip and lower leg that lead to the most common running injuries including ITB syndrome, Patellar Tendinitis, and Plantar Fasciitis.
2. Maintaining good FLEXIBILITY and MOBILITY in your power muscles and lower extremity joints. With most running injuries tightness/stiffness in hamstrings, hip flexors, quadriceps, calves and/or ankle joints are playing a leading role.
3. Solid BALANCE REACTIONS are important so as you move from one leg to the other you’ll be able to react to all the changes in ground forces without a second thought. The best way to improve balance reactions is to practice.
4. Training your body to put all the above foundations together and use efficient MOVEMENT STRATEGIES to get the job done well.

CoreAlign is an exercise method that addresses all of the above in a functional position (standing) with the ability to use reciprocal gait patterns (moving legs in the same way we walk and run).  It gives variety to the body so you won’t get bored. A CoreAlign class or session is a huge time saver for the runner trying to ‘get it all in’. Ideally one hour, twice a week and your body will reap all the benefits that a successful runner needs.  From a PT perspective it is a training and rehab gem.
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Try CoreAlign for yourself! The Core Studio offers free scheduled 15 minute demos, or sign up for a free “Feel It First” hour-long class  on the first Monday of each month.  Find out more information by viewing our Core Studio website by clicking here, or call 406-541-2606 to reserve your spot.