top
Total Solution Packs Focus of the Whole You
Shop   -  Blog  -  Index  -  About  -  Contact  -  Home

Doctors For Runners
What Runners Should Look for In a Doctor

Road Runner Sports Run Today Newsletter

Although we hope that you're staying healthy and uninjured, at some point in time you're going to need the services of a medical professional. Choosing the right doctor can be downright confusing, even scary, these days. Managed care, HMOs, PPOs, utilization review, gatekeeper…and on and on! What's a runner to do?

I'm Special!
Yes, you are. As a runner you have special needs, it doesn't matter whether you can run a mile in 4:00 minutes or a marathon in six hours, the fact that you run sets you apart from many of the patients most doctors see.
Keep in mind that physicians are used to seeing people who are sick. The average American is getting heavier and more sedentary, as a result many of the diseases they develop are illnesses that reflect their lifestyles: diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers. When a fit runner (or anyone who works out regularly) walks into their office, some doctors don't understand that their low blood pressure and pulse rate, enlarged heart, and perhaps small amounts of red blood cells in their urine (particularly if they're a distance runner) is perfectly normal.

When I was running three or four marathons a year, I once had a doctor order an EKG and extensive blood work when I presented with symptoms that indicated that I was dehydrated from a 22-mile run in 60+ degree weather the day before. She even questioned me over and over again about my "drug use", convinced that I was a regular cocaine user! Finally a nurse (who was also a distance runner) and had talked to me about my training, was able to convince the doctor that what I really needed was fluids and I would be fine. I appreciated the physician's concern and getting an EKG and having blood drawn certainly didn't hurt me, but my insurance company might have been spared the cost of all those tests if the doctor had had a better understanding of how "different" runners can be.

Who to Choose
There are many different kinds of health care professionals for you to choose from. They include:

  • Medical doctors (M.D.)
  • Osteopathic doctors (D. O.)
  • Podiatrists (D. P. M.)
  • Physical therapists (R. P. T.)
  • Orthopedists
  • Chiropractors (D. C.)
  • Neuromuscular therapists (C. N. M. T.)
  • Holistic health practitioner (H. H. P.)

Some of these doctors may be "sports medicine specialists", but keep in mind that as of only a few years ago, the American Board of Medical Specialties still does not officially recognize sports medicine as a specialty. Until recently "sports medicine specialists" have learned their specialty on-the-job, but luckily that has begun to change during the last several years. Fellowships are now available for interested physicians to apply for fellowships. Doctors who are trained in another area (perhaps orthopedic or internal medicine) spend one or two years training in a sports medicine clinic. Once the training is completed, they take an exam so they can receive a Certificate of Added Qualifications.

It pays to be aware that just because a physician or physical therapist is certified in sports medicine still doesn't guarantee that they will have experience treating runners. An orthopedist who treats your local high school football team may not be the best choice for you. Most football injuries are traumatic, while the majority of running injuries are caused by overuse. Find a doctor who has experience working with runners, you're more apt to get the proper care and treatment for your injury. Definitely steer clear of doctors who treat professional teams. Pro teams often choose their doctor group based on economics, rather than skill. Physician groups place bids with the teams, and a group may be chosen because its numbers look favorable.

Who Should I See First?
If you're a member of a health maintenance organization (HMO) or preferred provider option plan (PPO), which the majority of people are nowadays, you will have to see your primary care physician or "gatekeeper" first. They can refer you to other specialists as needed. A primary care doctor can be either a medical doctor or an osteopath. The main difference between medical doctors and osteopaths is in some aspects of the training. Osteopaths receive much of the same training, and are usually admitted to the same specialty residency programs as doctors who graduated from "traditional" medical schools, but osteopathic training emphasizes holistic medicine and manipulative treatments.

What to Expect if You're Referred
Whether your primary care physician refers you to another doctor depends on your injury and/or condition. He or she can probably treat you for most non-musculoskeletal problems. However, chronic overuse injuries such as Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, shin splints, and knee pain require a specialist.

  • Podiatrists have had several years of residency beyond internship during which they study musculo-skeletal problems exclusively. They limit their practice to treating conditions below the knee. Since many running-related conditions affect the feet, a good podiatrist can certainly help you keep you the road! Podiatrists can assess your gait and make orthotics.
  • Physical therapists may hold certifications in subspecialties such as neurology, cardiopulmonary, sports medicine and orthopedics. Sometimes they hold free sports screening appointments (or "runner's clinics"), particularly during the days immediately preceding a big race such as a marathon.
  • Orthopedists also have had several years of residency beyond their internships. Many orthopedists further sub-specialize in areas such as back surgery or joint replacement.
  • Chiropractors are helpful if you don't require prescription medication or surgery, which many runners find to be much more palatable anyway. Many chiropractors have massage therapists who work with them to treat conditions such as sciatica, lower back pain and hip problems.
  • Holistic health care practitioners use non-invasive, non-pharmaceutical techniques and therapies such as acupuncture, medical herbalism, homeopathy and other non-traditional methods to treat conditions and illnesses.
  • Neuromuscular therapists use a precise system of evaluation and application of advanced soft tissue therapy to treat various problems such as postural distortions, dysfunctional biomechanics, ischemia (lack or loss of blood flow to tissues), trigger points and nerve compression and or/entrapment.

Keep in mind that your primary care physician will probably not refer you to a chiropractor, holistic health care practitioner or a neuromuscular therapist if you're a member of an HMO or PPPO. If you want to explore one of these options, you will have to pay out-of-pocket for their services.

Internet Health Care Directory
Check out the Internet addresses below for more information on finding a health care professional to treat your specific injury or running related condition.

American Medical Athletic Association
www.americanrunning.org

American College of Sports Medicine
www.acsm.org

Foot Care Treatment Information
www.footweb.com

Information on Chiropractic Care
health.yahoo.com/health/Alternative_Medicine
/Alternative_Therapies/Chiropractic


Information on Holistic Medicine
www.holisticmed.com

Information on Neuromuscular Therapy
www.ncbtmb.com
back to top
Join the BODi Team
and Save 20% on
BODi Products

Learn About This Rewarding Business Opportunity
Annual BODi Membership
With Live Streaming Workouts
Now Just $179.00!
Beachbody On Demand Annual Membership with BODi Free Trial
Try the BODi Shake
30 Day Risk-Free Guarantee

Shakeology Daily Dose of Dense Nutrition
BODi and Shakeology Bundle
Save $284.78

Beachbody On Demand and Shakeology Bundle
BODi Performance Bundle
Save $269.78

Beachbody On Demand Performance Bundle
Free Sample Workouts
XB Sweat + Sculpt
Free Sample Workout
LIIFT MORE
Free Sample Workout
4 Weeks for Every Body
Free Sample Workout
FIRE AND FLOW
Free Sample Workout
Job 1
Free Sample Workout
645
Free Sample Workout
Let's Get Up
Free Sample Workout
9 Week Control Freak
Free Sample Workout
30 Day Breakaway
Free Sample Workout
#MBF
Free Sample Workout
Barre Blend
Free Sample Workout
10 Rounds
Free Sample Workout
LIIFT4
Free Sample Workout
Transform :20
Free Sample Workout
Shift Shop
Free Sample Workout
Mes de Mas
Free Sample Workout
What is Team BODi?
Free Sample Workouts
Streaming Workouts
Try Shakeology Risk-Free
Workout Programs
Nutrition Programs
Workout & Nutrition Bundles
Nutrition Products
Free Online Coaching
Free Sample Workouts
Lose Weight
Get Fitter
Team Howtobefit on Facebook Team Beachbody Coach Rich Dafter on Instagram Team Beachbody Coach Rich Dafter's Blog
Coach Rich Dafter
CEO and Head Coach
Rich Dafter
Top      
The goal of BODi is to provide you with solutions to reach your health and fitness goals. Click here to learn more about BODi Coach Rich Dafter.

Disclaimer: BODi® does not guarantee any level of success or income from the BODi Coach Opportunity. Each Coach's income depends on his or her own efforts, diligence, and skill. See the US Statement of Independent Coach Earnings

© 2023 Howtobefit.com  -  About   -  Contact  -  Join My Team  -  Site Map  -  Shop   -  Home