Getting Started

The primary goal of the assessment is to develop a running program for you.  This looks a little bit different in everyone depending on your medical and running history.  Mike has to gather all the information that he needs to get you running as safely and effectively as possible.

The assessment includes evaluation of:

• Pre-exercise screening (to make sure it is safe for you to run)
• Your health history,
• Running history,
• Current exercise regime (if any).
• Your goals,
• Barriers to running (ex. work-life balance) and
• Getting to know you!

Mike introduces you to:

• Running programs (ie. where to access them, what different terms mean and foundational training principles).
• How everything works (administratively).  For example, how to contact Mike and how to get your next month's training schedule.

Physical Assessment:

• An orthopaedic assessment is performed to assess variables that may effect your running and lead to injury.  Findings from this assessment can help Mike to individualize a supplementary exercise program for you.
• If you are injured, the physical assessment will be more focused on diagnosing your injury and delivering you the best care possible for that particular injury.  You will likely require follow-up appointments before the end of the month.

Exercise Prescription:

• Mike will get you started on some key exercises that he thinks should be done in conjunction with your running program.
• Exercise prescription is ongoing:
  • There are usually progressions to exercises and the focus of your exercise program may shift as you begin running.

In-person assessments are required to begin.  Follow-up appointments can be virtual.

In order to get the best experience out of your running program and for Mike to work with in his full capacity, an in-person assessment is necessary.  

In most cases, virtual follow-up appointments suffice.

Mike will let you know if he thinks an in-person follow-up is more appropriate.  If you are wondering, please reach out and ask him.

One case where in-person follow-up is most valuable:

• You are already receiving in-person physiotherapy treatment from Mike and your follow-up appointment is coming up.  This enables you to get your schedule for the month PLUS get continue your care with Mike.

Many aches, pains and injuries can be identified and effectively treated with exercises that can be prescribed virtually.  If an injury occurs, please reach out to Mike prior to your follow-up session so he can provide you with direction.

Regular communication is key to a successful running program and for Mike to give you the best service possible.

The main goal is to get your new running program and understand what you are doing for the next month. 

We talk about a lot.. including:

• How have your runs been feeling?
• Do you have aches or pains anywhere?
• How sustainable is the current running schedule (do we need to make adaptations)?
• The big picture (ie. where is the schedule going and what do we have planned for the future?)
• ..and much more.

Some of the services Mike can provide (regardless of whether it is in-person or virtual):

• *Education:  This is starred because there is so much to learn about running and how the body and mind works.  This is the time to ask Mike any questions you may have.
• Training schedule modifications.
• If necessary, Mike can modify your supplementary exercise program by progressing exercises or adding new ones.
• Any aches / pains that you are feeling can be assessed virtually or in-person.  If something requires in-person care, Mike will let you know. 

Goal/Race Preparation:

• Pacing strategy
• Nutrition
• Pre-race planning (ex. heat adaptation, altitude adaptation and organizing your life so that you can stay focused and "in the zone" for your big day)
• Race planning (ie. gear, drop bags, support)

There are 2 situations where this might happen:

1. You are not receiving a running schedule but want a running schedule PLUS you have an injury.
2. You are already receiving a monthly schedule but you sustained a NEW injury and you need your next month's schedule at the same time.

In either case, if this is a NEW injury that Mike has never seen AND you want a running schedule at the same time, a physiotherapy initial assessment with running program appointment type must be booked.  This appointment type gives Mike the time needed to properly assess you injury and develop a treatment plan.

If you DON'T need a new running schedule, then you can book an appointment without a running schedule.  Mike can perform the same initial assessment and treatment, but will not be providing a running program after the appointment is over.  Rather, Mike will provide you with some recommendations about how to modify your running program over a period of time.

If you are injured, Mike may recommend weekly follow-ups to start out.  He will want to monitor your progress and work closely with you to ensure you are progressing.  It all depends on your injury though!

This works fine.  Many people see other rehabilitation professionals in conjunction with physiotherapy, not just other physiotherapists.

There are some important things to keep in mind:

• Mike still has to perform his own assessment.
  • This stands even if you are being treated by another healthcare provider for an injury AND even if Mike has their reports. 
• Mike is happy to integrate the skills and recommendations of other healthcare providers he will likely have his own recommendations based on his assessment.