The Running and Cycling Clinic at Des Moines University combines clinical expertise, experience and technology to evaluate and treat the specialized needs of runners and cyclists. The clinic integrates the services of the physical therapy department with the Human Performance Lab (HPL) in one convenient location.
Running and cycling have become two of the most popular and convenient forms of exercise. Along with the increase in participation both competitively and recreationally, increased injury rates have also been observed. Injury rates related to running or cycling can be as high as 85-90 percent. For individuals undergoing triathlon training approximately 70 percent will seek medical consultation. When running and cycling injuries occur, it may be difficult to determine who to see and often times the recommendations may vary greatly between providers. In extreme situations, the runner or cyclist may be advised to give up their passion of running or cycling if no solutions are identified.
The rehabilitation staff at the Des Moines University Running and Cycling clinic can help you sort out the problems that are inhibiting your running or cycling. Many of these issues are attributed to movement-related impairments or training issues that are not detectable by static tests such as MRI, x-ray and even some basic physical examination procedures. This is where a professional with movement-based training and sport-specific expertise may be able to provide solutions to your running or cycling-related injury or pain.
The running and cycling clinic is designed to provide individualized (not group-based) assessment and treatment of specific running or cycling concerns including pain, injury or performance.
Individualized services include:
- Physical examination (foot and body structural alignment, strength, flexibility, balance and movement patterns)
- Sport and rehabilitation-specific exercise instruction
- 2-D video analysis
- 3-D joint motion analysis
- Medically-biased bike fit
- Physiology testing (VO2 max and anaerobic threshold)
The services required will be dependent upon your unique situation. Following the examination, results will be discussed and a treatment plan or recommendations will be provided. Treatment may include specific exercises, manual therapy, footwear advise, bike adjustment recommendations and consultation regarding running or cycling mechanics and training parameters.
Injury-related examinations and services are typically covered as physical therapy services if you have medical insurance. Check with your insurance plan to see if you require a physician’s order to have physical therapy costs covered. Costs range from $100 to $400 per visit depending on the services provided.
If you do not have an injury-related condition, yet are seeking to prevent injury or enhance your current performance, medical insurance will not cover the costs of these services. Costs for typical services are listed below:
- Functional physical examination, video analysis and exercise recommendations ($150)
- Bike fit ($150)
- VO2 testing and interpretation on bike or treadmill ($125)
Call 515-271-1717 for more information or to schedule an appointment.