Clinical Services

Our staff is committed to providing the best evidence-based treatments to enhance running skills and ensure all athletes can get back on their feet quickly and safely. The UR Medicine Running Clinic is dedicated not only to runners, but also to athletes who run as part of a sport, as well as cyclists, rowers, dancers or anyone else who relies on their feet, legs and joints to maintain an active, healthy lifestyle.

The UR Medicine Running Clinic offers:

• A team of experts dedicated to runners and running athletes, which includes orthopaedic physicians, certified athletic trainers, physical therapists and dietitians.
• Custom-tailored treatment and maintenance plans for runners, cyclists, rowers, dancers and other endurance athletes.
• Complimentary services and treatments, such as injury prevention counseling, dry needling, ultrasound, electrical stimulation/iontophoresis Active Release Techniques® & more.*
• Nutritional counseling, energy assessments and recommendations, all provided by our certified dietitian to help with healing from injury and optimizing performance, particularly in the elite athlete population.
• Education on skills that are needed to reduce the chances of injury, such as strengthening, agility, dynamic and static stretching and balance exercises.
• Sports performance and mental skills coaching to help runners prepare for races.
• Detailed gait analysis to assess for muscular imbalances and improve running performance.

*Some of these services are covered under the physical therapy component of health insurance plans and can be provided at any of our four locations. Patients should consult with their insurance carrier for coverage.

Running evaluation

Our team will provide you with a comprehensive lower body evaluation that focuses on strength, range of motion, flexibility and functional movement. We’ll ask you about your footwear, training goals, average running mileage, upcoming races, marathons or games. Our physical therapists will have you perform run-specific movements to gain an idea of how your body moves and how we can help.

Gait analysis

Gait analysis is the study of human motion — measuring every stride we take, at every speed. At the UR Medicine Running Clinic, we use specialized equipment to record, measure and analyze data in real time to identify posture- or movement-related issues in athletes, prevent injuries and help patients run more efficiently. Patients must be able to run for at least 10 minutes to complete this process.

Anti-gravity treadmill

Running or even walking again is sometimes impossible in the immediate aftermath of an injury. But with the AlterG® Anti-Gravity Treadmill®, runners can get back on their feet safely, as they continue to recover.

It uses patented differential air pressure technology to reduce pressure on a patient's lower body.

A pressurized “anti-gravity” chamber counteracts gravitational forces, gently adjusting body weight from 100% to as little as 20%. This reduces impact, pain and effort on a patient.

The AlterG® Anti-Gravity Treadmill® is only available at our Clinton Crossings location, however, patients being seen by a UR Medicine physical therapist at another location can discuss if this treatment is appropriate and schedule an appointment.

Dry needling

Dry needling is a technique similar to acupuncture. Thin needles are inserted in and around sore muscles or tender “trigger points” to improve flexibility and reduce pain. Dry needling zeroes in on the source of pain, whereas acupuncture uses needles to rebalance the energy flow along your body’s pathways. In New York state, dry needling can only be performed by a certified health professional, like those in our running clinic.

Active Release Technique®

Active Release Technique® (ART) is a patented, state-of-the-art soft tissue movement-based massage technique that can help relieve strains, sprains or overused muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves. Certified providers evaluate texture, tightness and movement of muscles, ligaments and tendons and treat abnormal tissue by combining precisely directed tension with very specific patient movements. This service is only available at our Clinton Crossings and Greece locations.

Iontophoresis

Iontophoresis is a non-invasive means of delivering anti-inflammatory medications to the body through the skin and underlying tissue, using a low-level electrical current. Instead of needles, patches are applied directly to the areas causing acute pain. Iontophoresis is often used to treat tendonitis, sprains and bursitis.

Therapeutic ultrasound

Ultrasound is a method of stimulating the tissue beneath the skin's surface using very high frequency sound waves. It can increase blood flow in the affected area, decrease pain by reducing swelling and edema and gently massage muscles, tendons and ligaments with no added strain.

Nutritional consultations

The food we put into our bodies can be crucial to what we want to get out of our bodies. Our certified dietitians will help you analyze your diet and create a plan so you can optimize your intake of carbohydrates, fat and proteins to enhance your performance — whether you’re a competitive athlete or a recreational one.

We offer one-on-one consultations, as well as programs for Lifestyle Modification, Injured Athletes and Peak Performance Athletes. These services are available at our Clinton Crossings location. It costs $75 for an initial evaluation and $45 for each additional 30-minute follow-up visit. For more information, please call (585) 341-9200.