Reported by the Mount Royal Leader - Oct. 29th, 2004.

Mount Royal’s Optimal Therapies department recently supplemented its impressive list of services with a new one-of-a-kind offering for active people.

The Running Injury Clinic, a service to treat and prevent running and walking injuries, is now open to students and employees of the College, as well as the general public.

"This highly specialized service is the only one of its kind in Western Canada," says Mark Lafave, Department Chair of Physical Education and Recreation Studies at Mount Royal. "We’re thrilled to add it to our arsenal of services."

According to Reed Ferber, Director of the Running Injury Clinic, the uniqueness of the service is its comprehensive nature.

"To better understand the science behind running injuries, I look at a number of clinical measurements such as leg length discrepancy, muscle strength, muscle weakness, muscle inflexibility and combine that with a scientific analysis of how a person walks or runs - their gait analysis," says Ferber.

Traditionally, clinical measurements and gait analysis was done separately. Ferber has taken this approach a step further by combining the two. "For most runners and walkers it is essential to look at both to determine the cause of to their injury," he says.

The new service will enhance Optimal Therapies’ existing services which include athletic therapy, massage therapy, physiotherapy and chiropractic. "It’s an ideal environment for the Running Injury Clinic because it’s so multi-disciplinary. My service will help other clinicians to understand more about what’ going on with some of their clients’ injuries," says Ferber.

Brian Fleming, Director, Campus Life, is pleased the clinic can offer something that is not only unique, but also complementary. "Adding a service such as this is a continuation of our efforts to expand and tailor our markets to the College community," he says.

With almost 10,000 running-related injuries in Calgary each year Ferber feels his service is a great fit for the city.

During a consultation, Ferber takes a client's measurements to determine how body structure, muscle flexibility and strength may influence the way they walk. Next, Ferber does a gait analysis by monitoring movement patterns as they run or walk o a treadmill to determine joint angles and excessive movements. A tailored treatment plan is given during a follow-up visit.

Lafave says there are very few clinicians with this type of specialized background and combination of clinical and educational expertise. "We are pleased to add Dr. Ferber to our team and to offer his services to the community," he says.

Ferber is a board certified athletic therapist and holds a Ph.D. from the University of Oregon in sports medicine and gait biomechanics. He specialized in research and clinical treatment of lower extremity injuries.

To find out more about the clinic, you can call Optimal Therapies at 440-6917 or visit www.runninginjuryclinic.com