Canada’s only clinic devoted specifically to running injury is moving to the University of Calgary. Dr. Reed Ferber, a professor with the Faculties of Kinesiology and Nursing, says the University was a natural fit for his clinic.

"I’m excited about coming back to the University - research has always been at the heart of my clinic and I believe that by being on-campus – right down the hall from the Human Performance Lab and the Sports Medicine Centre - I’ll be able to accelerate my research program."

Ferber’s has a simple message for injured runners: "Visit a biomechanist!" he says with a laugh. Ferber points out that in New Zealand, biomechanists are already part of the health care system, routinely assessing injury and suggesting appropriate treatment.

Ferber follows a similar assessment approach and his results speak for themselves. Ferber says that since opening his clinic, an astonishing 90% of his patients report being pain free within four to six weeks.

"Many of the patients we see have suffered with chronic injury for years. They’re frustrated and they’ve tried everything else. I tell my patients that if a course of treatment isn’t working within two weeks, then its just not working. It’s time to get a new course of treatment, or maybe a new practitioner!"

Ferber may be putting himself out of business, since he says he sees his patients an average of just 1.1 visits. "I think the reason that we have such a high success rate is that as a biomechanist, I can identify the root of the problem and suggest an appropriate course of treatment. I can focus on the big picture."

Ferber’s new clinic which deals with both running and walking injury, will be fully operational by June 5th, however he plans to incorporate cutting edge technology like 3-D real time motion analysis by the Fall.

"This clinic is all about the best possible outcomes for my patients and using the cutting edge biomechanical research being done in the Human Performance Lab to improve people’s lives," says Ferber. "I also like the fact that my patients will have access to Kinesiology’s excellent health and fitness facilities and wellness programs."
 
The Running Injury Clinic will become part of the Faculty of Kinesiology’s dynamic Health & Wellness Program Centre which provides lifestyle and wellness programs like Trymgym and a cutting-edge program designed to help joint replacement patients achieve the best possible outcome.

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