by Brayan Fernando Lopez, PT, DPT, CSCS 

Endurance sports such as running, cycling, and long-distance events are increasingly popular. While these activities offer tremendous health benefits, they can also place significant stress on the body. To help athletes train safely and reduce their risk of injury, the sports medicine specialists at Excelsior Orthopaedics developed a program called  STRIDES —Striving to Reduce Injuries During Endurance Sports. STRIDES is for athletes of all levels. Its goal is simple: help athletes stay active, recover properly when injuries occur, and prevent future problems so they can continue doing what they love. 

Why Injury Prevention Matters.

Running-related injuries are extremely common. Studies suggest that a large percentage of runners experience an injury each year, including stress fractures, tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, knee pain, and muscle strains. Many are not from a single traumatic event but from repetitive stress, poor biomechanics, training errors, or muscle imbalances. STRIDES focuses on identifying these risk factors early and addressing them before they lead to injury. 

A Comprehensive Evaluation.

A detailed evaluation of each athlete is a key component of STRIDES. The team includes sports medicine physicians, physical therapists, athletic trainers, registered dieticians, and podiatrists. During an evaluation, providers assess several key factors, including strength, flexibility, balance, joint mobility, skeletal alignment, foot structure, functional movement patterns, and biomechanics. This analysis can reveal subtle issues—such as overstriding, uneven hip movement, or foot alignment problems—that may increase the risk of injury. 

Personalized Treatment and Training. 

Because every athlete’s body and training routine are different, STRIDES emphasizes individualized care. Based on evaluation findings, the team develops a customized plan that may include physical therapy, corrective exercises, strength training, and guidance on proper running technique. If an athlete is already injured, the program focuses on accurate diagnosis and targeted rehabilitation to help them recover safely and return to activity as quickly as possible. Physical therapy programs aim to restore strength, mobility, and stability while addressing the underlying causes of injury. Athletes may also receive recommendations for footwear, training modifications, and cross-training strategies to reduce repetitive strain. 

Supporting Athletes from Recovery to Performance.

 STRIDES doesn’t just treat injuries—it also supports athletes as they transition back to training and competition. Performance training programs improve endurance, strength, and running mechanics, helping athletes build resilience and reduce the risk of reinjury. Educational workshops and community outreach programs further help runners and endurance athletes learn about injury prevention, safe training techniques, and recovery strategies. 

Consistency is key to success, and STRIDES bridges sports medicine and athletic performance, offering expert guidance to help people train smarter and stay healthy. By combining medical expertise, biomechanical analysis, and personalized training plans, STRIDES helps Western New York athletes stay on track.
Brayan Fernando Lopez is a Board-Certified Orthopedic Physical Therapist and a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. Learn more about STRIDES and make an appointment by calling 716-250-6500 or emailing strides@excelsiorortho.com.