Don’t Forget the Hip Flexors!
Why strong, efficient hip flexion is important for running, and how to improve yours.
Joe Uhan
Title: Stay the Course Columnist
Location: Eugene, Oregon
Social Media Links:
Linkedin | Twitter | Instagram | Website
Expertise
- Topics of Expertise: Physiotherapy, sports medicine, sports science, run coaching, trail running, ultrarunning
- Amount of Expertise: 25 years of competitive running, including 12 years as an ultrarunner, 20 years coaching running, 13 years of physiotherapy
Education & Certifications
- Education: Bachelor of Arts, Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire; Master of Arts, Kinesiology, University of Minnesota; Doctorate of Physical Therapy, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
- Years of Professional Experience: 10
- Certifications: Board Certified Orthopedic Specialist in Physical Therapy, Certified Functional Manual Therapist, USA Track & Field Level II Certified Coach
- Club or Association Memberships: American Physical Therapy Association Member
- Other Relevant Positions, Current and Past: Former contributor to Ultrarunning Magazine and Trail Runner magazine
A Word from Joe Uhan
I aim to offer unique clinical and athletic insights on the issues and challenges facing those who pursue and love road, trail, and ultrarunning. My personal interests include all things outdoor exploration, travel, fast running, writing, teaching and mentorship, and beer miling.
When to Consider Surgery for a Chronic Running Injury
Physiotherapist Joe Uhan writes about when to consider surgery for a chronic running injury.
Three Types of Nerve Pain
Physiotherapist Joe Uhan describes the three kinds of nerve pain that can lead to or perpetuate running injuries.
Performance Mobility, Part 6: Hip Abduction and Rotation
Part 6 of the runner performance-mobility series.
When in Doubt, Knee-Out, Part 2: Knee-Alignment Examples and Exercises
Part two in a deep dive into knee alignment for runners.
Century Ride: Reflecting on 100 iRunFar Columns
Joe Uhan looks back at writing 100 articles for his “Stay the Course” column.
Tips for Running During the COVID-19 Crisis (or Any Life-Altering Time)
Tips for running during the COVID-19 crisis (or any routine-altering time).
You Gotta’ Have Guts: The Role of Visceral Mobility in Running
How visceral mobility is needed for healthy endurance running.
Hip Hinge, Part 2: Balance, Integration, Propulsion, and Strengthening
The second article in a two-part series about the hip-hinge position for efficient running.
Hip Hinge: Sustainable Body Position for Efficient Running
Joe Uhan writes about the hip-hinge position for efficient running.
(Hu)Man in the Mirror: Running Stride Self-Assessment
How to self-assess your running stride to help maintain efficient running mechanics.
You Don’t Forget: Doping and the Brain
A theory about doping’s potential long-term effects on the brain.
The Whole Person: Multi-Dimensional Injury Treatment
Why whole-person physical therapy is important for treating running injuries and staying healthy.
Pain in the Butt: Considering the Coccyx
How the coccyx is an important part of everyday and athletic health.
Forces and Tissues: The Real Cause of Running Injury
Joe Uhan writes about the tissue and force abnormalities which can cause running injuries.
Mindful Running
Physical therapist Joe Uhan discusses the importance of thinking about how we run when we run.
From Bad to Good Enough: Running an Ultra After Injury
Tips for healing an injury during the crucial period of ultramarathon training and getting to the start line.
A Sticky Situation: Identifying and Treating Nerve Pain in Runners
Identifying and treating nerve pain in runners.
Posture First: How Alignment Affects Our Running
How to find a neutral posture for efficient and economical running.
Joe Uhan’s Three C’s for Peak Performance
The three C’s–composure, confidence, and compete–of your best racing performance.
A Foundation-First Approach to Your Best Running
Running health and overall well being can be achieved through simple methodologies.
What If Your Thigh Pain Isn’t a Hamstring Strain and What to Do About It
A look at other sources of posterior thigh pain besides the hamstring.
