ABOUT
Clinical management of the running athlete has evolved tremendously over the years. This evolution comes from our improved understanding of the unique physical and mental demands placed on these athletes throughout their training and competition phases. The IAR Running Rehabilitation Specialist Certification course is the most comprehensive program for clinicians who train and rehabilitate the running athlete. This course will cover in depth all aspects of running that place these athletes at risk for pathology, including biomechanical movement impairments, training regimen, loading strategies, articular and soft tissue mobility deficiencies, nutrition, and performance training. The most current research will be presented and discussed in a clinically applicable format to allow the clinician to immediately integrate the information into practice. The course will incorporate a strong lab component to equip the clinician with the tools and strategies to efficiently assess and effectively treat, through movement correction, manual therapy, and performance training, the wide variety of running related pathologies. Upon successful completion, participants will become a certified Running Rehabilitation Specialist (RRS).
ADMISSIONS
Medical Professionals & Assistants
Rehabilitation Specialists & Assistants
Strength and Conditioning Specialists
Performance Coaches
Fitness Instructors
University Students
IAR (BOC AP# P10127) is approved by the Board of Certification, Inc. to provide continuing education to Athletic Trainers. ​This program is eligible for a maximum of 15 Category A CEUs. ATs should claim only those hours actually spent in the educational program. ​
Texas Physical Therapy Association =15 CCUs
Florida Physical Therapy Association = 15 CCUs
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PROGRAM
Day 1 (8:00am - 5:00pm)
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Running Background & Injury Epidemiology
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Current Concepts in Research
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Biomechanics of Running
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Common Running Injuries
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Running Gait Assessment & Lab
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Running Gait Retraining & Lab
Day 2 (8:00am - 5:00pm)
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Mobility Issues in Runners
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Manual Therapy Intervention & Lab
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Therapeutic Exercise & Lab
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Return to Running Assessment
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Performance Training for Runners
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Recovery & Regeneration in Runners
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At the conclusion, the clinician will be able to effectively,
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Explain the biomechanics of gait and running
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Identify pathomechanics of gait and running
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Examine mechanical faults through functional movement analysis
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Explain the effects of training regimen and loading strategies
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Implement video analysis into the assessment and treatment of the runner.
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Execute advanced manual therapy techniques to address articular and soft tissue dysfunctions in the runner.
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Develop and implement a performance based exercise program in management of the runner.
PROGRAM PRICE
​Cancellation & Refund Policy
Participant/group is eligible for a full refund minus 25% of administrative fees if participant/group cancels 30 days prior to the course date. Participant/group is not eligible for a refund if participant/group cancels less than 30 days prior to the course date. Participant/group is eligible to transfer all course fees to any future courses in a specific time frame. Participants/groups will receive a full transfer to another course or full refund if the course is canceled by the program. ​
GALLERY
Running Rehabilitation Specialist (RRS) Certification – Frequently Asked Questions
The course is a blend of lecture, clinical discussion, and hands-on lab work. A strong emphasis is placed on practical application, allowing participants to actively practice assessment techniques, manual therapy, and exercise strategies throughout the program.
The RRS certification focuses on the comprehensive clinical management of runners. The program explores how biomechanics, movement patterns, mobility limitations, training variables, and recovery strategies influence both injury risk and athletic performance. Participants learn how to assess running mechanics, identify movement impairments, and apply targeted rehabilitation and performance interventions to help runners return to training safely and efficiently.
The Running Rehabilitation Specialist (RRS) certification is open to clinicians and professionals who work with runners or active populations. Eligible participants include: — Medical professionals and assistants — Physical therapists and Physical therapy assistants — Strength and conditioning specialists — Performance coaches — Fitness professionals — University students pursuing related fields The course is designed for professionals who want to deepen their understanding of running biomechanics, injury risk, and performance-based rehabilitation strategies.
Who is eligible to take the Running Rehabilitation Specialist certification?
What topics are covered in the RRS curriculum?
What is the focus of the Running Rehabilitation Specialist certification?
Is the course primarily lecture-based or hands-on?
The curriculum combines research, clinical reasoning, and practical application to help clinicians effectively evaluate and treat running-related injuries. Key topics include: — Running biomechanics and gait mechanics — Injury epidemiology in runners — Functional movement analysis and mechanical fault identification — Common running-related injuries and contributing factors — Training considerations and program design — Running gait assessment and video analysis — Gait retraining strategies — Manual therapy techniques for runners — Mobility limitations affecting running mechanics — Performance-based exercise programming — Return-to-running assessments — Recovery and regeneration strategies The program integrates lecture-based learning with hands-on lab sessions to support clinical skill development.
How long is the Running Rehabilitation Specialist course?
The RRS certification is delivered as a two-day intensive course, typically held over a weekend. Each day runs from approximately 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM and combines lecture-based instruction with hands-on lab training and clinical discussion.
Will I learn how to analyze running gait?
Yes. Running gait assessment is a central component of the course. Participants learn how to evaluate running mechanics, identify biomechanical faults, and apply video analysis as a clinical tool. The course also covers strategies for gait retraining and how to integrate movement correction into rehabilitation and performance programming.
Is this course focused only on injured runners, or also on performance and prevention?
Yes. The program explores the mechanisms and contributing factors behind many of the most common running-related injuries. Clinicians learn how mobility restrictions, biomechanical inefficiencies, movement patterns, and training habits contribute to injury development, and how these factors can be addressed through targeted rehabilitation strategies.
Does the course cover common running injuries?
The course addresses both rehabilitation and performance. While clinicians will learn how to manage common running injuries, the program also emphasizes performance optimization, running efficiency, and strategies to reduce injury risk. This allows clinicians to work not only with injured runners, but also with athletes looking to improve durability and overall performance.
Yes. The RRS certification includes strategies for safely returning athletes to running following injury. Participants learn how to evaluate readiness for return to running, monitor training load, and implement performance-based exercise programs that support long-term durability and injury prevention.
Does the program address return-to-running progressions?
How is the Running Rehabilitation Specialist certification different from other running-focused courses?
The RRS certification emphasizes a fully integrated approach to running rehabilitation. Rather than focusing on isolated concepts, the program connects biomechanics, movement analysis, manual therapy, and performance training into a cohesive clinical framework. This allows clinicians to not only identify dysfunction, but also understand how to correct it within the context of real-world running demands.
Yes. The program emphasizes clinical reasoning and decision-making when working with running athletes. Participants learn how to identify contributing factors to injury, evaluate training variables, and determine the most appropriate interventions based on each runner’s movement patterns and goals.
Will the course help improve my clinical reasoning with runners?
Do I need prior experience working with runners to attend?
No prior specialization in running rehabilitation is required. The course is designed for clinicians who already work with musculoskeletal conditions and want to expand their knowledge and confidence when treating runners.
The Running Rehabilitation Specialist certification provides continuing education credit for eligible professionals. Athletic Trainers: IAR Education (BOC AP# P10127) is approved by the Board of Certification, Inc. to provide continuing education to Athletic Trainers. The program is eligible for up to 15 Category A CEUs. Physical Therapists: The course is approved for 15 CCUs through the Texas Physical Therapy Association and the Florida Physical Therapy Association. Participants should confirm CEU acceptance with their respective licensing boards when necessary.
What continuing education credits are available?
What should participants bring to the course?
Participants typically receive preparation details prior to the course, including recommended attire and any materials to review in advance. Because the program includes hands-on labs and movement assessment activities, comfortable clothing that allows for movement and practical lab participation is recommended. All instructional equipment and course materials are provided.
After completing the Running Rehabilitation Specialist certification, clinicians typically leave with: — A deeper understanding of running biomechanics — Improved ability to assess gait and movement patterns — Practical tools for treating common running injuries — Strategies for implementing gait retraining and performance-based exercise — A clearer framework for return-to-running programming Participants who successfully complete the program earn the designation Running Rehabilitation Specialist (RRS).
What can clinicians expect after completing the RRS certification?
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