Case Study: Movement Analysis Resolves Triathlete’s Calf Pain

The Problem

Our patient is a triathlete with calf pain that began gradually worsening with increases in mileage to prepare for a long race.

The patient couldn’t run more than 1 mile without calf pain causing him to have to stop. 

The Solution

Physical therapist, JJ Thomas, treated the patient’s calf 4 times along with posterior tibialis, and other supportive musculature in the lower leg

More detailed movement analysis revealed limitations in the right hip, specifically with right swing position in Left Single Leg Stance – Right hip showed hiking, and limited Femoroacetabular flexion (taking it through pelvis instead of hip joint).  

The Results

After calf treatment sessions, the patient was able to run 4 miles before symptoms began, but still, the symptoms would be pretty limiting once began at that point. 

Range of motion limitations in HIP flexion, external rotation/internal rotation – cleared with treatment to Hip musculature and Quads/HS.  

Following the first session of addition of hip treatment, the patient informed us he is able to run 6.8 mi without pain or limitation.  Following the second treatment to the hip, (nothing done to the calf or lower leg in the last session), he is able to run 10 miles pain-free and without limitation!

Dr. JJ Thomas, DPT, MPT, CMTPT

Dr. JJ Thomas is the founder and CEO of Primal Physical Therapy, located in Bryn Mawr, PA. With more than 25 years of hands-on experience, Dr. Thomas is celebrated for reimagining patient care and movement through groundbreaking, system-based methods that deliver real results. Her mastery in advanced manual techniques and functional movement analysis has earned her a reputation as a leading expert—teaching at national conferences, publishing in professional journals, and consulting for elite organizations like the American Physical Therapy Association and the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy. She’s passionate about people and helping them reach their maximum potential for health. With this in mind, she is revolutionizing the world’s view on recovery, injury, and longevity. She does this by harnessing foundational “Primal” movements encoded in our DNA—often lost to compensations from injury or daily routines. Her passion and purpose is helping people of every background reclaim their natural ability to move well and thrive. Dr. Thomas’s work extends far beyond her studio: she has guided elite athletes from the NBA, NFL, UFC, US Field Hockey, US Lacrosse, and US Track and Field, even traveling alongside competitors at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Her innovative expertise is also sought after by NFL teams whose medical staff she trains in advanced techniques like dry needling. Whether you’re an athlete, healthcare professional, or simply passionate about wellness, Dr. Thomas’s approach and insights promise a transformative perspective on movement and recovery.
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