B1

Pat O’Brien
ON THE RUN

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With the passing of the fall racing season and the hugely successful Legs for Literacy multi-distance event in Moncton, all eyes turn to recovery.

That means different things to different runners but one constant with an increasingly large segment of the population is chiropractic care.

It was my own arthritic condition that finally drew me to these interesting care providers two years past as I prepared for Boston. Dr. Kate Randall took me in on short notice and gave a me a few cracks and away I went. Spinal manipulation, the mainstay of chiropractic care, was what was required at that time. Absolutely remarkable! However, my running circle sang the praises of another local chiropractor that tweaked my interest to learn more. With no disregard to his colleagues, meet Dr. Brett Leblanc of Optimum Wellness Chiropractic Clinic. Riverview native, former captain of Acadia University football club (go SMU!!) and confidant to arguably the largest group of pain-seeking Moncton runners, puts a face to this increasingly popular treatment regime.

With a degree in kinesiology and a concentration in exercise science, the journey through chiropractic medicine was a natural one. A short stop in Atlanta, personal training and ultimately graduation from the Canadian Chiropractic College in Toronto set the stage for a return home.

In relatively short order, he built a following among area runners with his specialized techniques.

Now, which of these hurts more is up for debate. My personal favourite is A.R.T. (Active Release Technique), however, the Graston Technique is a mainstay with others and now he is into lasers! Frankly, I know little of the science and when he carefully explains (thanks for trying) the same, I know even less. That may have to do with catching my breath or taking a breath for that matter, sprawled across the treatment table. My wife (the nurse that she is ) gently inquires, "what did Brett say," to which my eyes glaze over.

My parameters are and remain: does my health plan cover your care, can I run when you are done and must I watch when you unleash your iron thumb and steel tools on my aching parts. Thus far we have been hugely successful! Professional from beginning to end.

The most dedicated patient is 15-time marathoner Richard Bennett (3.28 PB) of Dieppe. He has Dr. Brett on speed-dial and generally shares his limits of pain balanced with those of "feel good" with anyone who cares to listen. You have to know Richard to put his running ailments in perspective. Probably the happiest person you will ever meet, Bennett was on the verge of ending his running career when he met and was converted to the ways of Dr. Brett. He is also quick to share the experiences of his professional golfing daughter Erica, who visited the "man with the steel thumb" last year.

Joking aside, Leblanc believes that A.R.T. is particularly adept at treating the more common runner's ailments. There is a high degree of success and he enjoys the equally high level of motivation of runners in general, no matter what their preferred distance. Repetitive strain injuries to include "shin splints", planter fascitis and the lilo-tibial band line up at his door. These ailments can hurt and so can treatment, just stand outside his chambers.

Having travelled the treatment road I can assure you it does not hurt anymore than "hitting the proverbial runner's wall."

This is not a quick a fix and you still have to look after your body regularly to optimize any treatment regime. However, this "stuff" feels good (tongue in cheek) and it works. All said and done, take ownership for your ailments and become informed. Chiropractic medicine has been around for many years so do your own research to achieve that comfort level.

See you on the trails ... soon to be snow-packed! My favourite time to run!

n Patrick O'Brien is the manager of learning and development with the City of Moncton's Department of Human Resources. He can be reached at patrick. obrien@moncton.ca