The six-pack of questions: listening to the runner

Patient-centered running assessment is the main focus here, with emphasis on building trust before moving into physical testing. The speaker explains how clinicians should minimize distractions, give full attention, listen without interrupting, and stay flexible to each person’s circumstances. A strong therapeutic alliance is presented as essential for gaining trust and improving outcomes. A structured “six-pack” of key subjective questions is outlined, including what brings the patient in, how they understand the problem, what they already do to ease symptoms, what concerns or fears they have, what helps or hinders recovery, and what they want from the session. The summary of intake also covers runner-specific factors such as training history, mileage, race experience, footwear, orthotics, stress fracture history, sleep, sitting time, medications, life stress, and relevant female health questions. The broader message is to combine research knowledge with clear communication, reassurance, and individualized care. Learners can expect practical guidance on screening for red flags, distinguishing pain sensitivity from tissue injury, supporting return to running and performance, and using empathy, expectation-setting, and even humor to strengthen recovery.