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Running is a physically demanding activity, so it’s not surprising that running injuries are common among dedicated athletes. Even seasoned runners are prone to physical mishaps, and physical therapists have a wealth of knowledge when it comes to treating these issues. Common running injuries range from muscle strains and joint sprains to shin splints and Achilles tendonitis, which can all be addressed by physical therapy techniques devised specifically for runners. As physical therapists guide their patients through individualized treatment plans, they’ll help analyze pain sources in order to create an optimal path back to full health. Despite the physical risks involved, running is still one of the best forms of exercise for overall physical fitness. A good physical therapist will equip every runner with the skills needed to maximize performance while minimizing the risk for injury.​
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Running injuries can be frustrating but we are here to help you through the pain and back to running.
Physical Therapy For Runners
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Shin splints: Pain in the lower legs caused by too much running, often from excessive training or improper form.
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Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS): Inflammation of a thick band of tissue that runs along the outside of the thigh from hip to knee which can be due to incorrect training, weak core muscles, over-pronation, improper stretching techniques and a decrease in strength.
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Stress Fractures: Small breaks in the bones typically caused by repetitive impact trauma such as running on hard surfaces or increasing mileage too quickly.
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Plantar Fasciitis: Heel pain caused by irritation and inflammation of the plantar fascia, a tissue that connects your heel bone to your toes. It is caused by excessive pronation or walking/running on hard surfaces for long periods of time.
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Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS): Pain around the kneecap due to misalignment between the kneecap and femur which can be caused by overtraining, weak hips and weakened thigh muscles.
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At each of our clinics we have physical therapists who specialize in treating running related injuries and many of our therapists are endurance athletes themselves.
The most common injuries in runners include:
Physical Therapy For Running Injury
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Physical therapists are highly trained professionals who specialize in helping people manage and recover from running-related injuries. They use a variety of techniques such as stretching, strengthening exercises, manual therapy to provide pain relief and improve mobility. By assessing an individual's specific needs, physical therapists can develop an effective plan to help runners return safely to their activities. Here are some of the most common treatment techniques:
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Stretching and Strengthening Exercises: These help increase flexibility, build strength and reduce pain.
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Manual Therapy Techniques: These involve the use of hands to manipulate joints and soft tissues for improved range of motion and decreased pain/discomfort.
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Foam Rolling/ Massage Therapy: These techniques can help relax tight muscles, improve mobility and reduce pain.
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Therapeutic Exercise Programs: A personalized exercise program designed to target areas of weakness or restriction in order to help restore normal movement patterns.
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Balance Training Exercises: Improves coordination, reduces risk of injury and releases tension in muscles due to excessive running or overtraining.
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Orthotics/Bracing: Custom orthotics or braces can help provide extra support to the foot and ankle, reducing strain on the lower extremities. There are also over the counter products such as orthotics a physical therapist can recommend for you.
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Kinesio Tape: Used to improve muscle performance, enhance joint stability and reduce inflammation.
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Electrical Stimulation Therapy: Involves sending electrical impulses through skin towards underlying muscles to help promote nerve conduction, reduce pain levels and encourage healing.
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Running Performance Optimization
A physical therapist can help runners optimize their technique and performance, as well as avoid injury. A physical therapist is experienced in working with runners to detect abnormal movement patterns and can provide personalized recommendations to improve strength, flexibility, and mobility. Your physical therapist can also provide manual therapy, injury prevention, gait analysis, gait training, and running technique training. Additionally, they are trained to help runners who have sustained running-related injuries or are experiencing pain that is keeping them from being active. With the help of a physical therapist, runners can reach their goals while staying safe and healthy.
Why Choose HIDEF?
HIDEF Physical Therapy offers a one-of-a-kind experience for runners looking to recover from an injury. The team of therapists is highly trained in evaluating and treating running-related injuries and are committed to helping their clients reach their goals quickly and safely. We utilize advanced technology, such as blood flow restriction training, orthotics/bracing, functional movement screens and more, to ensure the highest quality of care. In addition to traditional physical therapy treatments, they also offer specialty services such as sports performance enhancement and running clinics that provide personalized evaluations and instruction. With HIDEF Physical Therapy, runners can have confidence that they will receive the best treatment available to get them back on track quickly.
FAQ
Where Can I get More Injury Prevention Tips?
Follow our blog and we post tons of free content and exercises for a variety of injuries. We also have a month newsletter where we will cover a variety of topics.
What are the common lower extremity injuries in runners?
Some common injuries include knee pain (runner's knee), achilles tendon strain, ankle sprains, ankle pain, calf pain, and a variety of other chronic pain.
How Can You Treat My Running Injury?
We combine many techniques starting with a comprehensive evaluation follow by treatments such as trigger point and deep tissue massage, specific exercises for muscle strength, and running form corrections.
How Do You Specialize In Treating Runners?
Runner injury rehabilitation and sports medicine is one of our specialty at HIDEF. Our therapists take advanced training courses in biomechanics, strength training, manual therapy, and advanced concepts in running. Your physical therapist will help customize a program to meet your goals.