Running can be a tiring sport, but it’s even more frustrating when you’re constantly battling pain and discomfort every time you are on the pavement. According to research, up to 80% of runners will experience an injury at some point. If left untreated, these injuries can lead to chronic pain, reduced mobility, and even long-term disability.
This is where professional physical therapists come in. They offer tailored physical therapy, such as massages, manual therapy, and targeted stretching, aiming to improve a runner’s movement and muscle strength.
So, if you have sustained an injury while running, here is how running physical therapy can help.
How Does Running Physical Therapy by a Professional Help Injured Runners?
There are several ways physical therapy professionals help runners get back into shape and maintain it.
There are several ways physical therapy professionals help runners get back into shape and maintain it.
1. Reduces Pain And Discomfort
Running can result in various injuries, such as shin splints, Achilles Tendinitis, hamstring strain, etc. These injuries can cause significant pain and discomfort, making it difficult or even impossible to continue running. However, physical therapy can help in healing the pain by using specific techniques.
One such technique is myofascial release, where pressure is applied to specific trigger points in the muscle tissue, which releases tension and improves the runner’s range of motion. Moreover, ice or heat therapy helps with pain by reducing inflammation of the injured part.
2. Improves Flexibility And Range of Motion
Physical therapy can address any areas of stiffness or tightness in the body that may be limiting a runner’s movement through targeted exercises such as pelvic therapy, joint mobilization, and Ultrasound therapy.
These exercise plans are customized according to the individual’s needs. For instance, if a runner has a tight IT band, a physical therapist will use targeted stretches and foam rolling to release tension and increase flexibility in that specific area.
Another method is the Active Release Technique (ART). It breaks down scar tissue and adhesions, increases blood flow to the area, and improves range of motion.
3. Strengthens Muscles And Joints
Muscles and joints are the core of running, and they can weaken your stride if there is even a slight injury to them. Physical therapy can help runners strengthen muscles and joints through personalized techniques, like resistance training, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF), and plyometric exercises.
4. Improves Posture And Balance
Physical therapy can help improve posture and balance by addressing underlying muscular imbalances and weaknesses. Therapists can assess and identify these root problems and include specific exercises and stretches to correct them. These exercises may include pelvic physical therapy, isometric, and strength training.
The Importance of Finding a Professional Physiotherapist Who Understands Running Injuries
A running physiotherapist can do much more than just treat your existing running injuries. Professionals who specialize in this sport can provide valuable insights into the biomechanics of running. By analyzing your gait, stride length, and foot strike, they can identify and fix potential issues that may lead to future injuries.
Moreover, they can also provide training on proper warm-up and cool-down techniques, stretching, and cross-training. Therefore, it’s important to find a physiotherapist who is knowledgeable about these factors, as they will be better equipped to diagnose and treat the root cause of your problem.
Summing Up
Running physical therapy is a crucial aspect of injury recovery for runners. It provides numerous benefits, such as pain reduction, improved flexibility, strengthened muscles, and improved balance. However, it is recommended to find a specialist physiotherapist to receive the best care.
If you have been searching for physical therapy Fort Collins, the Up and running physical therapy clinic can provide the expertise you need to heal your injuries at fair rates.
