The overall goal of physical therapy is education, healing, and prevention. In addition to treating the injury, our physical therapists will help strengthen your entire kinetic chain, to decrease the risk of the future.
Our physical therapists will also provide you with helpful warm-up and cool-down techniques for running.
Our physical therapists will create a treatment plan for you, based on your individual needs. This plan may include:
Therapeutic exercises: This may include any targeted movement to help you find relief, including, but not limited to: area-specific exercises, balance and coordination exercises, muscle performance exercises, range of motion exercises, posture exercises, and relaxation exercises.
Modalities: This may include specialized treatments that your physical therapist has been certified to perform, such as dry needling.
Manual therapy: This may include active release techniques, soft tissue, and joint mobilization.
Physical therapy has been proven to be successful in treating both acute and chronic injuries, such as ligament sprains, muscle strains, plantar fasciitis, bursitis, tendinitis, and more.
Your physical therapist will educate you about what your body is experiencing and the recovery process it will go through. You and your physical therapist will work together to help you reach your physical goals, allowing you to be engaged and active in your rehabilitation.
If you are an athlete suffering from a running-related injury, don’t waste any more time on the sidelines. Take your rehabilitation and recovery to the next level with our physical therapy team. Confirm your appointment with one of our experienced physical therapists today and get started on the right track toward returning to running!
According to a wellness article in U.S. News, physical therapy may be a better option for treating running-related injuries than seeing a chiropractor or opting for surgery.
The following are some common running injuries and some tips from our physical therapists for treating them!
1. Shin Splints
Nearly every runner has experienced inflammation and pain in the tendons and muscles of the lower leg.
Web MD states that shin splints are more likely to occur after you change your workout routine. Reducing your running, using over-the-counter pain relievers, and icing are all recommended treatments for shin splints.
2. Runner's Knee
Officially named patellofemoral pain syndrome, this condition generally refers to the breakdown of cartilage under the kneecap.
According to Runner's World, approximately 40 percent of injuries sustained by runners are in the knee. While a runner's knee will often improve on its own, sometimes physical therapy is needed to improve the condition.
3. Achilles Tendonitis
This is an injury that occurs in the heel and often results in pain and swelling. Running in old or poor-quality shoes can cause this condition.
Symptoms of Achilles tendonitis include pain, stiffness, and swelling in the back of the heel and lower calf. The pain may worsen with activity and improve with rest, but in severe cases, it can be constant and affect daily activities. If left untreated, this condition can progress and lead to more serious injuries such as a ruptured Achilles tendon.
Icing, elevating the foot to reduce swelling, and wearing shoe inserts are treatment options used to improve Achilles tendonitis. It's also important to remember that strong calves will help to aid in the prevention of sports injuries relapses.
4. Plantar Fasciitis
Of all the various sports injuries, this is one that not only affects runners but can happen to almost anyone who walks a lot or stands on their feet for extensive periods of time.
With this injury, you can feel pain throughout the arch or the heal. This injury can often be treated with rest and a better pair of shoes. Shoe inserts may also help.
Good shoes, proper running form, and strength training are often the keys to preventing many types of running injuries. Once injuries have occurred you may benefit from adding physical therapy to your routine.
