Physical therapy and rehabilitation plays an important role in the life of a runner. Running is an amazing way to stay in shape over a lifetime, improving cardiovascular health, strengthening bones, reducing stress, maintaining healthy weight, and generally helping one feel fit, healthy, and strong. Proper form and technique are critical to being able to run throughout one’s life, and a physical therapist or rehabilitation specialist is a great resource to have to teach proper form to prevent injuries in both the short and long term. If one is injured, therapists are trained to help a runner recover as quickly and confidently as possible. Physical therapists and rehabilitation specialists can help determine the cause of an injury or pain, recommend appropriate prevention and cross-training injuries, help improve form or make other appropriate changes to one’s routines and strategies, all of which helps you heal and recover.

There are wonderful resources out there. The American Physical Therapy Association put out a great e-book (it’s free!): The Physical Therapist’s Guide to Healthy Running. It is full of helpful information on improved fitness and results, preventing and treating injuries, with helpful strategies you can utilize right now to get started or get going stronger.

For instance, if you are just getting started with a new running routine, it’s important you not over-do it until you body has had time to get acclimated to the new demands being put on it! Your joints need time to adjust, and you need time to learn the weaknesses in your form or physique so you can run not just faster, but smarter.  Gait analysis with a physical therapist or rehabilitation specialist can be immensely valuable in identifying your strengths and weaknesses before they become an issue. Learning how to treat minor aches and pains to prevent chronic pain or injuries will give you the confidence you need to identify when and how to take care of yourself, and also when to take a break and/or ask for help. Knowledge is power in staying fit and strong for the long term.

You may also enjoy the following video from the APTA: Running Tips from a Physical Therapist

If you are interested in learning more about physical rehabilitation for athletes in Eugene, OR, give us a call at 541-484-5777. Absolute Wellness Center utilizes a team approach, bringing together specialists in sports medicine, chiropractic medicine, physical rehabilitation, acupuncture, and therapeutic massage. Don’t let an injury keep you from doing what you love!