The conventional trade of thought has been that running, as good as it may be for cardiovascular health, isn’t good for weight bearing joints such as the knee. However, latest evidence suggests that running can actually improve the quality of weight bearing joint structures such as thickening of ligaments, increased density of cartilage, higher bone density, and increased strength.
This doesn’t mean, though, that running doesn’t cause injuries! Whilst it is an excellent way to stay fit, it can also come with its fair share of challenges. Common injuries such as shin splints, back pain, and anterior knee pain (also known as runners knee) can derail the most dedicated of runners.
Why Are Running Injuries Common?
- The body isn’t prepared for the level of physical stress
- Running distance/volume/frequency/intensity increases too quickly
- Pre-existing muscle weakness lead to poor running biomechanics
- Insufficient recovery
The Rehab 360 Approach
Reducing pain following a running injury is only part one of the long and lengthy process. Most painful episodes will disappear with adequate rest, use of ice therapy, and with hands-on techniques such as soft tissue release. However, this is where we remind our runners that pain is the symptom, not the cause!
Returning to running following an injury requires a clear and systematic plan which identifies the cause, and addresses this by rebuilding strength and resilience. This is where we come in to guide you every step of the way. We do this by:
- A graded approach, following a step-by-step plan that transitions you from being pain free to gradually building power and strength to ensure you are then able to tolerate the demands of running which previously caused you to break down.
- Strength testing to allow us to provide you with targeted exercises to strengthen your core, hips, improve running biomechanics, and address any future risk of re-injury.
- Setting KPI’s to ensure you have the green light to progress. These key performance indicators prove to us, and to you, that you are on the right track and remove any guesswork. It shows you have earnt the right to progress and that progress is being made.
Are you a runner with an injury or someone who keeps breaking down whenever they try to increase their running distance? Contact us today and let us help you move better and live pain free.