Physio for Runners

Running and Injuries

Running is a fantastic activity for overall aerobic conditioning, cardiovascular health, weight management, and sports-specific training. However, due to the repetitive and cyclical loading imposed on the body, step after step, run after run, injuries can happen if we overload the body too rapidly (i.e. too fast, too much, too soon) with respect to volume, frequency or intensity. Most of us will probably know of at least one runner who is injured at any one time. Weaknesses, asymmetries or deficiencies in strength, stability neuromuscular control and balance can also predispose us to injury, or a string of injuries over a period of time - leading to inconsistent training, decreased performance, possibly a missed season of competition, and the frustration that goes with it.

The top five injuries I see at Torque Physio are:

• Shin Pain

• Achilles Tendinopathy

• Hip Pain

• Knee Pain

• Hamstring Injuries and Tendinopathies

• Stress Fractures

There are of course, several more I could add to that list including nerve entrapments, back pain, foot issues and plantar fasciitis, ‘piriformis syndrome’…the list is extensive!

Torque Physio for Runners

Running is one of my favourite things to do - it has been since I was about seven years old. That’s over 25 years to date, with about 8 of those years, distance running or racing triathlons at a competitive level, often running twice per day and over 100km’s/week. Over that time, I think I’ve dealt with several of the most prevalent of running injuries, including stress fractures, tendinopathies, muscle injuries and other funky pain syndromes - most of which crept up on me at times of peak training loads and intensity. Safe to say I have a level of empathy for anybody struggling with a running related injury.

Now however, my enjoyment of running is from a different perspective - I still run frequently, but my focus is geared toward helping runners of all ages from a Physio and strength and conditioning viewpoint. I have a particular interest in working with the female population, and child and adolescent athletes involved in both elite level track and field, and cross country/distance disciplines.

I know that runners are passionate about the sport. That it brings a level of fulfilment, peace and joy that is relatively unparalleled by other physical activities, and that as you finish preparation for one event, you are already thinking about the next one. When niggles set in, or an injury strikes, the last thing a runner wants to do is stop training, and when told you need to stop altogether for a period of weeks, it may seem like an absolute catastrophe - especially if you have an important event fast approaching. I understand all this because I have been there.

At Torque Physio, I provide extensive physiotherapy services for treating existing and new running injuries. Further, I am passionate about educating runners to understand how their body responds to the stimulus of training - including how to manage load and ensure adequate recovery, implement periodised strength training, and manage the body proactively, rather than reactively. If we can then minimise injury risk and time off by planning a structured and progressive training plan using these elements, we can promote consistency in training. And consistency usually breeds results.

If you are a runner and looking for help with an injury, or you feel like your training is not really getting you to where you want to be, book online, or contact me directly to see how I can help you!

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