[Re]claiming Your Running Performance: The Complete Guide for Running Physical Therapy in Greenville, SC
Physical therapy for runners is essential, no matter if it’s for your weekly group run or training for a marathon. Physical therapy is not just for the running injury recovery, it is also a staple to prevent overuse injuries and improve running form. At Reliving Performance Physical Therapy we offer specialized programs that are tailored to your specific need as a runner.
No cookie cutter programming here. Our Greenville Physical Therapy team are dedicated to using the best evidence to achieve your goals and keep you running pain free.
Understanding the Needs of Runners
Runners face unique physical challenges that differ from other orthopedic injuires. The strain our body goes through with running requires targeted treatment options that address these needs by focusing on biomechanical assessments, injury prevention, and performance enhancement.
Our Greenville Physical Therapy team use state-of-the-art running sensors, video analysis, while testing your strength and performance with an array of research-backed tests to create a program to rehab your running injury or boost your performance to get you back to running the way you want to be.
Benefits of Physical Therapy for Runners
If you’re dealing with a running injury, your physical therapist should be well versed in running physical therapy. The benefits of physical therapy for runners goes beyond injuries:
1. Preventing Running Injuries Before They Occur
50% of runners experience an injury that stops them from running for a period of time, and 25% of runners are injured at any give time. A comprehensive physical therapy evaluation will test for strength and performance impairments, along with mobility and flexibility restrictions to create a plan to address any issues before they become injuries.
2. Enhancing Running Performance and Efficiency
At Reliving Performance Physical Therapy we will analyze your running form with state-of-the-art sensors and video analysis to look at your cadence, vertical oscillation, stride length, and power. This allows us to make address issues that may not be noticeable to improve your running efficiency and performance for those longer runs and competitions.
3. Supporting Recovery from Common Running Injuries
Over 70% of running injuries are overuse injuries which include muscle, tendon, bone and joint pain and injuries. Overuse injuries are caused by repetitive micro-trauma that can be related to training load/intensity, nutrition/fueling, muscle strength, sleep, and stress. Creating a balanced running plan can help prevent these injuries.
Common Running Injuries and Treatments
Not surprisingly, running injuries tend to be more lower body related and account for over 75% of all injuries in non-ultramarathon runners. Some of the most common running injuries are:
Runner’s Knee can be pain around the knee joint that can occur with running, jumping, and squatting. It is addressed through targeted strength and mobility for the entire lower leg.
Plantar fasciitis is pain in the heel and bottom of the foot, can be treated through stretching and mobility, strengthening, and taping or orthotics.
Shin splints are a bone stress injury that is pain along the shin bone. There are many different factors that go into diagnosing a shin splint compared to a stress fracture.
Other common running related injuries include:
Achilles tendonitis and calf strains
Hip strains
Low back strains
Ankle and foot injuries
Stress fractures
Physical Therapy Exercises for Runners
Physical therapy exercises for runners covers an array of areas that are crucial to alleviate pain from running related injuries.
Strength exercises address the quads, glutes, hamstrings, and calves to help create power and efficiency with your running stride. Mobility drills will help improve range of motion and flexibility of your hips, ankle, and low back to help address any compensations that may alter your run form.
Why Choose Reliving Performance Physical Therapy to Rehab Your Running Injury?
At Reliving Performance Physical Therapy we stay at the forefront of research advancements when it comes to Physical Therapy for runners. Our Greenville Physical Therapists are some of the only Board Certified Orthopedic Specialist Physical Therapists in Greenville, meaning you can be assured that your physical therapist has gone through extensive training that has been proven to give your the best possible results.
Physical therapy for runners is crucial for maintaining health, preventing running injuries, and enhancing performance. We team up with local sports dietitians, training coaches, and shoe stores to make sure you have the best possible care as you [re]claim your running goals
Book your FREE discovery call and let’s get you back to running pain-free!
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I see a physical therapist for running pain?
Yes, a physical therapist on our team will bring you through a comprehensive evaluation to ensure physical therapy is what you need for your running injury. If we believe you should see another medical professional such as a Sports Physician, we will help you get scheduled. To learn more schedule a free consultation here.
Can physical therapy help with chronic running injuries?
Yes, a targeted physical therapy approach can address underlying issues that are related to the reason why your injury has lasted longer than expected.
What should I expect during my first physical therapy session?
We will spend 60 minutes assessing your muscular strength and performance, mobility and flexibility, and analyze your running form and overlay the results with your goals and concerns.
How long will it take to see results from physical therapy?
Every injury will require a different amount of time to fully heal that depends on the nature of the injury, individual conditions, and compliance with the treatment plan. However, many patients notice improvements within the first few weeks of starting physical therapy.