Are you a runner who has experienced pain or discomfort while running? Do you want to prevent future injuries and improve your running performance? Physical therapy at SMART Sports Medicine can help!

Various factors, including overuse, improper technique, and inadequate warm-up and cool-down routines, can cause running-related injuries. As many as 50% of runners experience injuries yearly; the most common cause is having had an injury in the past year. 

This information surprises some people, but it highlights how important it is to address your aches and pains so you can keep up your running. Our SMART Sports Medicine team will develop an individualized treatment plan, including adequately warming up before running. 

By addressing the underlying causes of running-related injuries, we help prevent future running-related injuries and improve running performance. If you are a runner experiencing pain or discomfort, don’t ignore it. Seek the help of our SMART Sports Medicine physical therapists to get back on track and achieve your running goals!

What are the most common causes of running-related injuries? 

As one of the most popular exercise methods, running is a great way to improve physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Unfortunately, running can also lead to a high incidence of injuries. 

Studies have shown that runners who experience a previous injury within the past 12 months are at the highest risk of sustaining another injury. Other risk factors include:

• Running experience of 0-2 years
• Restarting running after extended rest
• Overtraining (i.e., more than 40 miles per week, men > women)
• Women recreational runners are associated with a greater risk of running-related injury.

The most common running-related conditions treated by our physical therapists include the following:

• Patellofemoral pain syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis
• Shin splints
• IT band syndrome
• Achilles tendonitis
• Stress fractures

Fortunately, physical therapy at SMART Sports Medicine can significantly reduce pain and improve function in individuals with running-related injuries.

What Does an Active Warm-Up Mean?

One of the most effective ways to prevent running injuries is by engaging in an active warm-up. Dynamic stretching is an active warm-up that involves repeatedly moving limbs through their maximum range of motion. 

Active warm-ups have been shown to improve the range of motion and increase blood flow and overall performance, especially in runners. Our SMART Sports Medicine physical therapists can help runners implement dynamic warm-ups into their training sessions to ensure they are prepared for exercise and sports and can safely participate in the activities they love.

By seeking help from physical therapists, identifying and resolving previous injuries, and implementing an active warm-up program, runners can reduce their risk of running-related injuries and continue to enjoy running safely and effectively. 

How the Alter-G treadmill can help runners

The Alter-G treadmill is a cutting-edge device that allows runners to train and rehabilitate uniquely. It was developed by NASA scientists and uses “differential air pressure” to provide a weightless environment for runners. 

The use of the Alter-G has been shown to impact the recovery and training of athletes significantly. The Alter-G treadmill provides several benefits to runners, including:

• Reduced impact on joints: Running on the Alter-G treadmill reduces the impact on joints, which is particularly helpful for runners recovering from injuries. The system allows a runner to reduce body weight and impact force by up to 80%, allowing for a more comfortable and low-impact workout.
• Improved cardiovascular fitness: The reduced impact on joints allows runners to train for longer periods and at higher intensities, which can lead to improved cardiovascular fitness.
• Gait training: The Alter-G treadmill allows for real-time gait analysis and correction. This can be particularly beneficial for runners struggling to maintain proper running form.
• Safe training for injured runners: The Alter-G can allow for safe training while reducing the risk of further injury for runners recovering from an injury. It can also help runners maintain their fitness while they are recovering.

The Alter-G treadmill is a valuable tool for runners and physical therapists. By incorporating the Alter-G into physical therapy treatments, runners can maximize their recovery and improve their fitness.

What to Expect at SMART Sports Medicine Sessions

Physical therapists can help runners prevent injuries by providing a comprehensive program that provides targeted manual techniques, mobility work, strengthening, and any appropriate pain relief technique for the individual. 

Our team will start by assessing previous injuries and developing an individualized program to alleviate pain and improve mobility. We also incorporate balance and coordination treatments to ensure runners can safely return to training and competition. Our goal is to reduce the risk of future injuries and ensure runners can continue to do what they love.

Request an appointment today!

At SMART Sports Medicine, our physical therapists specialize in helping runners maximize their training to ensure their bodies function at their peak potential. 

Request an appointment with one of our specialists today to learn how to achieve results!

Sources: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0363546518773755, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0966636218316758, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1440244018301798, https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0363546518793657