How Physiotherapy Can Improve Your Running

Are you new to the sport of running, a runner who wants to improve performance, or you’re returning to the sport post-injury?   A running assessment at Nepean Sports Medicine and Physiotherapy Centre can help prevent or resolve injuries and help to improve your performance.  Prevention is key!  Being proactive will help you continue to enjoy and improve your running experience. 

How Physiotherapists Help Runners

After completing a thorough running assessment, your physiotherapist will develop a custom treatment plan.  Whether you are recovering from an injury, or looking to improve your form, this treatment plan can help you overcome any pain or injury you’re experiencing.  Even if you’re not recovering from an injury, or experiencing pain, a running assessment can help you reach your goal of a new personal record.  Our ultimate goal is to get you back to running safely and have fun!

What To Expect During Your Running Physiotherapy

At Nepean Sports Medicine & Physiotherapy Centre our physiotherapist, Yvonne Mery, is trained to do physiotherapy specifically for runners.  She will do an initial running assessment for your first session, and depending on your needs, follow-up appointments to assess improvements you make. 

Initial Running Assessment 

During your initial assessment, Yvonne will discuss a range of topics in order to curate your custom treatment plan.  This will include:

• Reviewing your running goals and current training program.
• A history of any past/current injuries. 
• A full-body musculoskeletal exam. This will look at your flexibility, strength, and movement patterns. 

She will also do a full-body biomechanical and gait analysis.  She does so by recording a slow-motion video of you running on our treadmill from the side and posterior (rear) views.  Depending on the weather, she may also record you running outside.  With this recording Yvonne will be able to look for any biomechanical weaknesses, or improvements to your running form.  She will evaluate these videos with you.  She will be looking for alignment, arm movement, foot strike pattern, vertical displacement, cadence, and strategies (hip/ankle).  With this information Yvonne will be able to develop a custom treatment plan for you and your running needs.  Yvonne also explains the process in this short video.

Follow-Up Sessions

During a follow-up consultation Yvonne will fill you in on her findings, and any recommendations she has for you based on your running assessment.

Recommendations will include: 

• Recommendations for running specific strengthening exercises and stretching for you. 
• Footwear recommendations.
• Suggestions to improve your running form.  As well as, drills to help you make these changes.
• Advice on training specific to you and your needs.