Why you need a full running assessment from Harpenden Physiotherapy26 Mar 2018

When it comes to finding out more about running, unfortunately, there is a lot of bad advice out there. How many times have you heard something like this:

‘Your running style is less than perfect, your feet overpronate, you’re putting a lot of strain on your joints…but if you buy these new trainers you’ll be a much better runner…”

This is not the approach we take at Harpenden Physiotherapy

Firstly there is no ideal running style and the way you run may be just right for you. Lots of others structures in the body can contribute to the pain you might have when running. A full assessment of your strength a, flexibility and control may be a far more effective assessment tool when investigating the cause of your pain.

Often it can be a simple case of an inappropriate training schedule that has overloaded your tissues to which the resulting response is pain. Managing your tissues ability to deal with the load you put on them is key when rehabilitating back to running following injury.

Did You Know? Key Facts About Running

  • Did you know that current thinking is that stretching before and after a run is not necessarily the best approach?
  • Did you know that there is no evidence to suggest running is bad for your joints?
  • Did you know that if you have a painful injury, you may not need to stop running? By pacing your rehab, you can still run!
  • Did you know that feet overpronation or unequal leg lengths are not necessarily a problem?
  • 80% of running injuries are due to training error

Test Your Susceptibility to Injury

Try our 100 test to see if you may be putting your body under undue stress and risking injury when you run. Your left and right legs should be equally strong and perform the same in each of these exercises:

  • 25 single leg heel raises on the edge of a step
  • 25 single leg stand up-sit down on a chair
  • 25 single leg bridges
  • 25 side-lying leg lifts

Is Your Approach To Running Training Right?

Weekend Warriors: Do you sit at your desk all week and then train hard at the weekend? This often leads to developing injuries due to a poorly managed training schedule

Rest is Rust: Being keen to train and enjoy running is great, however, getting the balance right is really important. You may be surprised to know that rest should be a key component of your training programme

Keeping a training diary can be a very useful tool when planning your runs/rest days as effectively as possible.

Full Tailored Assessments

Just having your running style assessed on a treadmill is unlikely to give you all the information you need. Here at Harpenden Physiotherapy, we use all the latest evidence to tailor your assessment to your individual needs. Our expert team can help you understand how your body works, what might be holding you back and how to avoid injuries before they happen.

Get in touch with our clinic today to see how Harpenden Physiotherapy can get you running to your full potential.

Treating ankle sprains

Why you need a full running assessment from Harpenden Physiotherapy

News & Events

Top Tips to Alleviate Back Pain When Driving

Top Tips to Alleviate Back Pain When Driving

Back pain, particularly lower back pain, is a common occurrence for most when it comes to[...]

13 Mar 2020
A Physiotherapy Guide to Mums of Harpenden Surviving Halloween

A Physiotherapy Guide to Mums of Harpenden Surviving Halloween

As in all events involving children and high expectations, early preparation is key. Halloween, fireworks night,[...]

28 Oct 2019

HARPENDEN PHYSIOTHERAPY ACQUIRED BY CARTER & GEORGE

We are very proud to announce that Harpenden Physiotherapy has been acquired by The Carter & George Practice, co-owned by England Rugby International, Jamie George.

The Carter & George Practice look forward to building on the excellent reputation of Harpenden Physiotherapy, and are committed to ensuring minimal disruption in your care.

To find out more about The Carter & George Practice, please click here.

To book an appointment in Harpenden, please call 01582 761448 or email help@carterandgeorge.co.uk

You can also book online at any of our practices by clicking here.