Running injuries are among the most popular type of sports injury. Tampa runners may expect to experience an injury at some point in their time spent running. One of the ways that you can help reduce the pain and recovery time for a running injury is to try exercising and stretching with a physical therapist. These doctors are known for helping athletes with sport related injuries such as torn ligaments, tennis elbow, hamstring complications and even back problems. One thing that runners do not want to hear is that with physical therapy and running injuries, patients need to stop running! Other exercises and stretches will be used to help you find relief and build strength and endurance.
When Should I Contact a Physical Therapist?
Runners are usually always dealing with some form of pain or discomfort, but if pains are persistent or they keep you up at night, they are probably more to your soreness than just running. Another sign that you may need the help of a physical therapists is if you only make it through a few minutes of your run until the pain comes back. When it comes to a running injury, Tampa runners are known to change their strides to compensate for their persisting pain, but this does not fix the problem, and it may lead to further problems and complications down the road.
What Can Physiotherapy do for Runners?
Instead of treating the pain with medication or an invasive surgical procedure, physical therapy for running injuries often focuses on building up the muscles around the injured area with stretching and endurance exercises. Heat and cold massage therapy and electrostimulation therapy are examples of some techniques physical therapists may try to alleviate the pain and discomfort of a running injury. Tampa runners who report stiffness as well as soreness might be recommended different range of motion exercises to try.
*Disclaimer: The views expressed here are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of Bayside Medical Group*
