Running Rehab

Running Rehab: Get Back to Your Stride at Purpose Physical Therapy

Are you a runner sidelined by frustrating injuries that just won’t go away? Tired of generic PT that doesn’t understand the unique needs of runners? You’re not alone. Research shows that up to 80% of runners experience an injury each year, and many struggle to find effective treatment. At Purpose Physical Therapy in South Pasadena, FL, we specialize in helping runners like you overcome injuries and get back to doing what you love – hitting the pavement feeling strong, resilient, and pain-free. Our expert team of running-specialized physical therapists have over 20 years of combined experience keeping runners healthy. We understand your goals because we’re passionate runners too. So if you’re ready to break the injury cycle and chase new PRs, you’ve come to the right place.

How Our Running Rehab Program Gets You Back on Track

Running places tremendous stress on your body, with each foot strike generating forces up to 3 times your body weight. Without optimal mechanics, training, recovery, and care, issues like IT band syndrome, shin splints, plantar fasciitis, and stress fractures commonly sideline runners. That’s where we come in.

At Purpose Physical Therapy, you’ll work 1-on-1 with a dedicated running rehab specialist to:

• Comprehensively evaluate your running mechanics, strength, flexibility, and training
• Pinpoint the root causes of your injury and pain
• Develop a personalized rehab plan to resolve issues and optimize your running
• Guide your recovery with manual therapy and neuromuscular re-education techniques
• Progressively rebuild your running capacity with a strategic return-to-run program
• Prevent re-injury by addressing limiters and imbalances head-on

Key Benefits of Running Rehab at Purpose Physical Therapy

By working with our specialized running PTs, you will:

In running rehab, various assessments are employed to evaluate factors such as gait mechanics, muscle strength and flexibility, joint range of motion, and functional movement patterns. These assessments often include gait analysis using video technology, strength testing of key muscles involved in running, flexibility assessments, and functional movement screens. The results of these assessments provide valuable insights into any biomechanical deficiencies or imbalances that may contribute to injury risk or hinder performance. Based on these findings, a personalized treatment plan is developed, which may include exercises to address weaknesses, stretching routines, gait retraining, and other interventions tailored to the individual runner’s needs.

• Resolve injuries and pain from the root cause
• Restore efficient, pain-free running mechanics
• Improve speed, endurance, and running performance
• Build resilience and resistance to future injuries
• Learn to train smarter and reach your full potential

Running Rehab FAQs

How soon after an injury can I start running rehab?

In most cases, starting rehab within the first 1-2 weeks of injury yields the best results. Of course, the exact timeline depends on your specific injury and healing progress. During your initial evaluation, your PT will assess your injury and develop a treatment plan, which may include a period of relative rest before beginning rehab. The key is to be proactive and start the recovery process as soon as possible.

Can running rehab help me improve my race times and performance?

Absolutely! While the primary goal of rehab is to resolve pain and restore healthy function, the process inevitably makes you a stronger, more efficient runner. Rehab addresses underlying weaknesses, imbalances, and mechanical inefficiencies that limit performance. Many runners find they come out of rehab running faster than ever. Plus, you’ll learn invaluable training and injury prevention strategies to help you optimize performance long-term.

What types of assessments are involved in running rehab, and how do they inform the treatment plan?

In running rehab, various assessments are employed to evaluate factors such as gait mechanics, muscle strength and flexibility, joint range of motion, and functional movement patterns. These assessments often include gait analysis using video technology, strength testing of key muscles involved in running, flexibility assessments, and functional movement screens. The results of these assessments provide valuable insights into any biomechanical deficiencies or imbalances that may contribute to injury risk or hinder performance. Based on these findings, a personalized treatment plan is developed, which may include exercises to address weaknesses, stretching routines, gait retraining, and other interventions tailored to the individual runner’s needs.

What types of assessments are involved in running rehab, and how do they inform the treatment plan?

Your running rehab starts with a comprehensive evaluation, including:

• In-depth injury history and training analysis
• Full-body strength, flexibility, and movement assessment
• 2D video slow-motion running gait analysis
• Physical exam and clinical tests to pinpoint diagnoses

We then synthesize all this data to understand the root causes of your injury and create your customized treatment plan. Addressing the underlying “why” behind your pain is the key to achieving lasting results. As you progress through rehab, we continuously re-assess and modify your plan to optimize your recovery.

Meet Your Running Rehab Specialist

Your running health is in great hands with Ken Clark and Sarah Cooke. They are both passionate runners with years of experience specializing in running rehab. They have advanced training in running biomechanics, manual therapy, strength & conditioning, and is a certified running coach. They take pride in providing the same elite-level care that pro runners receive to help runners of all levels achieve their goals.