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Running Injuries and Treatment
In my Sports Medicine AcupunctureⓇ practice I assess and treat several different types of injuries. I also work on pain management for conditions that are more chronic. Your treatment may include a variety of techniques including traditional and IMS style acupuncture, massage, cupping, electrotherapeutic modalities, postural assessment and exercise prescription.
Downtown Vancouver Acupuncture Treatment
604-685-4325 (HEAL)
Electra Health location – 970 Burrard Street, Vancouver
Open 7 days a week from 8 am to 8 pm
Running injuries are a common occurrence, especially when runners begin to increase their distance in preparation for races and marathons. Approximately 40%-50% of runners experience an injury annually. There are several types of injuries that can occur from running, but whatever the injury it’s important to get a proper assessment and treatment.
Treating your injury early on decreases your chance of prolonged pain or recurrent injury in the future. Certain running injuries may actually be related to a muscle imbalance somewhere else in the body, therefore if the injury is not properly assessed there is an increased chance of it returning.
There are many factors that may be affecting your body and the way you run.
What Causes Running Injuries?
- Increased Mileage – this is an important one
- Training Errors
- Strength
- Warm up & Stretching
- Nutrition & Supplements
- Biomechanics
- Footwear
- Psychological Factors
- Anatomical factors
My Approach
With any new injury, I will do a full assessment of your hips and leg muscles to see what might be contributing to the injury. It will involve taking a few measurements and movement analysis. This step is often overlooked and the treatment plan goes straight to the source of pain, however it is key to injury recovery and prevention in addition to your training routine.
Common Running Injuries
Runner’s Knee – Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
If you are experiencing general pain around the knee cap, usually at the start of a run or stiffness after sitting for long periods of time, it could be runner’s knee. It’s important to treat this condition early on before it progresses to something more serious. This is often related to a muscle imbalance that can be treated with acupuncture.
Achilles Tendonitis
If the tendon at the back of your foot becomes swollen and tender to touch, perhaps even red, this is a sign of Achilles tendonitis. The pain can be in the tendon itself or at the attachment to the bone on the back of the heel. This occurs when the tendon is under too much stress usually from overuse or improper footwear. Acupuncture can help to decrease the local inflammation which is helpful to your recovery.
Shin Splints
You will likely feel a constant ache or throbbing in your shins. This is due to micro muscle tears that are starting to develop. This is typically an overuse injury that causes inflammation and pain either in front of the shin or behind it. It’s important to look for footwear and current activities that will likely need to be altered.
IT Band Syndrome
Runner’s will feel pain along the outside of their knee with this condition during running or walking. While it is important to treat the IT Band, this injury is most often related to a muscle imbalance. It’s important to pinpoint which muscles need to be stretched and which ones need to be strengthened. Acupuncture works by activating and relaxing the muscles related to this condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I stop running if I’m injured?
Not necessarily, but you will likely have to alter your level of training to some degree. Incorporating specific stretches and strengthening exercises along with the acupuncture will also be important.
How do I treat my running injury?
Acupuncture is a great option for treating running injuries. It is able to target very specific muscles that might be too tight or other muscles that might need some extra help activating properly.
How can I prevent running injuries?
Having a proper warm-up routine is important, but it is most important to make sure you are not increasing your mileage too quickly. This is the most common cause of running injuries. Also addressing any biomechanical issues that could lead to injuries in down the road.
Are you a runner preparing for a race? Whether you have an injury or not, a Sports Medicine AcupunctureⓇ treatment can help you with injury recovery and race preparation. By considering all the factors that may lead to an injury, you will be as prepared as possible for race day.
Downtown Vancouver Acupuncture Treatment
604-685-4325 (HEAL)
Electra Health location – 970 Burrard Street, Vancouver
Open 7 days a week from 8 am to 8 pm
Return To: Vancouver Acupuncture Treatment