Expert Care to Keep You Running Strong

What Is Running Physical Therapy?

Running physical therapy is specialized care designed just for runners. Whether you run for fun, fitness, or competition, our running experts help you stay healthy and perform your best.

We help runners:

• Recover from injuries faster

• Find and fix the root cause of pain

• Get stronger and run better

• Prevent future problems

• Return to running safely

Common Running Injuries We Treat

Runner's Knee (Patellofemoral Pain)

Pain around or behind your kneecap that gets worse when running, climbing stairs, or sitting for long periods.

What causes it: Weak hip and thigh muscles, doing too much too soon, or running form issues.

How we help: Strengthen key muscles, adjust your training plan, and improve your running technique.

Achilles Tendon Pain (Achilles Tendinopathy)

Pain in the back of your heel or lower calf, especially when you first start running or in the morning.

What causes it: Sudden increases in running speed or hills, tight calf muscles, or weak lower leg strength.

How we help: Gradual loading programs that make your tendon stronger, not just rest. We combine strength exercises with smart return-to-running plans.

Shin Splints (Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome)

Aching pain along the inside edge of your shin bone during or after running.

What causes it: Training errors like increasing mileage too fast, worn-out shoes, or weak foot and hip muscles.

How we help: Modify your training volume, strengthen supporting muscles, and address movement patterns.

IT Band Syndrome

Sharp pain on the outside of your knee that typically starts after running the same distance each time.

What causes it: Weak hip muscles, poor running form, or training errors.

How we help: Hip strengthening, running gait adjustments, and gradual return to your goals.

Plantar Fasciitis

Stabbing heel pain, worst with your first steps in the morning or after sitting.

What causes it: Overuse, weak foot muscles, or sudden training changes.

How we help: Load management, calf and foot strengthening, and addressing whole-body mechanics.

Stress Fractures

Bone pain that gets worse with activity and better with rest. This is a serious injury that needs immediate attention.

What causes it: Training errors, inadequate nutrition, hormonal issues, or weak bones.

How we help: Identify risk factors, modify training appropriately, and create a safe return-to-running plan with proper progression.

Our Evidence-Based Approach

1. Find the Real Problem

We don't just treat where it hurts. We look at:

• Your training history (how much, how fast, how often)

• Running form and mechanics

• Muscle strength and flexibility

• Previous injuries

• Your nutrition and recovery habits

• Your goals and timeline

2. Smart Training Load Management

Most running injuries happen because of training errors—doing too much, too soon, too fast.

We help you:

• Balance training stress with recovery

• Progress safely toward your goals

• Understand when to push and when to back off

• Use cross-training strategically

The science: Research shows that sudden spikes in training load dramatically increase injury risk. We help you avoid these dangerous jumps.

3. Strength Training That Works

Stronger runners are healthier runners. We focus on:

• Hip and glute strength - Critical for knee and ankle health

• Calf and foot strength - Protects against Achilles and plantar pain

• Core stability - Improves running efficiency

• Plyometrics (jumping exercises) - Builds power and resilience

The science: Studies show that strength training reduces overuse injuries by up to 50% in runners.

4. Running Form Analysis

Small changes to how you run can reduce injury risk and improve performance.

We analyze:

• Your step rate (cadence)

• Foot strike pattern

• Stride length

• Body positioning

• Common compensation patterns

We adjust only what needs changing - not everyone needs a complete overhaul. Sometimes simple cues like increasing your step rate by 5-10% can significantly reduce stress on injured tissues.

5. Return-to-Running Programs

Getting back to running after injury requires a careful plan. We create personalized programs based on:

• Your symptoms (zero pain is our guide)

• Tissue healing timelines

• Functional performance tests

• Your individual goals

For tendon injuries (like Achilles tendinopathy), we use progressive loading programs that make tissues stronger. Rest alone doesn't work—controlled loading does.

What Makes Us Different

Specialized Running Expertise

Not all physical therapists understand runners. We do. Our team includes:

• Running injury specialists

• Active runners who understand your goals

• Professionals trained in running biomechanics

• Experts in sports science and training principles

Comprehensive Assessment

Your first visit includes:

• In-depth injury history

• Movement screening

• Strength testing

• Video running analysis (when indicated)

• Personalized treatment plan

Evidence-Based Treatment

We use the latest research to guide your care:

• No outdated treatments

• No unnecessary rest

• Proven techniques that work

• Clear explanations of why we do what we do

Active Rehabilitation

We keep you moving. Depending on your injury, you might:

• Continue running with modifications

• Cross-train strategically

• Start a gradual return-to-running program

• Work on strength while managing symptoms

Our philosophy: The best position for recovery is the one closest to your goal. We don't believe in complete rest unless absolutely necessary.

When to Seek Help

See us if you have:

• Pain that doesn't go away with 1-2 weeks of reduced activity

• Pain that keeps you from running

• Symptoms that return every time you try to run

• Uncertainty about how to safely return after injury

• Want to prevent injuries as you increase training

• Need guidance for an upcoming race or event

Don't wait: Early intervention leads to faster recovery. Most running injuries are highly treatable when addressed promptly.

What to Expect

Your First Visit (60+ minutes)

We'll:

• Listen to your complete story

• Conduct a thorough physical exam

• Watch you move and run (if appropriate)

• Test your strength and flexibility thoroughly

• Explain exactly what's wrong

• Create your personalized plan

• Start treatment immediately

Follow-Up Visits (60+ minutes)

Each session builds on the last:

• Progressive exercise prescription

• Training plan adjustments

• Movement retraining

• Home exercise updates

• Clear benchmarks for progress

Between Visits

You'll have:

• Specific exercises (usually 10-20 minutes daily)

• Modified training plan

• Clear guidelines for what to do and avoid

• Direct access to your PT for questions