Most runners think of seeing a physiotherapist only when they’re hurt. But checking in when you feel good can be even more valuable. Proactive physiotherapy, including movement screenings, gait checks, and targeted strength training, can help prevent injuries, enhance your performance, and enable you to train more effectively. Here’s why every runner should make it part of their routine.
Running Injuries are Common & Complex
Injuries are common for both casual and serious runners. Recent studies indicate that these injuries occur frequently and often have multiple causes, including excessive training, poor running form, weak muscles, or improper footwear.
What a Physiotherapist Brings: Beyond Patching Up Pain
A sports physiotherapist does more than treat injuries; they look at your whole body and create a plan to keep you healthy and performing your best:
- Screening & movement assessment: Physiotherapists check your flexibility, strength, coordination, and running form to spot any imbalances or weaknesses early, before they lead to injury. A thorough assessment examines your history, performs simple tests, and utilises motion analysis to obtain a comprehensive picture.
- Personalised exercise plans: Tailored strength and movement exercises, like hip control and gradually increasing load, help prevent injuries before they start. Research shows these programs are effective for runners of all levels.
- Gait retraining & load management: If your running form puts too much stress on your body, a physio can teach you new techniques to reduce impact and protect your joints, helping you avoid or recover from injury without sacrificing performance.
- Building resilience: Targeted ‘prehab’, planned strength and movement training, makes your body more robust, helping you handle tougher workouts and bounce back faster. Studies show that these routines boost strength and help athletes maintain their performance.
- Smarter coaching with wearables: Today’s physiotherapists use wearable devices to track your running in real time and see how your body responds to training. This bridges the gap between lab tests and your everyday runs, making feedback more useful and personal.
When to Book a Session (even if you’re pain-free)?
- You’ve started running more, faster, or signed up for a longer race.
- You’ve dealt with injuries before (which can make new ones more likely).
- You notice your stride feels uneven, certain muscles are always tight, or your progress has stalled for no clear reason.
- You want a clear starting point, like movement tests, strength checks, or a video of your running, to measure your progress over time.
Quick Plan a Physio Might Give You
- Start with a simple movement check and a quick look at your running form using video or wearable tech.
- Follow a focused 6–8 week plan to build strength, improve balance on one leg, and gradually increase your training.
- Short follow-ups are tied to specific training phases (pre-race, ramp-up, and recovery).
Concluding Thoughts
Proactively seeing a physiotherapist helps you avoid injuries, keep your training on track, and manage your workload wisely. If you care about your running and want to get the most out of your body, regular check-ins are a simple step that can make a big difference.
At Rebound Health, we help runners at every level, from weekend joggers to serious competitors. Our clinic, located near Brookvale, focuses on keeping you healthy, preventing injuries, and helping you perform at your best. Whether you’re bouncing back from an injury or aiming for a personal best, we’re here to help you run stronger, smarter, and pain-free.