Are you a runner looking to improve your performance and prevent injuries? Have you considered incorporating osteopathy into your training routine? Osteopathy is a holistic approach that focuses on the body’s structure and function and can be a game-changer for runners.
Running is a popular form of exercise that offers numerous health benefits. However, it can also take a toll on the body, leading to muscle imbalances, joint restrictions, and other issues that can hinder performance and increase the risk of injury. This is where osteopathy comes in.
Osteopathy is a hands-on therapy that aims to restore balance and alignment in the body, allowing for optimal function and performance. By addressing any underlying imbalances or restrictions, osteopathy can help runners improve their running technique, prevent injuries, and enhance overall performance.
The benefits of running
Running is a good choice for many people because it may help them maintain a healthy lifestyle, keep active, and support their mental health. Here are some of the numerous advantages of running:
- It increases cardiovascular fitness.
- Increases blood circulation.
- Improves muscle tone.
- Increases mood by releasing feel-good endorphins.
- Reduces blood pressure and heart rate at rest.
- Reduces body fat and waist circumference.
- Reduces the risk of disease and promotes healthy ageing.
Common injuries for runners
- IT band syndromeRunners knee
- Stress fractures
- Achilles injuries and tendonitis
- Plantar fasciitis
- Shin splints
- Tears or strains of the hamstring
- Sprains and strains of the ankle
Common risk factors for running injuries
Inadequate programming
With many people frequently stressed by their jobs or by life itself, it’s easy to let your desire take control of you as a way to relieve stress. This is a quick way to injure yourself. You must ensure that you proceed at your own pace, especially if you are new to this form of training. Create a jogging route and long-term running goals appropriate to your fitness level.
Running injuries can occur when you increase your distance or intensity too quickly since your body needs more time to mature and adapt to the increased stress. Training must be carefully planned to help your body recover from an injury while maintaining running pace and conditioning.
Incorrect running technique (biomechanics)
A poor running style can put you in danger of injury. Evaluating the runner’s technique is critical to determine whether any elements are putting undue strain on the damaged body part.
Examples are overstriding, sinking the pelvis to one side, crossing one leg in front of the other, and overpronating through the feet. If you run flat-footed, you may be pushing on your shin muscles, causing minor rips.
To solve these issues, there are specific method “cues” to employ while jogging and frequent video monitoring to see if it is improving.
Lack of strength and conditioning
Many studies have indicated that including resistance exercise twice a week significantly minimises the risk of injury. Resistance training should target all key muscle groups involved in running, including the calves, shins, quadriceps, hamstrings, gluteal and trunk muscles.
How does osteopathy improve your running?
Osteopathy is an established diagnosis and treatment system that emphasises the body’s structural integrity. What sets this type of therapy apart from others is the way it recognises much of the pain and disability we suffer stems from abnormalities in the function of the body structure as well as damage caused to it by disease.
Osteopathy can help improve your running performance in several ways. It focuses on treating the musculoskeletal system, which includes muscles, bones, ligaments, and tendons.
Osteopaths can assess biomechanical problems such as poor posture or muscle imbalances causing pain or limiting your running ability. Osteopaths also evaluate the biomechanics of a runner’s stride, looking for any weaknesses that may be causing problems and correcting these imbalances.
It can reduce muscular tension and imbalance around the joints, which helps to optimise form and reduce the risk of injury.
Osteopathy is a hands-on approach to addressing musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. It can help to improve running performance by improving mobility, strength, and balance.
Osteopathy restores the body’s natural balance and allows it to heal while in motion. This type of therapy often utilises a combination of soft tissue massage, stretching, joint manipulation and mobilisation to target problem areas in the body.
Final thoughts on improving your running with osteopathy
Osteopathy is a form of manual therapy that can help to improve your running performance.
If you want to take your running to the next level, don’t overlook the power of osteopathy.
By addressing any imbalances or restrictions in your body, osteopathy can help you run more efficiently, reduce the risk of injury, and improve your overall performance.
So, lace up your running shoes and try osteopathy – your body will thank you!
Book an appointment at Alpha Sports Medicine and experience the tremendous success of osteopathy.
