Why Traditional Stretching and Strengthening May Not Resolve Your Running Pain
Are you an avid runner desperately trying to resolve chronic aches and injuries?
Wondering why traditional stretching and strengthening may not be the answer
to your pain?
Keep reading to gain insight into One2One Physical Therapy’s approach to resolving pain for runners.
Why Most Running Injuries Are Different
In many sports, contact injuries are a common cause of pain. Running injuries, however, are typically non-contact injuries, meaning they are often the result of:
- Faulty body mechanics
- Neurological patterning of sensory and motor activity
- Compensatory movement strategies
When the body is not shifting weight efficiently or moving forward with proper alignment, stress accumulates over time.
Common Symptoms Runners Experience
Many runners come to us with:
- IT band pain
- Medial knee pain
- Anterior knee pain
- Lateral knee pain
- Ischial tendinitis
- Hip pain or impingement
- Low back pain
- Stress fractures
- Shin splints
- Foot pain
- Achilles tendinitis
- Plantar fasciitis
- Breathing dysfunction
- Rib pain
- Chronic neck and shoulder tension
These symptoms are often indicators of whole-body compensatory patterns and
muscle imbalances.
The Whole-Body Connection
A runner’s ability to properly shift weight and move forward efficiently depends on alignment and mobility throughout the entire body. Unfortunately, many practitioners focus only on the local area of pain. Since most running injuries occur in the lower body, treatment often targets only the hips, knees, or feet. In many cases, this approach misses the true source of dysfunction.
Upper Body Influence on Lower Body Pain
Restrictions in the trunk or neck can significantly influence lower body mechanics.
For example:
- Limited trunk or neck rotation can create compensatory movement patterns in the hips and knees.
- Rib flare on one or both sides can lead to lumbar overextension.
- Lumbar overextension may contribute to anterior pelvic tilt.
- Anterior pelvic tilt can increase stress on the hips and knees.
When only the lower body is treated, symptoms may persist because the root cause has not been addressed.
Our Approach at One2One Physical Therapy
We assess and treat from a whole-body perspective. Our approach is grounded in the science of the Postural Restoration Institute (PRI). This framework allows us to:
- Evaluate multiple regions of the body
- Understand how they influence sensory and motor patterning
- Identify compensatory strategies
- Individualize treatment based on your specific presentation
For example, ten patients may come to our clinic with knee pain, yet each may require a completely different treatment plan based on their whole-body alignment and movement patterns. This individualized approach allows us to provide meaningful answers and lasting solutions.
Ready to Address the Root Cause?
Are you ready to get to the bottom of why you have pain?
Schedule an appointment today with us! Email us at info@one2onephysicaltherapy.com
We look forward to working with you and helping you return to running stronger, more efficient, and pain-free.