Information about P3 for Runners

More than 70-80% of runners will experience a running related injury or illness in a given year. Sometimes these injuries are brief but other times they can stop the runner from training for a prolonged period.

With traditional physical therapy, runners are often told to stop what they love doing most. This leads to an extended rest period which often is unnecessary. At P3, we not only want to help you keep doing what you love doing most, but also make you better, stronger and more efficient with running. Our combination of physical therapy & Pilates can do just that! When you come to P3, we will work with you towards your goals and help build an individualized treatment plan so that you can get back to running, faster.

Pilates and running can complement one another as several Pilates principles help runners prevent and heal from injury, including breath, centering, and control which are some of Joseph Pilates’ original principles. There are many ways to improve plyometrics. One example of how this can be achieved is incorporating a jump board on the Pilates reformer which can mimic biomechanics of running at reduced load and has been useful when reintegrating running.

When to seek care

If you are a runner and are dealing with anything from a small nuisance to something that has sidelined you from training, it is time to get help from a professional. Our physical therapists and Pilates instructors are trained to treat all body parts and a wide range of running injuries including but not limited to:

  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Achilles tendinopathy
  • Ankle sprains
  • Shin splints
  • Stress fractures
  • Patellofemoral pain syndrome
  • Iliotibial (IT) band syndrome
  • Patellar tendinopathy
  • Hamstring strains
  • Lateral hip pain
  • Low back and other spine related pain
  • Calf strains

What to expect from your first visit – Running Assessment with a PT

Please plan on wearing loose clothing for your visits, such as what you would wear for a Spring run, and feel free to wear or bring your running shoes in to your first visit so we can see what you are training in. Your physical therapist will perform a full evaluation starting with a history of your training and past injuries. They will take a look at your posture and gait and perform a functional screen to gain a better understanding of your biomechanics while running. Following, your physical therapist will perform a full range of motion and strength assessment. Our goal is to help determine potential contributors to your pain and why you have been sidelined from running. When you leave your first appointment you will have an individualized plan on how to get you back on track running (pun intended) and training for your next, best race.

Injury prevention

At P3, we believe in helping you get better and stronger so that you are not struggling with injury season after season. Runners are historically known for their reoccurrence of injuries. Our team wants to help you get stronger and prevent future injury. Your physical therapist will discuss training habits and a strengthening routine incorporating Pilates principles that will help to set you up for future success.

Other services (USA Track & Field Certified Running Coach + Gait analysis)

Please inquire about our other services including run coaching from a USATF certified running coach and gait analysis from our certified running gait analyst. At P3 we also offer one-on-one sessions with a certified Pilates instructor who can help tailor your sessions to your previous injury history and current goals.