Common Running Injuries and How Physiotherapy Prevents Them

Running is one of the simplest and most effective forms of exercise—but it’s also one of the most common causes of overuse injuries. Whether you are training for a marathon or jogging for fitness, regular strain on your muscles and joints can cause pain. This pain can slow down your progress. Physiotherapy helps runners recover faster, prevent injuries, and ultimately run longer and faster with proper movement mechanics and strength conditioning.

Common Running Injuries

Some of the most frequent injuries seen in runners include:

• Runner’s Knee (Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome): Pain around or behind the kneecap from overuse or poor alignment.

• Shin Splints: Inflammation of the muscles and tendons along the shin bone, often from excess training, poor footwear, or weak lower-leg muscles.

• Plantar Fasciitis: Heel and arch pain caused by tight calves, poor footwear, or repetitive stress.

• IT Band Syndrome: Pain on the outer thigh or knee from tightness or weakness in the hip stabilizers.

• Achilles Tendinitis: Irritation of the Achilles tendon due to overtraining or reduced ankle mobility/strength.

How Physiotherapy Helps Prevent Running Injuries

A physiotherapist identifies the root cause of pain—whether it’s muscle imbalance, improper form, or training overload—and builds a personalized plan to correct it. Treatments often include:

• Gait and posture assessments to optimize stride efficiency.

• Manual therapy and soft tissue release to reduce tension and improve mobility.

• Targeted strengthening and stretching to stabilize key joints.

• Education on footwear and training progression to prevent recurrence.

The Benefits for Runners

Regular physiotherapy isn’t just for treating injuries—it’s for improving performance. By improving biomechanics and muscle balance, runners experience smoother movement, less fatigue, and fewer setbacks. With proper guidance, physiotherapy helps you run longer, recover faster, and perform at your best—safely.