One of the most challenging and also the most rewarding patients for an Osteopath is a runner. The strain that running puts the body under is unique and needs to be managed carefully. Running tests you both physically and mentally.

Whether you are training for an ultra marathon or a 5km park run, there are certain things you can do to help yourself to improve your performance and prevent injury.

Don’t enter a marathon on the spur of the moment, you need adequate time to prepare your body. In the same spirit, if you don’t have enough time to warm up properly before you go for a run, or to stretch afterwards, then you need to rethink your priorities. If that extra 5 minutes of preparation could mean the difference between an injury that could put your training back weeks and 5 minutes less you spend on the sofa, can you really not find the time?

Make sure your trainers fit you well and support your feet and ankles. If you have to dig them out of the back of the cupboard and shake the mothballs off them, maybe it’s time to invest in a new pair. I say invest because without them you are unlikely to achieve your full running potential.

There is a lesson to be learned with that statement, if you have just started running, or you are coming back from serious injury, it is unlikely you will be running the same times as Jim from next door who is training for his third marathon. Listen to your body and don’t over-do it. A little bit of pain and stiffness is to be expected, a lot of persistent pain is worth getting checked out to make sure there are no underlying injuries.

Many of my patients use running as a means of stress relief. It’s a great way to clear your head and get everything moving. Make sure it doesn’t become a chore, whether you do that by setting yourself a specific distance you would like to achieve or you run with a friend to have a chat.

An Osteopath is trained to assess, diagnose and treat injuries, so if you are struggling with your running, or any other sporting or non-sporting injury come and see us at WBIC.