Are you a runner? Well, then it is an obvious fact that you must have injured yourself some time or the other in your running career. It is a well-known fact that the runners generally experience a sore muscle or a side pang after taking part in the running competition.
So, if you have taken part in a running event and experiencing pain then you may need to undergo physical therapy to help you get better so that you can lead a normal lifestyle once again. But, do you actually require physical therapy? Well, this depends upon two factors namely –
1) Have you received an over-training? If so, then you might have strained your leg muscles. In order to get relief from the strain, you may need this physical therapy which will help you to get fit and fine and ready to take part in the run once again.
2)It also depends upon the fact how well your body has prepared itself for the run.
The Big Question – Do You Need To Stop Running?
If you are a runner then one of the biggest questions you will be having in your mind when you are injured is – do you need to stop running? It is a well-known fact that almost 80 percent of running injuries have occurred because the runner was trying to run more at the time when he has already injured himself.
So, if you have had an injury while running then the first thing which you should do is to visit a therapist without any further delay. Your therapist will suggest you to take a break from your running schedule when he is treating your running injury.
If you are in pain then it is highly recommended that you should immediately focus on cross-training or stretching so as to help in strengthening the muscles surrounding the injured part. It is worthwhile to know that physical therapy is a long-term affair so you have to be patient and be persistent in your efforts. It is generally seen that the progress is very slow and you may experience more pain before you finally get better in due course of time.
When Should You Consult A Physical Therapist?
If you are experiencing pain for a long time then it has to be monitored carefully and you should make it a point to get it treated without wasting any more time. If you have started to run and within a few minutes you have started to experience tremendous pain then you should stop and get medical advice immediately.
Physical Therapy – How It Helps?
Physical therapy focuses on building the muscles around your injured part. It also massages and helps to stretch the injured area. It is the best option which you can opt for before you are finally advised of a surgery. If you have to undergo surgery then you will take quite some time to recover.
Your physical therapy comprises of strengthening and stretching exercises. These exercises are done by using stability balls, resistance bands, and foam rollers, etc. Since each runner experiences different kinds of injury, hence it is suggested immediately consult a physical therapist and seek his advice for treating your injury.
How Can One Avoid Injury?
In order to avoid injury, you should avoid increasing mileage very quickly. You should follow a program whereby you can gradually increase your mileage. You are highly recommended to take ample rest, follow the proper schedule, maintain a proper diet and also incorporate regular strength training exercise in your daily routine. You should avoid running on hard surfaces and also downhill running in order to avoid injury.