Injuries are a fact of life if you’re a runner. Before long, you’ll feel that twinge of pain that lands you on the couch with a bag of ice in hand.
As a runner, there is a lot you can do to prevent such foot and ankle injuries from occurring. Though getting injured is, in the long run, unavoidable, making physical therapy a part of your regular training routine is sure to make it happen less frequently.
Here are a few of the best physical therapy exercises to prevent running injuries.
Build Strength
Your best protection from running injuries is a strong body. Stronger muscles act as a sort of armor for commonly injured areas of the body.
Strength training also results in improved running form. Your muscles work together as a finely-tuned machine, greatly reducing the risk of injury.
While it’s important to focus on the strength of your legs, runners should perform full-body strength training exercises as well. Exercises that target your arms and especially your core are equally important.
Increase Mobility
Knotted muscles, joints, and tendons make running painful. They also directly result in increased risk of injury.
So make increasing mobility a number one goal. Plenty of physical therapy exercises focus on stretching the body out to improve overall flexibility.
If you’ve experienced an injury in the past, even if it was years ago, a special physical therapy massage can be a huge help. Massage targets scarred areas to loosen them up and help prevent stiffness and soreness while running.
Improve Form
Perhaps the best way to prevent running injuries is to improve your form. Incorporate exercises into your routine that help you build better posture.
You should likewise focus on posture while running. Keep your torso and back straight with your head directly over your shoulders. Swing your arms efficiently and keep a steady stride that reduces impact.
The Next Step
Physical therapy is the key to maintaining an injury-free body and staying in shape. Call the experts at Casteel Foot & Ankle for more information on the best exercises to prevent injuries while running.