Do you experience frustrating niggles while running? Or have you been sadly forced to put your running shoes aside due to pain? Maybe you’re a dedicated runner looking to push past your limits and achieve a specific goal – be it distance or time. If any of these points resonate, you may have bought into the misconception that being able to run pain-free and achieving peak running performance requires assessments based on high-tech, expensive gadgets, or complex solutions.
Many runners believe they need the latest wearable technology or sophisticated machinery to identify and rectify their performance issues. But truth be told, the most effective path to improving your running efficiency, resolving niggles and pain, and preventing injuries lies in a more straightforward, holistic assessment approach.
Offering a customised approach to your running journey
Our Sports Therapy clinic is committed to demystifying the process of improving running performance. We understand that every runner is unique, which is why we focus on a comprehensive evaluation that combines biomechanical analysis, an in-depth review of injury history, and personalised insights and rehab exercises tailored to you.
Through this method, we empower runners to cultivate their natural abilities, overcome pain, and reach their goals without being burdened by the reliance on advanced technology.
Let’s explore how this holistic perspective can transform your running experience and lead to lasting improvements both on and off the track.
What’s a holistic approach to running assessment?
A holistic approach to running assessment goes beyond simply analysing your current running form. It’s about understanding the entire picture of your physical and functional health as a runner.
We carry out a comprehensive evaluation that considers how you run in conjunction with any previous injuries, pain points, and overall physical condition. We connect the dots and understand the drivers or underlying issues that might contribute to discomfort, pain, or sub-optimal performance.
Every runner has a unique history, which can significantly impact their running mechanics. For example, a past ankle sprain might lead to compensatory patterns that affect your gait. Or maybe an old knee injury caused you to adapt and change your stride, leading to imbalances elsewhere in the body.
During our assessments, we take the time to evaluate your entire profile, including your injury history, current physical limitations, and even lifestyle factors. The result is a more informed assessment that addresses your specific needs.
Understanding your running stride
Analysing your running stride on a treadmill is a crucial step in understanding how your body moves. Key elements we observe include:
- Foot strike.
- Cadence.
- Posture.
- And alignment.
Each aspect plays a significant role in your overall running efficiency. For example, your foot strike can reveal whether you’re landing on your heel, midfoot, or forefoot. This influences both impact forces and energy expenditure while you’re running. Cadence (or the number of steps you take per minute), can impact your speed and the stress placed on your joints. Proper posture and alignment ensure that your body moves fluidly, reducing the risk of injury.
As we observe you running (and re-watch the recording with you), we identify any inefficiencies or imbalances and point out any areas that may need adjustment. This allows us to paint a clearer picture of how the various components of your stride interact and affect your performance.
Personalised recommendations for better running
Our comprehensive assessment considers both your injury history and your body’s biomechanical strengths and limitations. It’s important you tell us about any injuries (even old or minor ones), as any form of trauma to the body can lead to compensatory movement patterns that you may be unaware of and negatively affect your running efficiency. This, in turn, can further increase the risk of further injury.
During our running assessment, we look at how your body moves (specifically at joint angles and muscle activations) and identify potential issues in your technique. At the back of this, we provide actionable advice tailored to address anything we identified.
For example, if your analysis shows an imbalance in hip strength, we might recommend targeted exercises to improve stability and performance in this area. Or if a history of ankle sprains is affecting your foot mechanics, we may show you targeted strengthening exercises to stabilise the joint and improve overall function.