Recovery from Running Injuries

Running injuries are going to happen.

At this point I should be considered an expert on the subject given how many times I’ve been injured. Many of my injuries date back to reckless play as an adolescent but as I’ve aged the injuries have gone from acute to overuse. These experiences, though frustrating, have given me the confidence to know that injuries are par for the course. You can bounce back, but it takes time and work.

Sometimes injuries can come on suddenly, other times there are warning signs that you missed. Either way you got injured, now what? The most common advice is, REST. While rest has some merit it is only a small part of recovery.

Here’s my general recommendations:

1. Stop or reduce running (depending on severity and pain during and after)

2. Seek professional help (physiotherapy, massage, osteopath, chiropractor etc). You can utilize a team approach but often there is a best fit for the job.

3. Perform your prescribed exercises

Given time your injury will be on the mend and pain levels subside or potentially go away entirely . THIS IS IMPORTANT: You are now at the point where you were prior to getting injured. You need to do something to bolster your resilience so you don’t go down the path to reinjury.

This is prime time to start a post rehab exercise program while continuing with prescribed exercises that got you here.

As you get back to activity you will likely be hyper focused on what you are “feeling” (I can relate). Pay attention, but don’t dwell. Given time your body will regain its confidence and you will be free again. Free of pain, and free to run!

Steve