Are you looking for a specialist running physio in Melbourne? Well Athlete's Edge might be just what you are searching for. Our team is highly experienced, working with endurance runners of all levels, from beginner through to the elite level athletes. Consulting out of our purpose build performance training centre in Caulfield North, we provide …
Are you looking for a specialist running physio in Melbourne?
Well Athlete’s Edge might be just what you are searching for. Our team is highly experienced, working with endurance runners of all levels, from beginner through to the elite level athletes. Consulting out of our purpose build performance training centre in Caulfield North, we provide dedicated running assessment, injury rehabilitation, and performance optimisation services.
This guide will cover they key running services we offer, why seeing a running specific physiotherapist is recommended, help you understand the demands of running, canvas key running injuries, provide some links for further reading and resources, plus detail some of the
What makes someone a running expert physio?
This is a valid question, and something that we consider very important for all runners to consider when looking for a clinician to work with. Our running physios have many years of working clinically with runners of all levels, they have done formal training in running biomechanics, running injuries, and running retraining. Our running physios have also studied running coaching, and published research in leading sports medicine journals (see recent publications here). Furthermore, our running physios have a background in exercise science and strength & conditioning, meaning they not only understand the injury aspect, but also the performance side of endurance running. Finally, our running physiotherapists are also runners themselves, so they understand the demands of running, and the types of sessions and training you put yourself through. You can read more about why you should see a running physio here.
Answering your key running physio questions?
Will you tell me to stop running?
Many runners have a fear of being told to stop running, and this is a valid one. Running is often a hugely important part of a runner’s week, their identity and their goals. Some runners have also had bad experiences with other healthcare professionals who may not have an understanding of the running demands. While we can never promise anything, we always endeavor to keep you running, or at least help get you back running as soon as possible. However, some injuries (e.g. stress fractures) may require periods of time off running to allow optimum recovery. We are also runners and athlete’s ourselves, and understand how important running is to you.. so don’t worry, we won’t tell you to “stop running” unless it’s absolutely necessary.
Should I “wait and see” or get it assessed early?
While we are biaised here, the best way to keep running well, and avoid long layoffs, is to get the “small niggle” assessed early, rather than waiting for it to become a big injury that does require time off (e.g. time loss injury). Statistically, many runners get injured every year (up to 80% in some studies), and our goal at Athlete’s Edge is to may your “injury” for the year to be something you can manage and train through (rather than one you have to miss a fair bit of time for).
What should I expect on an initial assessment?
We like to understand your injury or goals, your training history, you running history, and any other factors that might contribute to your running injury or performance. We will then do a detailed assessment, and look to put a plan together to address the goal. This might be treatment, this could be a strength program, or even running training recommendations. We also offer specialist Runners Edge Gait and Performance assessments.
Can I get a strength and performance program to improve my running?
Definitely! Strength training for runners is an area that Athlete’s Edge Physiotherapy is an industry leader in! We have published research on the importance of strength, power and well planned running programs on injury and performance! We will help you put together an individualised running strength and performance program centered around you, your goals, and your routine.
Where is your running physio clinic located in Melbourne?
Athlete’s Edge Physiotherapy is located in close proximity to the Melbourne CBD, inner east of Melbourne, Bayside and many major freeways. See more on how to find us here.
Understanding running & running injuries?
Demands of Running:
Running is a great sport for physical health, mental health, and longevity! When looking at running, we need to understand the impact forces (ground reaction forces) that act on the body (often over 3 x bodyweight). We also need to consider the muscle forces acting on the body during running, which can rise to over 10 x bodyweight, with the calf a particularly important muscle (over 8 x BW) (Dorn et al., 2012). This is significant when considering running injuries, but also running performance. These demands are a critical part of what our running physios understand and consider when evaluating you and your running goals.
Common Running Injuries:
Unfortunately, running injuries are common. Some studies show up to 80% of runners get injured every year, with the type of injury, significance, and time loss varying depending on the level of running, age, sex and more. In all studies, knee injuries are the most common, and this is what we often see here at Athlete’s Edge. We also see a lot of overload injuries (e.g. tendinopathies), bone stress injuries, and a variety of other lower limb injuries. The good news is our running physiotherapists have specialised training and experience in these kinds of running injuries and know how to help you rebuild and rehab out of these injuries, whether it is a few day old injury or an ongoing injury for a longer period of time.
Running Physio and Performance?
Can strength and plyometric training improve performance? Yes! By up to 8% when looking at things like running economy and time trial performance! Additionally, technique changes have potential for improving running economy by between 4-14%! Wnat to see how you can improve your running performance? Book a Runner’s Edge Performance Test today!
Educational events, webinars & workshops:
Athlete’s Edge Physiotherapy is proud to offer a number of free and paid workshops, webinars and events for runners, run coaches and health professionals. If this is something that might interest you, we recommend that you sign up to our mailing list below, or follow our social media pages (@athletesedgephysio) for all updates.
Check out some video highlights from recent running workshops presented by Melbourne running physios on our Athlete’s Edge – Education Channel on Youtube below. These highlights discuss marathon taper and understanding training load, both vital concepts for all runners to consider.
See more snippets from the running workshops, including some of the key recommendations and educational messages in the gallery below.
If you’re interested in a running physio appointment check out the link below, or if you are keen on learning more, sign up for one of our free educational events to deepen your understanding and stay injury-free.
This article is written by Director and senior physio Ky Wynne, who has clinical interest and expertise in running injuries and lower limb rehabilitation.
What’s Your Next Step?
Value yourself and start your journey with Athletes Edge Physiotherapy today.
