The only thing worse than not running due to injury is….WELL, not sure there is much…

Are you a runner or know a runner who is struggling with an injury? An injury that is impacting your (their) ability to train for an upcoming 5K, 10K, 1/2 marathon, or full marathon? If so, keep reading.

Running injuries are extremely common and are more likely to occur in individuals on both ends of the spectrum (novice and high mileage runners). These injuries could present as foot, knee, hip, back or muscle aches/pains.

The pain could be sharp/stabbing or dull/aching, have a sudden onset or be gradual and slow…I have heard it all.

The question asked by all is….

How do I fix this and get running (yesterday)?…

To answer this question, we must seek and determine the “SOURCE” of the pain as the location of symptom is not necessarily one in the same.

Often treatment may not be directed at the primary area of pain. For example, someone with ITB pain frequently has hip and/or foot strengthening heavily included in their recovery program. A person with tendonitis at their knee very likely needs to have focused muscle strengthening throughout their legs, not just treatment at their knee.

Many (Most) runners have an addiction to running that others who are not runners just cannot understand.

The I must run “x” days per week or “y” miles per day/week to feel good is not comprehendible to many, BUT….

As a former D-I runner, I get the “illness”

I still get irritable when I am unable to run due to even a small injury

This leads to the QUESTION of –

Can I run through this Pain or Injury?

The answer to that question is IT DEPENDS…it depends on many different factors such as: How much pain are you in? How is the injury impacting daily life outside of running? Is there potential for long-term damage? How much pain are you willing to endure? How quickly do you want the issue addressed?

Generally speaking if your pain rating is 4/10 or below it is ok to run if you can deal with the pain. That said, long-term NSAID use can be harmful for your internal organs. If there is concern for a bony issue such as a stress fracture or reaction, then modification of training program to include more non-impact training or time off will be necessary. Reason…if you run yourself into a true stress fracture, months of recovery will be necessary not just a few weeks.

If you are looking for a fast solution, then modification of your training program or time off may be necessary to speed the process.

A Good 1^st Step to learn the answers to these questions may be a personalized telephone consult. Get your questions answered by the area’s leading PT treating runners. Claim your consult by clicking the button below

Now many runners are obsessed or concerned about their form, efficiency, and probably footwear as well, but know this…

There is NO ONE RIGHT running form (don’t let anyone tell you otherwise), But….

There are more efficient patterns to adopt and if an injury happens then sometimes analysis of one’s running form can be a very telling data point to assist the rehab process.

Has your running form been analyzed? Has it be done via video? When you are fatigued?

Because fatigued running form is often much different from the just starting off your run form.

….And it is this fatigued form/state where more injuries are likely to present themselves (just ask any marathon runner who has been injured where in their training plan the issue or injury began). In a high percentage of cases it is with those training runs over 16 miles.

How do you prevent this fatigued breakdown- – find out inside this Free Report

Back to running form… major alterations to one’s running form is often not necessary unless one is looking to be:

• More Efficient

• Increase Speed

• Significantly Increase Mileage

• Injury Prevention

• Injury Recovery

And then what about footwear?

How does one know which type of shoe is best for them? The answer (inside the Guide) may surprise you.

To get your answers to these questions and more and find out how Zang PT is different and can help you overcome your running injury, then try out your complimentary, no-obligation Discovery Session

*This Discovery Session is designed for the person who isn’t quite sure PT is right for them or wants to learn more about the provider that will be helping them. It is to get your questions answered and to see if the fit is right…it is all for YOU at no-cost to you

The next logical question then is…

“How Will Coming To Zang PT Help My Running Injury?”

• You will LEARN why you hurt (the root cause) and it will be treated

• You will UNDERSTAND how to get rid of the pain with running

• Get off medication, avoid injections, or even surgery

• Make sure the problem is fully addressed by getting you onto the right program for you and prevent it from coming back

• Get you back to enjoying running again free from pain

If you are looking to get back into running yesterday without pain, what do you have to lose?

If you are interested in the availability of appointments or costs involved, please click on the button below and fill our the brief form.

When I came to see Dr. Zang on the advice of my track coach, I was unable to run even 1 mile due to severe lateral knee pain. Before he even touched my leg based on his history taking, he seemed to know exactly what was wrong and how to address the problem. After his thorough evaluation, we set a game plan to assist me returning to running by combining strengthening and cross training. I feel his experience as a runner who dealt with various injuries he shared with me helped me to mentally get through the rehab process. Within a matter of a few weeks, I was up to running 5 miles and completing workouts as I normally would have. I feel I now have a better understanding of how strength training is important for me as a runner to stay healthy and plan to continue those exercises on a regular basis. – Ryan C., collegiate runner

As an active runner, I knew I needed help when my leg hurt so bad I could not even run 1 mile without butt/hamstring pain. I tried resting it, rolling it out, stretching it, even went to another PT place 1st. I just did not feel like I was getting any better until a fellow runner told me about Dr. Zang. She said he was a runner himself and that his approach was different than most PT places, that he spent every minute with you 1 on 1. I was hesitant because others had failed but chose to start with his Discovery Visit. He spent a good deal of time with me just talking about my troubles and goals for running. He outlined a proposed plan and then said it was fully my choice what to do next. I was struck by his honesty and confidence he had in getting me back to running. I opted for his treatment plan and within a few sessions I was back jogging just a little. After a few more sessions, I was on my way back to regular training again. He was adamant though that I must continue my strengthening program to prevent future issues, something I wish to avoid. –  Jackie W

I was unable to run due to this pain in my big toe. The doctor told me I could have surgery and it might help, but I was training for the NYC marathon and did not want surgery. Dr. Andrew worked to increase the mobility of the toe and showed me how to stretch it out on my own. I am pleased that I was able to accomplish my goal of running and completing the marathon even though it did start to hurt after mile 20. The good news is that now the toe is more mobile and feels fine so long as I don’t run more than 15 miles, which is something I can live with. – Luiz R