Are you gearing up for the Mini-Mos race?
Whether it’s your first time participating or you’re aiming for a personal best, involving your physiotherapist in your training can significantly impact your performance and help prevent injuries. A few visits to your physio early on in your training program can work wonders in keeping you injury-free and maximizing the results of your hard work.
Running is currently one of the most popular forms of exercise. It’s a safe and efficient way to stay fit, while also providing an opportunity to connect with friends and relieve daily stress.
Amidst all the excitement surrounding the latest activewear trends and shoe types, it’s crucial not to overlook the fundamentals. While stylish shoes may make you look and feel the part (def essential!), focusing on proper running technique will not only make you feel great but also improve your speed and reduce the risk of injury in the training process.
Whether you’re a middle-distance runner, a sprinter, or simply aiming to complete the race, learning the correct running technique is key to staying injury-free and becoming a more efficient runner. Collaborating with your physiotherapist to address any problematic mechanics in your running style will enhance your performance and keep you primed for future runs.
To boost your running fitness and adapt to the stresses and demands of the sport, a training program that gradually increases running volume is essential. Planned and progressive increases in load, coupled with strategic recovery and strengthening programs, lead to improvements in technique and times. Your physiotherapist is well-positioned to work with you in identifying and adjusting your training program to ensure it doesn’t contribute to overload and injury.
While many individuals only seek physiotherapy when an injury occurs, the reality is that a few sessions with your physiotherapist early on in your training can help you avoid injuries altogether and optimize your training outcomes.
Tips for Maximising Your Running Sessions:
- Be Proactive: Don’t wait for an injury to strike before seeking help. Just as regular dental check-ups prevent future dental issues, regular visits to your physiotherapist can help identify and address any weaknesses or imbalances in your running biomechanics.
- Benefit from Pre-hab: In the world of professional sports, preventing injuries through pre-habilitation is a primary focus. Extensive research provides evidence on what to look for and how to improve running performance while minimizing injury risks. Your physiotherapist can identify muscle imbalances, poor recruitment patterns, and other issues early on, before they have a chance to impact you during long runs and when fatigue sets in.
- Optimise Movement Patterns: Your physiotherapist will assess the quality and functionality of your movement patterns, examining factors such as joint range of motion, stability, and strength. By addressing muscle imbalances, painful tissues, and poor movement patterns, potential injuries can be mitigated. Through run drill prescriptions, technique coaching, and analysis of running mechanics, your physiotherapist can help you improve your running form and reduce the risk of injuries.
- Mind Matters: Running is a skill, and like any skill, it can be coached. Your physiotherapist is trained in running gait analysis and can identify any underlying biomechanical issues. By providing feedback, analyzing your technique, and incorporating correction strategies into running drills and training, they can effectively teach you the skill of running, making you a more efficient and injury-resistant runner.
Whether you’re planning to participate in the Mini-Mos or seeking to enhance your running economy as an experienced athlete, consulting with a SquareOne Physiotherapist can help you get the most out of your training.
Book an appointment today by calling 9968 3424 or visiting www.squareonephysio.com.au.
