How Runners Can Benefit from Chiropractic Care

You have logged miles and miles as you run through the streets that are home to the infamous New York City Marathon.  But what if I told you that logging mileage in your new running shoes is not going to be the key to hitting a PR?   

Being able to physically run is vital, but what about your form? Are you wearing appropriate shoes? Do you have optimal mobility where it counts? Strength where it counts? These are the questions you want to ask yourself – whether you are preparing for the NYC marathon or simply an avid runner throughout the year. 

Seeking care is not just for if/when you injure yourself… 

Chiropractic care is not just manipulation of restricted joints. As much as that ‘crack’ and ‘pop’ feel good, there are various benefits to working with a Rehab Chiropractor. Through a combination of manipulation, soft tissue mobilization, breathing assessments and exercise rehab you are able to provide your body with: 

• Decreased muscle tension & trigger points

• Improved mobility 

• Increased strength 

• Improved sleep and recovery

• Confidence in running with improved gait mechanics 

• Understanding how to properly warm up and cool down for your bodies needs 

Now, you might be thinking, “I have been running multiple times a week with minimal discomfort so why would I need help?” Although you may not be feeling discomfort or pain right now, pushing your body through miles and miles of consistent running does more than just make you tired. 

Chiropractic care is a tool that can be used even when not in pain or dealing with injury as it can help you avoid setbacks in training and performance while optimizing what you are already doing. How? 

 

Myofascial Release for Runners

Myofascial release is beneficial for many reasons, but best results occur when it is done specifically and properly. In order to ensure you are optimizing your joint and muscle health, you do not want to “release” every muscle in the body or just because it feels tight. Working with a practitioner to figure out which muscles are actually tight, and not just over-stretched and tight is key. This way an in office treatment can become more individualized to you. Depending on the area(s) that needs to be worked on, a combination of techniques are used, such as: Cupping Therapy, Active Release Technique, Graston Technique. 

 

Exercise Rehab Rehab for Runners 

Exercise rehab is a great way to build strength in areas that have weakened due to a sedentary lifestyle or due to compensating patterns in the body. Once you have released the areas that are tight, it is vital to strengthen the areas that will support them. For example, if you have tight hip flexors that affect your running gait or cause pain in the front of the hip or low back, you will not only want to release the hip flexors, but also strengthen the glutes and hamstrings. This is how the body learns to unravel patterns that are not of benefit to you anymore. 

 

Gait Analysis for Runners 

Restrictions and weaknesses change your running form, also known as your gait. Gait analysis is the study of how one walks or runs in order to better understand strengths and weaknesses. Gait analysis allows your provider to look at the whole picture while you are in action. This feedback can help you answer questions like: 

• Are you getting good hip extension? 

• How do you land on your feet? 

• Are you able to push off of your big toe? 

• Is your spine rotating optimally and evenly? 

• How is your ankle mobility? 

These questions are just a few of the details a gait analysis can answer. This not only helps you while running, but on a day to day basis. Once an analysis is complete, you will not only have targeted areas treated, but also know what corrective exercises make sense for you.

You should feel your very best not only on race day, but everyday. As your provider, I make sure we work together to formulate a comprehensive treatment plan for you so that you can continue to do what you love without pain and discomfort. In order to make it through race day and the ever changing world we are living in, whole body care is vital. 

Ready to get started? Schedule your consultation or Contact Me with any questions you may have. 

Yours in Health, 

Dr. Monisha Mallik, D.C.