Running injuries have become all too common in recent years. If you look online for advice on how to avoid common exercise-related maladies, such as runner’s knee, you’ll find millions of articles with conflicting advice. For instance, you can find tons of articles on the best footwear for running, the ideal orthotics, and the greatest recovery routines to be used after runs.
Unfortunately, most of these recommendations are dubious at best. The tips are based primarily on conjectures and unproven science. Runners need to have trusted professionals to whom they can turn for advice on injury prevention and rehabilitation. Thankfully, runners can rejoice in the fact that chiropractic care is an effective option for both the treatment and prevention of running-related issues.
Benefit #1: Improved Range of Motion
When running, it is a significant advantage to have full range of motion (ROM). Runners who maintain a limited ROM at the ankles, hips, knees, or spine may suffer from decreased performance and worse mile times. Worst of all, stiff joints and limited ROM are often associated with injuries in an athletic population.
Skilled chiropractors who perform targeted spinal manipulations can generally help runners improve range of motion throughout their bodies. This prepares the runner for the demands of her sport, no matter what her running skill or experience level may be.
Benefit #2: Decreased Pain
As was mentioned in the introduction, runners frequently suffer from injuries, aches, and pains. Truthfully, runners can experience all sorts of injuries; they are not limited to well-known afflictions, such as runner’s knee. For instance, runners might suffer from back pain, hip pain, or even shoulder pain as a result of their running training.
By manipulating specific spinal segments, chiropractors can improve spinal alignment in these patients. In doing so, the connections between the central nervous system and the painful areas in question are strengthened. This improved connection often allows for better healing capability and thus, decreased pain.
Benefit #3: Increased Endurance
Cardiovascular endurance is one of the most crucial areas of health with which runners are concerned. Therefore, runners will take every step possible to increase this measure.
By correcting any misalignments in the body, chiropractors can improve body-wide coordination. This means that the lungs, heart, and muscles may all work better as a whole unit in response to regular chiropractic treatments.
Benefit #4: More Relaxed Muscles
As counterintuitive as it may seem, runners need to be relaxed during races and training runs. The more tense a runner is, the worse he or she will often perform. By learning to relax the shoulders and other muscles of the body during a run, these athletes can better focus the energy where it’s needed during the run.
Chiropractic manipulations generally help patients relax. By loosening tight muscles and joints, chiropractors can assist runners in achieving a better state of relaxation. This can then translate into improved running performance overall.
Benefit #5: Preventative and Rehabilitative Care
Whether the runner has suffered an injury or wants to avoid sustaining one in the first place, chiropractic care can help. Chiropractors can help patients recover from injuries of all types, from mild osteoarthritic knee pain to spinal fractures. No matter what injury a runner has suffered from or wants to avoid, chiropractic care can be the solution.
All you runners out there: are you ready for your next race? Have you been having nagging pains during your runs, but aren’t sure where to turn for help? If this sounds like you, consider stopping in to see your go-to Plano, TX chiropractors at Keystone Chiropractic. Book your appointment today.
