As racing season kicks into high gear, so too does a runner’s number one issue: injuries. Impacting everyone from the professional to the amateur, they can sometimes leave you sitting at home for the entire summer. Other times, you might believe that you’re fully healed only to end up with an even worse injury. Some estimates indicate that upwards of two-thirds of all runners will be injured at some point during their lifetime. So, the question is: how do you prevent running injuries?
Chiropractic Care and Injury Prevention
One of the best ways to prevent running injuries is by visiting your sport-focused chiropractor prior to starting a training program. By working closely with professionals, you can develop a regime that works well for you. Some of the benefits include:
- Increased Flexibility – A study in the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine indicated that chiropractic care improved the range of hip extension in junior runners, increasing performance, and decreasing injuries.
- Improved Function – Many runners develop injuries because they are running on a body that isn’t quite functional. A dysfunctional glute muscle or an inhibited hip flexor, whatever the issue, there will be a reaction in the kinetic chain, which will undoubtedly result in pain and further injury.
- Improved Spinal Alignment – When your spine isn’t in proper alignment when you’re running, you’re more susceptible to injuries. By keeping your spine in alignment via chiropractic treatment, you decrease the risk of other areas of your body overcompensating.
Not to mention, regular visits to chiropractors can help with older injuries, ensuring that you don’t hurt the same part of your body again.
Pair your chiropractic care with taking your own steps to prevent running injuries. Some suggestions include: ensuring your mileage is increasing gradually, that you have proper shoes for you, maintaining a functional foam rolling regimen, staying hydrated and eating a balanced diet. You can even go as far as undergoing a Gait Analysis.
At Cadence Chiropractic, we provide gentle, functional care that adheres to our patient’s unique comfort levels. We take the time to ensure that you understand the adjustments and soft tissue therapies, and can also provide alternatives to traditional treatment. The treatment you receive is entirely up to you. Our runners always benefit from functional tune-ups! If you think you could benefit from chiropractic care, get in touch! We’re happy to talk through your questions.
Our Phone number is: 403.521.2278. You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
