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What we’ll cover
  1. Training Volume
  2. Recovery
  3. Footwear
  4. When should I see a Physiotherapist?

Prevent Running Injuries

Get your running injury assessed or to prevent running injuries by calling us on (03) 9571 6888 or fill in our online form
Incorporating running as part of your training is a great idea, but it can often lead to injury if not done correctly.  Given the repetitive nature of running, it can unfortunately lead to injury if not done correctly or overdone.  Common running injuries include runners knee, plantar fasciitis, achilles tedinopathy and calf strains.  To prevent running injuries, check out our key points to be mindful of.
Preventing running injuries

Training Volume

One of the most common injury risks for runners is taking on too much too quickly.  Increases in distance or intensity of running place an increase in load through the ligaments, joints and muscles of the lower limb.  It is very important to only increase training volume gradually, otherwise your body will break down.  This is relevant in terms of distance covered in the one run, as well as the total number of kilometres run in a week.  A good guideline is to increase total running distance per week by no more than 10%.  Often, running training programs include hill runs and speed work, both of which are important if you are looking to run in a certain time.  Be aware, however, that both of these activities cause a higher level of muscle loading than slow, flat runs.  As such, it is necessary to factor these sessions in carefully.

Recovery

Recovery is an essential component of any running program.  Following a run, your body needs time to adapt and repair small micro tears that may occur.  Given sufficient rest, your muscles will recover from this and adapt to become stronger.  During recovery periods, it is important to maintain muscle flexibility by combining stretching and self management techniques such as utilising foam rollers or massage balls.  Our physiotherapists can provide you with a range of stretches and techniques to assist with your recovery.

Incorporating rest days and easy runs into your program is also paramount in terms of not only preventing injury, but but to also improve speed.  Overtraining commonly occurs without adequate recovery resulting in fatigue, deterioration and ultimately injury.  It is advisable to have a recovery week every fourth week of running, where you reduce total kilometres covered by 50%.

Footwear

Running in urban areas generally results in a lot of time spent “pounding the pavement”.  As such, shoes that provide adequate cushioning and support are essential.  With so many types of runners on the market, it is important to have your foot posture and running technique assessed in order to ensure that your footwear is appropriate for you.  Your physiotherapist is able to advise on suitable types of running footwear based on your training and goals.  Also be mindful that older shoes do lose their cushioning and support so you may need to upgrade.

When should I see a Physiotherapist?

Your physiotherapist is equipped to ensure that you are able to run active and injury free.  If you are starting out speak to our team to develop a graduated program to stay injury free.  Our running screening program also provides a biomechanical assessment of the lower limb to identify any problem areas before they cause trouble and limit running.

Treatment from your physiotherapist should be sought if you experience acute pain whilst running, muscle pain that doesn’t go away 48-72 hours post run, or a consistent ‘niggle’ each time you try and run.  The sooner running injuries are addressed the less likelihood that rest is required.  In addition to diagnosing and treating your injury, our physiotherapists will identify any other risk factors in order to return you to running as quickly and safe as possible.

To keep you running or prevent running injuries contact us today on 9571 6888 or at info@mephysio.com.au


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Last week our team celebrated another great year. 

Whilst Melbourne’s weather had its own plans, we were still determined to keep with the theme of ‘Italian Summer’. We let our hair down to master the art of mixology 🍸🍹followed by an Italian feast. Friday morning Run Club with the team. Practicing what we preach!

Staying stronger, healthier and happier. This time last week, our team was nervously completing their final preparations for @melbmara . 

Congratulations to our physiotherapists and ME community who ran on the day.

Dilen and Michael completed their first marathons. Abbey and Lizzie smashed out their first half. Last Sunday, our team headed down to see our own Matt Warren win a premiership in the VAFA Premier Men’s Competition. Last week our team dedicated a full day to professional development and team building. At ME Physio we pride ourselves on collaboration to put you at the centre of everything we do. 

Our team covered the latest treatments for back pain, financial well-being and finished off the day with salsa dancing. 

Many thanks to our guests including James Schomburgk from @the2ndvisitphysio , Financial Planners Tony Vikram & Cameron Bishop and the @salsafoundation At ME Physio, our focus is on helping you get stronger so that you can keep doing the things you love.

For Tony and Joan, healthier and stronger is being able to navigate the iconic Coast to Coast Walk in the UK! We recently had the pleasure of hosting Elise Bujor from Women’s & Men’s Health Physiotherapy to discuss women’s health issues across the lifespan. 

Our team pride themselves on staying up to date to ensure you’re able to stay healthier, happier and stronger. Huge milestones over the past few weeks with both Tom and Jude from @delasallefc doing their first bit of running in their rehab. 

Tom is on the return from an ankle dislocation whilst Jude is putting in the hard work following a knee reconstruction. Last week our team enjoyed some friendly rivalry at the footy. 

With finals around the corner, some of our team can now safely make holidays plans for September. We recently had the pleasure of hosting the podiatry team from @sespodiatry. 

Our physiotherapists Michael and Abbey presented on rehabilitation following Achilles surgical repair and ankle surgery. Last weekend some of our team got together to complete the 10 km run @runmelbourne. There was no finish line picture as some were keen to run another 15 km!

Whilst running wasn’t for some - brunch was well received by everyone. Shoulder impingement can be incredibly frustrating and painful. 

Tony has been working closely with our physiotherapists Vernon and Dilen to get on top of his shoulder pain. His treatment plan has included hands-on physiotherapy and individualised exercises in our hydrotherapy and strength programs.

You Deserve to Feel Good.

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