Running is a great form of exercise, but it’s no secret that it can put a lot of stress on the body. The impact from repeated pounding on the pavement can contribute to injuries throughout the lower body, particularly the knees. This can be compounded if there are issues with form, posture and mechanics that overextend the knee or cause unnatural movements.

Knee pain after running could be a sign of IT band syndrome, runner’s knee or more serious conditions, including ACL or MCL tears. If you are dealing with persistent pain that has lasted longer than a few days, it’s important to seek attention from a qualified health care professional to avoid worsening the injury. With their deep expertise in the musculoskeletal system, physical therapists are uniquely qualified to help runners who are dealing with knee pain and other lower body issues.

Take a moment to read the following helpful and easy-to-understand guide. If you have any questions or want to learn more about how we can help, please feel free to reach out to us at any time.

How can a physical therapist help with knee pain?

Here are four specific ways a physical therapist can help patients overcome knee pain:

• Analyze your movement and form — Physical therapists will typically start a treatment plan with a full evaluation of your body mechanics. This can help identify issues in your gait and stride while you run that may be contributing to knee pain.

• Increase strength and stability — A core part of physical therapy is strengthening the muscles around an injured area through therapeutic exercise. This will help stabilize and relieve pressure on an area such as the knees.

• Improve your posture — Physical therapy can also consist of posture training that promotes better movement and works to distribute pressure evenly across the body.
• Give you lifestyle recommendations for injury prevention — You can also expect to receive instruction on steps you can take to reduce and prevent knee pain between in-office sessions. A physical therapist can share information on stretches, exercises and nutrition that can promote overall health and injury prevention.

When seeking relief for knee pain after running, it’s important to find a therapist who can provide expert and highly personalized care.

Knee pain relief with Continuum Wellness

At Continuum Wellness, we pride ourselves on physical therapy that puts the patient at the center of the treatment experience. We’ll work with you one-on-one to review your injury and treatment history so we can develop a plan that is right for you.

To learn more about our treatment options and to make your initial appointment, contact us today.