Running is one of our favourite forms of exercise. The reasons for its popularity are simple — it can be done almost anywhere, takes no special equipment, and burns lots of calories. Running also offers a great many health benefits such as weight control, decreased blood pressure and cholesterol, and relief from stress.
Everything with running is fabulous, right up until the time you hear a snap, crack, or pop. The downside of all the wonderful benefits is that running causes its share of injuries to the body.
The New York Times featured a study by Harvard scientists who presented an alarming statistic that two-thirds of runners will be injured in some way. Tendonitis, shin splints, ankle sprains, hip pain, and knee strains are a few of the many injuries brought on or exacerbated by a regular running routine.
1. Increased Range of Motion
It’s important to take common sense precautions to not get injured in the first place. Purchasing high quality shoes and respecting the body’s limits are two excellent choices.
Another great choice is committing to chiropractic care. Regular runners can reap many positive results from visiting a chiropractor. Three big benefits chiropractic care offers for runners are the following:
Loose and relaxed joints allow for greater flexibility and movement, all of which benefit a runner’s gait and time. A study published in the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine found evidence that a chiropractic treatment regimen increased mobility in the hips over time.
While chiropractic care does not guarantee an individual will experience an increase in speed, unrestricted joints and better range of motion will definitely help a person move more freely and stand a better chance of avoiding running injuries.
2. Decreased Healing Time for Injuries
Unfortunately, runners frequently deal with injuries, some of which take weeks or months to heal. For dedicated runners, a serious injury is terrible news.
The first action for runners after they have been injured is to stop running so it can heal. Most runners do not want to risk losing the stamina that interrupting their routine brings on.
Chiropractors can work with runners who have injured themselves from the repetitive motion of running regularly. By using chiropractic adjustments, chiropractors can promote healing in the body as a whole. Runners love this because they want to get back to hoofing it as quickly as possible.
3. Minimised Instances of Becoming Injured
A spine out of alignment can cause other parts of the body to be weaker and more susceptible to injury. One part of the body compensating for another that is off kilter is one common way runners end up hurt.
Chiropractic treatment helps to keep the spine in alignment, which can have a ripple effect through the body. Regular adjustments can reduce the negative impact the jarring motion of running has on a person’s body, and help avoid running-relating injuries on the front end.
What Most Runners Overlook
Many runners focus on things like shoes, mileage, and pace — which are all important.
But what often gets overlooked is how well the body is actually moving.
Limited mobility in the hips, stiffness in the spine, or tightness in the ankles can all affect how force is distributed when you run. When one area isn’t moving properly, another area tends to take on more stress.
Over time, that added stress can lead to irritation, pain, or injury.
Simple Ways to Support Your Body as a Runner
Along with chiropractic care, there are a few simple habits that can help reduce your risk of injury and improve how your body feels:
- Stay consistent with mobility work, especially for the hips and ankles
- Strengthen your glutes and core to support better movement
- Pay attention to early signs of tightness or discomfort
- Avoid sudden increases in mileage or intensity
- Allow time for proper recovery between runs
These small changes can make a big difference over time.
How Optimal Health Helps Runners Stay Active
At Optimal Health, we don’t just focus on where the pain is — we look at how your entire body is moving.
Running is repetitive, and even small movement issues can add up over time. That’s why our approach is centered around identifying what’s actually contributing to the stress on your body.
Depending on your needs, care may include:
- Chiropractic adjustments to improve joint mobility in the spine, hips, and ankles
- Soft tissue and manual therapy to reduce muscle tension and improve flexibility
- Movement assessments to identify imbalances or faulty running mechanics
- Corrective exercises to strengthen key areas like the glutes and core
- Guidance on recovery and training habits to help prevent future injuries
Our goal is not just to help you recover from injuries, but to help you move better, run more efficiently, and stay consistent without setbacks.
Whether you’re dealing with pain or simply want to stay ahead of injuries, our team is here to support your performance and long-term health.
Running is a popular exercise routine for many, and yields a multitude of positive results to a person’s health and well-being. By taking proper steps to minimize the chance of injury, runners can enjoy the good points running brings to the table and steer clear of the bad.
Chiropractic care can be an effective part of making certain your body is in prime running condition and resistant to injury. If a person ends up dealing with an injury, chiropractic treatment may be able to boost healing time.
Want a quick breakdown of what runners commonly deal with? Watch Common running injuries
Ready! Set! Go!
If you are a runner and would like to talk further about how chiropractic care can support your performance and recovery, contact us today to schedule a consultation at Optimal Health.
Egg Harbor Township: 609-415-2821
Turnersville: 856-295-0366
