Running is one of the most popular types of exercise within Australia. Why? Its free, no equipment is required and can be done almost anywhere as well as offering many health benefits.
With the Olympics just around the corner, the City to Surf coming up, many people start to think a lot about starting or increasing their training. While we do encourage an active lifestyle – it is important to understand the impact training can have if we aren’t doing it properly.
It is estimated that nearly two thirds of runners will injure themselves in some way.
Plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, shin splints, Patella tracking, hip pain and ankle sprains are just some of the more common injuries that can appear with a regular runner.
When we experience injuries, it can have a detrimental effect on our body’s ability to function properly. When we feel the pain it is usually the result of an underlying dysfunction in the spine or extremities, which occurs when we stray from optimal posture.
It is vital that we undertake correct movement patterns when training because if we don’t, we create overactive or tight muscles and underactive muscle which pull our bodies out of balance and therefore impact on our performance and may cause pain.
How can Chiropractic help?
Chiropractic care works on the basis that having a properly functioning nervous system allows the body to be in optimal condition. Chiropractic adjustments performed on various body parts work to activate nerves responsibly for muscle contraction, causing muscle strength to increase.
When there are misalignments of the pelvis and spine, it creates unnecessary tension on particular parts of the body verses an equal distribution of pressure. This imbalance can have detrimental effects to an athlete’s ability to perform. If you continue to run while your body is out of balance, chronic wear and tear to the area is likely to occur. Regular adjustments can reduce the negative effects of jarring motion that running can have on a person’s joints.
Looser or relaxed joints allow for greater movement and flexibility, which benefit to a runners gait and time. Chiropractic can help improve range of motion in restricted joints to allow for better movement in runners, improving their ability to move and avoid injuries related to running.
Sports Chiropractors are trained in muscle work which assists for prevention of injury and optimising performance. Hence why there is sports chiropractors at Olympics and within professional sporting teams, to allow the athletes and players to perform at their best.
Along with Chiropractic, for those weekend warriors taking on the city to surf this year, we recommend a massage 3-5 days before the big event to help release any muscle tension, fatigue and reduce incidence of injury!
Here at Simply Health & Wellness, our chiropractors use a variety of techniques to suit the athlete achieve their running goals and get them back on the track as soon as possible. We wish all our Olympians the best of Luck in Rio and everyone participating in the City to Surf all the best and a reminder to look after your body!
To book a Chiropractic or Massage appointment – call 02 9651 5559 today!