Health Center
Whether a runner's goal is to improve their time, increase speed or stay fit, it's essential to maintain correct form to prevent injury.
Physical therapists can advise runners on proper form, training methods, strategies for preventing injuries, and proper shoe selection and work with them to develop a plan, tailored to their specific needs, for successful running.
Physical therapists can also evaluate, diagnose and treat runners who have sustained a running-related injury.
Physical therapists are movement experts who improve quality of life through hands-on care, patient education, and prescribed movement. You can contact a physical therapist directly for an evaluation. To find a physical therapist in your area, visit Find a PT.
Symptoms & Conditions
Physical therapists treat and manage numerous conditions affecting runners, including:
- Achilles Tendon Injuries
- Female Athlete Triad
- Groin Strain
- Shin Splints
- Hamstring Injuries
- Calf Strain
- Iliotibial Band Syndrome
- Knee Pain
- Patellofemoral Pain
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Peroneal Tendinopathy
- Lower Extremity Stress Fractures
- Incontinence
Explore other symptoms and conditions.
Featured Content
Health Tips
Healthy Running Advice From Physical Therapists
Whether you’re a beginner, returning to running, or an avid runner, it's essential to treat your body well to reduce your risk for injury. This free downloadable PDF from physical therapists provides research-backed advice you can use.
Health Tips
Top 4 Running Injuries Physical Therapists Help Manage
There are numerous benefits to running, including improved cardiovascular, mental, and physical health, to name a few. Avid runners would love to live an injury-free life, but unfortunately running can be very hard on the body due to the repetitive impact of the activity.
Health Tips
Understanding Plantar Fasciitis: A Type of Heel Pain
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. Ten percent of Americans will experience it at some point during their lifetime, both athletes and nonathletes. Learn about risk factors, symptoms, and treatment.
Health Tips
8 Tips to Prevent Shin Splints
Shin splints can be treated effectively. They also can be prevented with the help of a physical therapist when starting or intensifying an exercise program. Here are some simple steps that you can take on your own.
Additional Running Content
Feb 9, 2017 | Podcast
Running mechanics is a new area of research. Much is still unknown, but this much is clear: women and men run differently.
Aug 23, 2016 | Podcast
The 2016 Olympic Games showcased the track and field sport, which may best exemplify the Olympic motto, "Citius, Altius, Forius" - "Faster, Higher, Stronger."
Mar 13, 2014 | Podcast
A Runner's World magazine editor served as a test subject at a new running clinic. Her assessment revealed a significant deficit she never knew she had.
Jun 28, 2024 | Health Tips
Feet are among the most important body parts. Learn how to take care of your feet with these foot care tips from physical therapists so you can keep moving freely.
Sep 14, 2012 | Podcast
A physical therapist discusses how runners can avoid injury and offers thoughts on the minimalist/barefoot running movement.