Physical Therapy Blog

Trail running offers a unique experience for runners eager to escape the pavement and embrace the outdoors. Running through trails allows you to immerse yourself in nature, enjoy varying terrain, and challenge yourself in ways that road running doesn’t always provide. However, transitioning to trail running requires some preparation, as the trails differ significantly from the smooth roads most runners are accustomed to. In this guide, we’ll discuss the key differences between trail and road running, safety considerations, when trail running may not be the best choice, and practical tips for beginners to help you get started.

When it comes to running, the old adage “you are what you eat” rings particularly true. For long-distance runners, proper nutrition is not only essential for performance but also for recovery, endurance, and overall well-being. Whether you’re training for a marathon, a half marathon, or simply increasing your weekly mileage, knowing how to fuel your body can make the difference between a strong finish and hitting the wall.

Running is a popular form of exercise that offers numerous health benefits, including improved cardiovascular health, enhanced mood, and increased endurance. However, progressing from occasional runs to consistent, longer, and faster runs requires careful planning and a strategic approach to avoid overtraining and injury. This guide provides actionable tips on progressing to consistent running, including how to improve your speed and endurance and highlighting the unique roles of personal training and physical therapy in helping you run for a lifetime.

Running is a beloved activity for many, offering both physical and mental benefits. However, for some runners, persistent knee pain can turn a pleasant run into a painful ordeal. One of the most common issues faced by runners and other athletes is a condition known as runner's knee, or patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). This condition, characterized by pain around the kneecap, can significantly hinder your ability to engage in not only running but also other activities that involve knee movement. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for runner's knee is essential for managing it and returning to your regular activities with confidence.

Running is unique in the sports world for a few reasons. The only equipment you need for the sport is shoes, and there aren’t special rules you have to follow. But every runner loves the rush of seeing their dedication pay off with a new PR, better mile time, or winning a race, and they know that to improve in the sport, you have to push your body and mind to their limits.

IT Band Syndrome, also known as Iliotibial Band Syndrome, is a common injury that affects many athletes, especially runners. It is characterized by pain and inflammation on the outer part of the knee and/or hip, which can significantly hinder performance and daily activities. Physical therapy is often an integral part of any treatment plan for IT Band Syndrome - our team at EW Motion Therapy loves helping our clients with IT Band Syndrome to reduce pain and return to the activities they love. You may decide that our physical therapy doesn’t fit your needs, but understanding the causes, risk factors, and treatment options for IT Band Syndrome is crucial for prevention and effective management.

Running a 5K can be an exhilarating challenge, whether you're a seasoned runner or a beginner. The journey from the initial decision to participate in a race through the preparation phase to the recovery period involves both physical and mental readiness. A physical therapist can be an invaluable guide in preparing and training for a race, offering personalized advice and techniques to enhance your performance and prevent injuries. At EW Motion Therapy, we are dedicated to helping runners like you reach their goals while staying injury-free. Even if you don’t choose our services, this guide is here to offer practical tips for each stage of your 5K journey, highlighting how physical therapy can be a game-changer in enhancing your running performance and recovery.

It’s a common stereotype in modern healthcare that it’s difficult to find a practitioner who truly cares. At your doctor’s office, you may feel like just another chart, just another name on a schedule, no matter how friendly your physician may be. When you find a professional who cares about your well-being, whether a personal trainer, a hairstylist, or a dentist, you want to stick with them no matter what, because you have come to appreciate not only the quality of their service but also their genuine concern for you as a person, not just as another name on their schedule.

Running is a universally cherished activity that transcends age, fitness level, and personal goals. Whether you're lacing up your sneakers for the first time or an experienced marathoner, the allure of hitting the pavement is undeniable. But what if you could enhance your running experience, meet like-minded individuals, and achieve your goals more efficiently? This is where running groups come into play. We always encourage our runners at EW Motion Therapy to seek out groups close to them so they can build community and have accountability partners along their journey. Even if you decide that our Run program doesn’t fit your needs, you can still read this guide as we explore the benefits of joining a running group for beginners and advanced runners. We’ll also provide practical tips on finding the right group that aligns with your fitness journey and goals.

Runners, known for their dedication and endurance, often face musculoskeletal challenges. As they push their limits, the repetitive stress and strain on their bodies can lead to various conditions. This is where dry needling, a unique and effective therapy, comes into play, offering relief and improved performance. Dry needling often works best when combined with physical therapy - many of our physical therapists at EW Motion Therapy are dry-needling certified. They can incorporate it into any runner’s treatment plan. But even if you decide that our services don’t fit your needs, you can still read on as we explore dry needling for runners, its benefits, common conditions it can alleviate, and how it integrates with physical therapy and other treatments.