Treatment Options for Your Running Injury
I have written ad nauseam that running injuries need treatment. “Just rest” is not a good treatment plan.
Today I want to provide some insight into what treatment options are actually available for runners, because there are a lot.
Not all treatments are appropriate for all injuries. You must see a medical professional who can make appropriate suggestions after assessing your injury.
DISCLAIMER: This list is for your information only. All descriptions are my own very basic non-medical summaries of the treatments. I am not a medical professional. Please do your own research and consult a medical professional who is actually qualified to discuss these treatments. I just want you to know the extent of options! I’ve also added my rating of pain or discomfort to be expected, based on my own personal experience.
Massage
Manipulation of soft tissues/ muscles. Ideally the massage therapist is experienced with runners and will provide an individualized session as opposed to a pre-determined massage sequence. I’ve written extensively about massage on my blog and how to find a good therapist here .
Possibly quite painful.
Chiropractic Adjustment
The chiropractor corrects issues in skeletal system through a variety of moves (turning, pushing, pulling) on the body in different positions. Usually you’re hearing cracks!
Should not be painful, but can be a little uncomfortable.
STIM
Two pads are stuck on the body around/near the injury site. They are connected to cords and send electric currents between the pads through the body. You can feel twitching or tingling.
Generally low pain.
Cortisone Injection
Cortisone is a steroid which is injected into the site of an injury to relive pain and reduce inflammation.
Never had it, apparently can be painful depending on where you get it.
PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma)
PRP is when you get your blood drawn and then the blood is spun around in a centrifuge to get the platelets, then the platelet solution is injected back into your body at the site of injury. Typically this treatment could be used for tendons and cartilage injuries.
“Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection is a biologic therapy that can stimulate healing and enhance repair in certain injuries.” -Yale Medicine. Read more here.
Never had it, apparently can be painful depending on where you get it.
Ultrasound
The ultrasound wand is moved against your skin to create vibrations in soft tissues. It can help increase blood flow and break up scar tissue.
Zero pain.
Graston:
Dulled edge knife-like metal tools are used to scrape at soft tissues to break up scar tissue and loosen knots in muscle.
Pain level varies, should be low. Can leave bruising.
Alignment Correction
Athletic Therapist or physiotherapist evaluates position of pelvis, leg length, hip level in various positions. They correct any alignment issues with a combination of moves similar to partner stretches. The runner is active in this treatment. The therapist may be able to teach the runner how to perform a self-correction of alignment on their own.
Not painful.
Shockwave
A wand is placed on the skin at the site of an injury. It directs acoustic waves to the injury to help reduce pain and promote blood flow. You can hear a click every time it sends a shockwave. A treatment takes about 15min.
Read more here: Myofascial Acoustic Therapy
A bit painful, I would say moderate.
ART
ART stands for Active Release Therapy. To me this is kind of like a very deep tissue massage done while the therapist asks you to move, or moves your body for you. For example, deep massage in the calf while you flex your ankle (using the calf muscles). This treatment is a lot more brief than a massage, and it’s done just on a targeted area. Takes a few minutes.
Possibly quite painful.
Cupping
Suction cups put on tight areas of the body to help promote blood flow to the area and release tension.
Not painful, can leave large unsightly bruises though.
Taping
Tape can be used to help promote blood flow to an area (typically kinesio tape is used for this) or for providing support/ stability to an injury. A PT or ATC can do the taping for you and possibly show you how to tape your own injury when you’re at home. Taping was an important part of my own treatment for Plantar Fasciitis.
Not painful.
Dry Needling
Very thin needle(s) are poked into a muscle and manipulated to help release tension. The needles aren’t hollow, and nothing is injected. I personally have had dry needling on my hamstring and it was super helpful but definitely made me more sore temporarily. Things felt worse before they felt better. Worth it.
This is not the same as acupuncture.
Can be a little bit painful, from my memory, but it’s low.
Nicole Sifuentes is a full-time Running Coach for adults of all ages and abilities. She is a former professional runner and 2-time Olympian, and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. Read more about her services, and schedule your free coaching consultation.
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