Running Injuries Physical Therapy in Nashville
How does physical therapy help running injuries?
Many running injuries develop when training load rises faster than your body can adapt [1]. Physical therapy finds the specific driver, such as a training change, a strength gap, or a mechanics issue, and adjusts your plan so you can often keep running in a modified way while you recover. Gait analysis can be part of the process.
What are the most common running injuries?
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Runner's knee (patellofemoral pain)
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IT band syndrome
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Shin splints (medial tibial stress syndrome)
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Achilles tendon pain
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Plantar fasciitis and heel pain
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Hip, hamstring, and sit bone pain
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Low back pain during or after runs
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Pelvic floor symptoms with running, such as leaking or pressure
What is a running gait analysis?
A gait analysis uses video of you running to look at how you land, your step rate, how your hips and trunk control each stride, and how your two sides compare. In a lab study, a modest increase in step rate reduced load at the knee and hip [2]. The goal is not a textbook stride. It is a stride that fits your body, your injury history, and your goals. Because pain changes how you run, we do gait analysis when you are not in an active flare-up. Running gait analysis is available at our West Nashville, Brentwood, and Goodlettsville clinics.
Who treats runners at Nashville PT?
Every runner is seen one-on-one by a Doctor of Physical Therapy.
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East Nashville: Lindsay Oberlander, PT, DPT; Jenn Scott, PT, DPT, COMT, CSCS
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West Nashville and The Nations: AC Dowd, PT, DPT, COMT (certified running gait analyst and endurance running coach)
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Brentwood: Amy Crouse, PT, DPT, OCS, COMT, CDN
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Goodlettsville: Megan Donovan, PT, DPT, Cert. MDT, COMT, CIDN
How long does running injury recovery take?
Most people need 3 to 6 visits in total, and meaningful relief often comes within the first one or two. Many people start with weekly visits, then space them out as they improve. Bone stress injuries and long-standing tendon pain take longer, and we will map out a realistic return.
When should you see a doctor first?
Seek medical care right away if you have:
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Pinpoint bone pain that hurts to press and gets worse with each run, which can signal a stress fracture
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Groin or deep hip pain that worsens with running and lingers at rest
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Pain that makes you limp
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Swelling, numbness, or pain at night that does not ease
Where can you get running injury treatment in Nashville?
Available at all four of our clinics:
Running gait analysis is available at our West Nashville, Brentwood, and Goodlettsville clinics.
Common questions about running injuries
Do I need a gait analysis to be treated for a running injury?
No. Most running injuries are diagnosed and treated through a clinical exam, strength and mobility testing, and a review of your training. Gait analysis is one helpful tool, offered at our West Nashville and Brentwood clinics, and runners are treated at all three locations.
Should I stop running if I am injured?
Usually not completely. Most runners can keep some training while an injury settles. We adjust volume, pace, and terrain so the injured area gets relief without losing all of your fitness.
Do I need new running shoes or orthotics?
Sometimes, but shoes are rarely the whole answer. We look at training load, strength, and mechanics first, then recommend footwear or orthotic changes when they are likely to help.
When should a runner get a gait analysis?
Before a big training block, when you are returning from time off or an injury, or when the same area keeps flaring up. The best time is when you are not in an active flare-up, because pain changes how you run and can skew the results. If you are flared up, we treat that first and analyze your running once symptoms calm down. Gait analysis is offered at our West Nashville, Brentwood, and Goodlettsville clinics.
Can physical therapy help leaking or pelvic pressure when I run?
Yes. Both are common in runners and treatable with pelvic floor physical therapy, which we offer at all four of our clinics (for men, at East Nashville and West Nashville only).
Cost and Booking
Do I need a referral?
No. You can schedule directly with us without a physician referral.
What does physical therapy cost?
Each visit is a flat $185. We are a cash-based practice, so there are no copays, deductibles, or insurance limits on your care. We can provide documentation for out-of-network reimbursement, and HSA and FSA cards are accepted.
References
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Nielsen RO, Buist I, Sorensen H, Lind M, Rasmussen S. Training errors and running related injuries: a systematic review. Int J Sports Phys Ther. 2012;7(1):58-75.
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Heiderscheit BC, Chumanov ES, Michalski MP, Wille CM, Ryan MB. Effects of step rate manipulation on joint mechanics during running. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2011;43(2):296-302.
Questions about Running Injury Treatment?
Get in touch so we can start working together.