Training for a Sydney Running Event? How Physio and Shockwave Therapy Can Help Persistent Running Injuries
Written by: Dr. Richard Domenic Simeoni, Physiotherapist
Running events are underway across Sydney, and many runners are increasing their distance, pace or weekly training load.
That can be a great way to build fitness, but it can also bring on persistent injuries, particularly around the Achilles tendon, heel and knee.
A small amount of muscle soreness after a hard run is normal. Pain that repeatedly returns in the same area, worsens during training or lingers into the next day is more likely to need attention.
Common running injuries
Achilles pain from running is often linked to a sudden increase in distance, hills, speed work or frequency. Symptoms may include morning stiffness, pain at the start of a run or soreness when walking downstairs.
Heel pain after running is also common. This is often related to irritation of the plantar fascia and may be most noticeable with the first few steps in the morning or after sitting.
Other common problems include patellar tendon pain, shin pain and pain around the kneecap.
These injuries are not always caused by one specific issue. Training load, muscle strength, ankle mobility, footwear, recovery and previous injuries may all contribute.
How physiotherapy can help
A running injury physio can assess the painful area and identify factors that may be slowing recovery.
Treatment may include strengthening, mobility exercises, hands-on treatment and advice about temporarily adjusting your training.
You may not need to stop running completely. In many cases, reducing distance, hills or speed work can allow you to continue training while the injury settles.
The goal is to gradually rebuild the area’s capacity, rather than simply waiting for the pain to disappear.
What is shockwave therapy?
Shockwave therapy uses mechanical pressure waves applied through a handheld device. Despite the name, it does not involve an electrical shock.
It is commonly used for persistent tendon and soft tissue conditions, including:
Achilles tendinopathy
plantar heel pain
patellar tendinopathy
some types of hip tendon pain
Shockwave therapy is generally more suitable for problems that have been present for some time, rather than a new injury.
It may help reduce persistent pain and support the recovery process, but it is usually most effective when combined with strengthening and appropriate load management.
When should you seek treatment?
Consider having the injury assessed if:
the pain has lasted longer than one or two weeks
it returns during every run
it is becoming more painful
it affects walking or stairs
you are changing your running style to avoid it
rest helps temporarily, but the pain returns when you resume training
Addressing the problem early is often easier than trying to manage it once it has significantly affected your training.
Running injury physio and shockwave therapy in Hornsby
Nano Physiotherapy provides treatment for running injuries, Achilles pain, plantar heel pain and other persistent tendon conditions at our Hornsby clinic.
Treatment may include exercise rehabilitation, hands-on therapy, training advice and shockwave therapy where appropriate.
If you are preparing for a Sydney running event and an injury is not settling, an assessment can help you understand the problem and develop a clear plan for returning to comfortable running.
