Do runners need physical therapy? Well, yes! If you are planning to run a marathon, physical therapy will help you face the long run ahead. Let’s explore the relevance of physical therapy for marathon runners.
What Is Physical Therapy?
Physical therapy, also known as physiotherapy, is a medical treatment. It helps people of all ages to move their bodies better. A common misconception surrounding physical therapy is that it only offers recovery from injuries. If you want to lead a healthier life, you can seek the advice of a physical therapist.
A physical therapist will be able to recommend exercises and massage techniques to maintain a healthier life. If you are injured or a person with movement disorders, a physical therapist will recommend the following methods in your therapy sessions:
- Massages
- Exercises
- Heat therapy
- Electrotherapy
- Stretching
Physical therapists will use different types of equipment to massage and facilitate exercises. Therapy will help restore muscle strength and improve movements. There are many types of physical therapy; some of them include:
- Sports physiotherapy
- Geriatric physiotherapy
- Orthopedic physiotherapy
- Cardiovascular physiotherapy
- Pediatric physiotherapy
- Neurological physiotherapy
Also Check: 6 Facts About Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy – Must-Know!
Key Aspects Of Physical Therapy For Marathon Runners
Whether you are a seasoned marathon runner or just starting your running journey, physical therapy plays a crucial role in keeping you healthy, strong, and ready to conquer the miles. Running a marathon will test your physical and mental strength. You need to have immense dedication and desire to succeed in completing a marathon.
Only preparation can make you fit for it. Physical therapy makes you marathon-ready if you can accurately complete pre-marathon physical therapy training. Sports physiotherapy and personalized exercise sessions can deliver extreme results. Let’s discover some key aspects of physical therapy for marathons.
🔹 Understanding Your Body
Bodies differ from person to person. Knowing about your body will help you get a clear picture of how to prevent injuries and enhance your performance. A physical therapist can help you understand the mechanics of muscles, joints, and bones.
🔹 Injuries And Prevention
Injuries are usual during the training period. Even unexpected injuries may occur while you are running a marathon. You can reduce the risk of injuries while running if you do physical therapy. Physiotherapists can teach you techniques to avoid common injuries while running.
🔹 Assessment
Like in any other therapy, the physical therapist will conduct an assessment of your posture, flexibility, endurance, and strength prior to your training sessions. This helps your therapist tailor personalized training sessions for you.
🔹 Custom Exercise Plans
Based on the assessment, your physical therapist will plan a customized exercise session. These exercises will help you restore strength, flexibility, balance, and endurance. Your mental health will also improve.
🔹 Rehabilitation
Physical therapy can play a pivotal role in your recovery if you want to recover from a previous injury. Moreover, it can also prevent future injuries.
🔹 Diet And Hydration
Eating nutritional foods and drinking enough water are the other key aspects of your pre-marathon training. Apart from exercising, you need to maintain a healthy diet to receive the full benefit of your training.
🔹 Cross-Training
Activities such as swimming, cycling, or strength training can be part of your marathon training. These cross-training activities will complement running.
🔹 Setting A Goal
You need to have goals to achieve success. Setting a realistic goal is an essential part of marathon training. Your therapist can help you achieve this goal through careful tracking of your progress.
Read More: Is Physiotherapy Good For Disk Bulging? Disc Bulge Physiotherapy Exercises
Benefits Of Physical Therapy Before A Marathon
Whether you are a beginner or a pro, undergoing physical therapy can offer better results if you want to run long distances. A few benefits of marathon training include:
- Physical therapy can provide strength training for endurance rather than strengthening muscles all over your legs.
- Your therapist can motivate you to improve your form.
- It will lower your risk of injuries and re-injuries.
- If your goal is to be a better runner, opt for physical therapy before the marathon.
- A healthy diet is another vital element of physical therapy. So it can keep you healthy and fit. Runners need to stay healthy.
Conclusion
Physical therapy is a valuable resource for runners at every level. It is not about fixing existing injuries or injuries that occur during your marathon. Physical therapy can optimize your performance through custom training sessions. It can keep you running strong.
Your therapist can not only help you physically but also provide enough motivation to achieve your goal. You have to maintain a healthy lifestyle to reap the full potential of your pre-marathon physical therapy.
