Running Injuries: Common problems and how Physio can help

How Physio can help with running injury and return to training

While the painful area is important, successful rehabilitation often requires understanding why the injury developed in the first place. At Restorativ Physiotherapy, assessment includes running history and training load, strength assessment, joint mobility assessment, previous injury history, recovery habits, movement and functional testing, hands on treatment as indicated and return-to-running planning.

Following assessment, an individualised rehabilitation program may include strength training, mobility exercises, load management strategies, and a graduated return-to-running plan. Your program will be assigned through the PhysiApp app (at no cost to yourself), which includes videos and instructions on how to safely do your exercises. We update these as you progress through your treatment lifecycle.

Research consistently shows that strengthening and progressive loading programs improve tissue capacity, reduce re-injury risk, and help runners return to activity safely. We also have an onsite gym and can provide guidance on your form when undertaking strengthening exercises. Alternatively, you can request a physio led exercise session, as part of a standard physio treatment.

Why individualised programs matter

No two runners present the same way. Age, injury history, running experience, training goals, footwear, work demands, and recovery capacity can all influence rehabilitation. A personalised physiotherapy program helps ensure you are doing the right amount of running and exercise at the right time, reducing the risk of setbacks and improving long-term results.

Frequently asked questions

What is the most common running injury?

Common running injuries include runner's knee, Achilles tendinopathy, shin splints, plantar heel pain, IT band syndrome, and muscle strains.

Should I stop running if I have pain?

Not necessarily. Many running injuries can be managed while modifying training. Our experienced physios can help determine whether you can continue running safely and what adjustments are needed.

How can physiotherapy help with running injuries?

Physiotherapy can help identify contributing factors such as strength deficits, training errors, load management issues, and mobility restrictions. Treatment is then tailored to your individual needs and goals.

Can physiotherapy help prevent running injuries?

Yes. Strength training, movement assessment, load management education, and early intervention for developing symptoms can help reduce injury risk.

Do I need a running assessment?

A running assessment may be useful if you experience recurring injuries, are preparing for an event, are returning from injury, or want guidance on managing training loads.

How long does it take to recover from a running injury?

Recovery varies depending on the injury and its severity. Mild conditions may improve within a few weeks, while tendon injuries and bone stress injuries can require several months of rehabilitation.

Can physiotherapy help me train for a marathon or half marathon?

Yes. Physiotherapists can assist with injury prevention strategies, strength programs, load management, and safe progression throughout your training cycle.

What should I do if my running injury keeps coming back?

Recurring injuries often indicate that an underlying factor has not been addressed. A detailed assessment can help identify contributing factors and create a long-term management plan.

What experience do your physiotherapists have in sport?

We have both clinical expertise and firsthand sporting experience to injury rehabilitation. Rob has a background in competitive football (soccer) and AFL. He has a particular interest in knee injuries, shoulder rehabilitation, sports injuries, and post-surgical recovery. Nikora has a background in netball and is passionate about helping people recover from ankle injuries and surgeries, sports injuries, and exercise-based rehabilitation.

Whether you're a runner, footballer, netball player, or active individual, our team provides personalised rehabilitation programs designed to help you return to sport with confidence and perform at your best.

WHY CHOOSE US?

At Restorativ Physiotherapy, we understand how frustrating it can be when pain stops you doing what you love. Whether you're training for a parkrun, marathon, or simply running for fitness, our goal is to help you get back to running safely and confidently.

We take a personalised approach, looking beyond the painful area to understand your training history, injury background, strength, mobility, and running demands. Through a comprehensive running injury assessment, we identify the factors contributing to your symptoms and develop a rehabilitation plan tailored to your goals.

Conveniently located in Pimpama, we help runners from Coomera, Upper Coomera, Ormeau and surrounding northern Gold Coast suburbs manage common running injuries including runner's knee, Achilles tendon pain, shin splints, plantar heel pain, and calf strains.

Our focus is not only getting you out of pain but helping you build resilience, improve performance, and stay running for the long term.