A question that I see frequently on running group forums or hear from runners that I know is “should I go see a physical therapist?” Spoiler alert: if you are asking the question, then the answer is probably yes! At Alterra, we believe that you don’t need to be hurt to work with a physical therapist while training for a marathon, because it’s always easier to be proactive than reactive with injuries. Aches and pains are common with distance running, any one who has been running for a while knows that. But what are some signs that your ache or pain is something that needs professional attention? Let’s go over my top 5 signs that you should see a physical therapist while training for a marathon.
1. You’re not able to run
This one might be a little obvious, but if you are not able to tolerate running at all and you are training for a marathon or half marathon, you absolutely need to see a physical therapist. Aches and pains are one thing, but debilitating pain or weakness that prevents you from running for more than 5-10 minutes when you are training to run for multiple hours is a problem that needs immediate attention so that you have the best shot at getting back on track with your training.
2. You’re falling behind in your training
If you find yourself skipping training sessions because of pain, injury, or other physical limitations, it’s time to see a physical therapist. For example, if you can run but only up to 2-3 miles and you are supposed to run 5-6, a physical therapist might be able to help you close the gap in your training. Little modifications to your training here and there is usually okay, but it’s important to look for patterns and trends. If you are constantly falling short of your assigned mileage because of a musculoskeletal problem, it’s time to see a physical therapist.
3. You have pain that has persisted for 14 days
The inflammatory phase of an acute injury lasts between 7-10 days. Typically, I advise people to go see a physical therapist if they have had pain that has persisted for 2 weeks. Why? Because if you are still having pain after the initial inflammatory phase is over, then there is something going on that may turn into a chronic injury like tendinopathy. Helping the healing process along by getting physical therapy early can make your recovery faster in the long run.
4. You have pain only after running for a certain distance
Sometimes, I see people who only have pain when they run further than 3-4 miles, but it’s difficult to reproduce without running. This is an indication that you could benefit from a gait analysis session. Gait analysis can be helpful for anyone trying to improve their running efficiency and overall experience, but it can be especially helpful when running is the only activity that reproduces your pain. Read more about gait analysis here.
5. You want to improve your performance
Not every physical therapist will focus on this with you, but we do here at Alterra. Most people who end up seeing us for an injury end up working on improving their performance after their injury is “healed.” A physical therapist that specializes in working with runners can help coach you with things like improving your gait mechanics, increasing your strength and capacity, and adjusting your running training to fit your performance goal.
The Bottom Line
Not every ache or pain requires a professional's attention. If you have develop some discomfort that goes away within 2 weeks and doesn't come back, you might be in the clear. However, getting help from a physical therapist early can help prevent you from developing a more serious injury that could put your race or your health in jeopardy.
At Alterra, we specialize in helping runners resolve any and all of their injuries that limit their running ability or performance. If you're a runner local to Boston's Back Bay area and struggling with your race training, we'd love to help! Book a free discovery call to chat with a therapist today.
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Disclaimer: The information in our blog posts is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a healthcare provider before making decisions related to your health. Use our content at your own risk.
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