Chiropractic and Running

Being both a chiropractor and a long distance runner, I recognize the importance of maintaining optimum health in order to maximize athletic performance and prevent injuries. Regular chiropractic care can help you run longer and more efficiently by addressing musculoskeletal, and nutritional issues prior to the onset of injury and/or chronic musculoskeletal conditions.

Running is a repetitive motion sport that requires your body to undergo wear and tear at a much higher rate than non-weight bearing sports or everyday activities. The foot contains 25% of the bones in the body, and the menisci bear 45% of your weight, the medial meniscus carrying the most. Running requires that each leg and its composite muscles, joints, and ligaments withstand a force equal to seven to ten times more than that of walking. This repetitive action can contribute to increased wear and tear and/or musculoskeletal injury. Properly fitted shoes, musculoskeletal and joint alignment, and nutritional support can minimize these issues.

Many of my patients are endurance athletes who come to my office with either new injuries or chronic complaints. One particular patient, also a long distance runner, was unable to run due to a painful knee. Physical exam revealed a condition known as Illiotibial Band Syndrome. This condition resulted in a lateral tracking problem in her knee in which the patella and joint do not move in proper alignment. This can often result from running on banked roads, improper running shoes in relation to foot contour, the need for shoe replacement, insufficient stretching, or weakness of the vastus medialis muscle which contributes to medial knee support. Treatments included ultrasound, Active Release Technique (a massage technique used specifically to help release fibrous adhesions in muscle tissue), neurological rehabilitation using balancing exercises and strength training to add support to the entire knee joint. Nutritional assessment was included and supplements of glucosamine and chondroitin were included in her treatment protocol to promote healing and strengthening of the cartilage, thus aiding in the maintenance of joint integrity. Boswellia supplementation was added to aid in the reduction of inflammation. Structural assessment also revealed the presence of pronation in both feet. She was fitted for orthotics to enhance proper foot alignment and support and medial support of the foot arch. Her foot, ankle, and knee joints were adjusted to normalize alignment and help prevent further injury. Home care included exercises to strengthen the knee joint stabilizers and stretches for the hamstrings and gastrocnemius/soleus muscle groups. Treatment protocols were continued for approximately two months. The patient experienced complete recovery and has had no re-occurrence of this condition.

In conclusion, if you are recovering from an injury or simply just want to maintain optimum health and structural balance, chiropractic care has helped many athletes to achieve their goals. Please give us a call, or visit us with any questions or concerns at Gilbert Chiropractic, 275 Parrish Street, Suite D, Canandaigua, N.Y. 14424; (716)393-1620.

-- Nina Gilbert