A Multidisciplinary Proactive Approach to Injury Care: Why It's Best for Runners
By Luc Mahler, Chiropractor
Running is one of the most popular forms of exercise worldwide, celebrated for its simplicity and
health benefits. However, it also carries a significant risk of injury, with studies indicating that up
to 79% of runners experience some form of injury each year. For runners aiming to stay healthy
and achieve their goals, our team at The Movement Co. knows a multidisciplinary proactive
approach to injury care is not just beneficial—it's essential.
At the Movement Co. Understanding the Runner's Needs
Runners are unique athletes with specific needs and challenges. The repetitive nature of
running, combined with the high impact on joints and muscles, makes runners particularly
susceptible to overuse injuries. Injuries that we are experts in treating on a daily basis include
plantar fasciitis, shin splints, IT band syndrome, and stress fractures. Addressing these
concerns in order to keep you doing what you love requires a comprehensive strategy that goes
beyond the occasional visit to a healthcare provider.
The Multidisciplinary Team
Our Multidisciplinary team of experts at the Movement Co include:
Physiotherapy: Experts in load management and return to run planning and integration
Sports Chiropractors: Experts in movement assessments and getting your simple tools to
compliment your running without overwhelming your schedule
Massage Therapists: Experts in improving your tissue health and decreasing recovery time
inorder to keep you training at your best
Acupuncture: Experts at inflammation reduction and getting all of your body’s tissues working
together towards optimal health and training.
We build you a proactive plan that will use the best parts of each discipline to get you to your
goals healthier and faster.
Benefits of a Proactive Approach
1. Early Detection and Prevention
A proactive approach emphasizes the importance of early detection and prevention of injuries.
Regular screenings and assessments by a multidisciplinary team can identify potential issues
before they become severe. For example, gait analysis by our experts can reveal biomechanical
abnormalities that might lead to injuries. Early intervention can include custom orthotics,
corrective exercises, and adjustments to running form.
2. Comprehensive Rehabilitation
When injuries do occur, a multidisciplinary team ensures comprehensive rehabilitation. Our
expert chiropractos work on restoring strength and mobility, while our physiotherapists help you
manage your training as you look to begin then increase training and our massage therapists
help you tissues be more resilient and be less prone to frustrating flare ups. This holistic
approach reduces recovery time and prevents re-injury.
3. Personalized Training Programs
Runners benefit greatly from training programs tailored to their specific needs and goals.
Coaches, in collaboration with our team, can design training plans that consider an individual's
strengths, weaknesses, and injury history. This personalized approach optimizes performance
while minimizing the risk of injury.
4. Education and Empowerment
A multidisciplinary team also plays a crucial role in educating runners about injury prevention
and self-care. Knowledge about proper running techniques, warm-up routines, strength training,
and nutrition empowers runners to take charge of their health and are all phases that our
acupuncture team has helped countless runners with at The Movement Co. This education
reduces the likelihood of injuries and fosters a culture of proactive self-care.
Case Study: The Success of a Multidisciplinary Approach
Consider the case of our patient Emma, a dedicated marathon runner who suffered from chronic
shin splints. Frustrated with recurring injuries, she sought help from our multidisciplinary team.
Her sports physician diagnosed her with overuse syndrome and referred her over to us. Our
physiotherapist identified muscle imbalances and addressed them through her running form.
Our Chiro gave her some simple corrective exercises after performing some hands on musle
work on her overused movement patterns. With a coach's guidance, Emma received a tailored
training plan that we helped advise her coach on. The combined efforts of this team not only
resolved her shin splints but also improved her overall performance at this year’s Ottawa
Marathon. Now she has the tools to stay healthy and take on her next goals!
Conclusion
For runners, a multidisciplinary proactive approach to injury care is the gold standard. It
addresses the complex and multifaceted nature of running injuries, offering early detection,
comprehensive rehabilitation, personalized training, and essential education. By embracing this
approach, runners can stay healthy, achieve their goals, and enjoy the many benefits of this
beloved sport.
Incorporating a multidisciplinary team into your running routine might seem like a significant
commitment, but the benefits far outweigh the effort and at The Movement Co we create our
plans to fit your needs and lifestyle. Remember, staying ahead of injuries is not just about
treating them when they occur; it's about preventing them from happening in the first place. So,
lace up your shoes, take a proactive stance, and run towards a healthier future.