Months ahead of a marathon, runners begin meticulously planning running schedules, diets, sleep patterns, and researching appropriate apparel and footwear. The anticipation builds as the event approaches and many seek physical therapy to ensure proper alignment and full body perfection. But as soon as that starting line gun goes off and thousands of runners begin the 26.2 mile trek, your body is just beginning to embark on one of the most physically demanding activities it will ever be exposed to. Your mid-race hydration and supplementation must be accounted for and your post-race recovery can’t be overlooked. Taking care of your muscles and joints in the days and weeks following a marathon is essential to ensure a full recovery.
Having just completed the 28th Annual Marine Corps Marathon, I know first-hand how important physical therapy is to promote muscle healing and flexibility. Immediately following the race, my muscles began to cramp. Stiffness set in and performing simple movements such as going from sitting to standing or going up and down stairs became nearly impossible without pain. I knew the natural tendency to compensate in my normal activities would lead to secondary injuries, so I began receiving physical therapy. That’s right, even physical therapists need treatment sometimes! Now, over a week has passed since I ran the marathon and I’m pain free. Don’t be a victim of self-negligence and give your body what it deserves after this upcoming ING New York City Marathon!
At Physiofitness we will use the Active Release Technique (ART) to loosen your muscles and identify areas where knots have built up. We will also assess your general movement patterns using the Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA), a state of the art screen used to correct dysfunctional movement and avoid injuries in the future. Our staff has experience with returning athletes from all levels of injury and when you’re done, you can be sure you’ll be walking out pain free and proud with a medal around your neck. You may even be saying, “How soon can I run my next one?”
Image credit: Photo: Suzy Allman for The New York Timeshttp://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2007/11/04/nyregion/20608729.JPG