How a Physiotherapist Can Help with Running Injuries
Running injuries can sideline even the most experienced athletes, but working with a physiotherapist can help you recover faster, address the root cause, and help you return to running quicker.
Common Running Injuries Treated by Physiotherapists
Running places repetitive stress on the body, and without proper technique or recovery, injuries can easily occur. Physiotherapists are trained to diagnose and manage a wide range of running-related injuries, including:
Shin Splints
Characterised by pain along the inner edge of the shinbone, often caused by overuse, poor footwear, or sudden increases in training volume.
Runner’s Knee (Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome)
A dull, aching pain around the kneecap that can worsen with running, squatting or going down stairs. Often linked to poor alignment or muscle imbalances.
Achilles Tendinopathy
Pain and stiffness in the Achilles tendon, especially in the morning or after running. Common in runners who increase intensity or distance too quickly.
IT Band Syndrome
Pain on the outer side of the knee caused by irritation of the iliotibial band. It often flares up during long-distance running or downhill sections.
Plantar Fasciitis
Heel pain due to inflammation of the plantar fascia, the band of tissue that supports the arch. Often felt with the first steps in the morning or after long runs.
Stress Fractures
Tiny cracks in the bone usually caused by overtraining or insufficient rest. Common sites include the shin, foot and hip. Requires prompt assessment and rest.
These injuries can vary in severity, but early intervention by a physiotherapist can prevent them from becoming chronic and help ensure a safe return to running.
Why See a Physiotherapist for a Running Injury?
Seeing a physiotherapist when you’re dealing with a running injury can make all the difference in how quickly and safely you recover. Here’s why professional physio care is so important:
Accurate Diagnosis and Injury Assessment. Physiotherapists use clinical tests, movement assessments, and sometimes imaging referrals to pinpoint the exact cause of your pain—ensuring treatment targets the right issue from the start.
Evidence-Based Treatment Plans. Rather than relying on guesswork or advice from uncle Google, physiotherapists are medically trained professionals and they use proven techniques backed by research to guide your rehabilitation and promote long-term recovery.
Prevention of Re-Injury. Identifying the root cause—whether it’s biomechanics, training errors or muscular imbalances—helps prevent the same injury from recurring down the track.
Individualised Recovery and Return-to-Run Planning. Every runner is different. A physiotherapist will tailor your treatment and step-by-step return-to-run program based on your injury, goals, and running history.
What to Expect in a Physio Appointment for Running Injuries
A physiotherapy appointment for a running injury goes beyond just treating pain—it aims to uncover the cause, restore movement, and get you back to running safely. Here’s what you can typically expect:
Biomechanical Assessment and Gait Analysis
Your physiotherapist will observe how you move—both in general activity and during running (where possible). This helps identify poor technique, imbalances, or weaknesses contributing to your injury.
Manual Therapy and Soft Tissue Treatment
Hands-on techniques such as massage, joint mobilisation, or myofascial release may be used to reduce pain, improve movement, and relieve muscle tension around the injured area.
Strengthening and Mobility Exercises
You’ll be guided through specific exercises to build strength, improve flexibility, and address any imbalances that may have led to the injury.
Taping, Dry Needling, and Other Adjunct Therapies
Depending on your condition, your physiotherapist may use additional tools like kinesiology taping, dry needling, or ultrasound therapy to support recovery and manage symptoms.
Home Exercise Program
You’ll be given a personalised set of exercises to continue at home—helping you stay consistent with your rehabilitation plan, maintain progress between appointments, and build long-term resilience for running.
Running Rehab: Step-by-Step Physiotherapy Approach
Recovering from a running injury takes more than just rest—it requires a structured and progressive rehabilitation plan. Physiotherapists guide you through each stage to ensure a safe and effective return to running:
Initial Rest and Pain Reduction. The first goal is to reduce inflammation, ease pain, and protect the injured area. This may involve activity modification, manual therapy, taping, or supportive devices.
Gradual Reloading and Strengthening. Once pain settles, your physio will introduce controlled exercises to rebuild strength, improve tissue tolerance, and restore movement without aggravating symptoms.
Gait Retraining and Form Correction. Poor running technique can often contribute to injuries. Your physiotherapist may work with you to adjust your stride, cadence, or posture to reduce strain on vulnerable areas.
Sport-Specific Drills and Progression. To prepare your body for the demands of running, you’ll progress through functional drills that simulate real running movement—helping to bridge the gap between rehab and performance.
Return-to-Running Program. Finally, your physio will guide you through a graded return-to-running plan, balancing training load, recovery, and symptom monitoring to prevent setbacks and build long-term durability.
How Our Physiotherapists Support Runners in Adelaide
At Ducker Physio in Adelaide, we’re passionate about helping runners perform at their best—whether you’re training for your first fun run or competing at a high level. With clinics conveniently located in Magill and Salisbury, we provide expert support tailored to your goals and injury history.
Personalised Injury Management Plans
Every runner is different, which is why we create individualised treatment and rehab plans based on your specific injury, training load, and long-term objectives.
Experienced in Treating Recreational and Competitive Runners
Our team has worked with runners of all levels, from weekend warriors to elite athletes, providing care that matches your performance demands.
Onsite Rehab Equipment and Running Assessments
Both clinics are equipped with the tools needed for targeted rehab and return-to-run assessments, including treadmills, resistance equipment, and functional training setups.
Collaboration with Sports Physicians and Podiatrists if Needed
When a multidisciplinary approach is best, we work closely with trusted local professionals to ensure you get the most comprehensive care possible—every step of the way.
Book an Appointment with a Running Injury Physiotherapist
If you’re dealing with a running injury, don’t wait for it to get worse. Our experienced physiotherapists in Magill and Salisbury are ready to help you recover, rebuild strength, and return to running with confidence.
Call us or book online via our website to schedule your assessment.
Our locations:
📍 Ducker Physio – Magill: 465/467 The Parade, Magill SA 5072, ph. (08) 8333 0322
📍 Ducker Physio – Salisbury: 9 Mary St, Salisbury SA 5108, ph. (08) 8283 3760
Appointments available for new and returning clients. No referral needed.