Running Posture

Proper posture while running is important to prevent knee injuries. According to a recent article in Advance for Physical Therapy & Rehab Medicine, 42% of all running injuries occur at the knee with the most common symptom being pain. Studies by Blackburn and Powers have shown that when the trunk is in flexion, there is less stress on the knee, while running with an erect trunk can create torque at the knee joint and quadriceps muscle resulting in pain.

There are four phases of movement when running: stance, early-swing, mid-swing and late-swing. Stance is when the foot strikes the ground and forces are transmitted from the ankle up to the knee where the patellofemoral joint absorbs shock. The stance phase is when most injuries occur due to the joints decreased ability to absorb shock.

If you’re experiencing knee pain, you can benefit from a physical therapy (PT) evaluation at Ability Rehab Specialists. A licensed physical therapist will assess your gait, posture, flexibility, range of motion and strength to determine a treatment plan that will help relieve knee pain and improve your athletic performance. Don’t let knee pain hold you back from running that marathon you’ve been training for. Call our office to find out how PT can benefit you. 

Ability Rehab Specialists

737 Pearl St, Ste 108

La Jolla, CA 92037

858-456-2114

www.abilityrehabsd.com