Muscles Used While Running
Running can be one of the most intensive exercises to implement into your workout routine as it reaches many muscle groups. The muscle groups running impacts are the quadriceps, hamstrings, gluteus maximus, iliopsoas, and calves. While you may think running only affects the leg muscles groups, there are a number of supporting muscles that contribute. The muscles that support us while we run are the shoulders and upper arms, upper abdominals, and lower back muscles.
Common Running Injuries
Regular runners tend to have a myriad of acute and chronic injuries that are detrimental to their quality of life. Due to the high impact nature of running it causes a substantial amount of stress to muscles, ligaments, and tendons. The more frequently experienced injuries include:
- Lower back strain
- Plantar fasciitis
- Chondromalacia (Runner’s knee)
- Iliotibial band syndrome
Injury Prevention Strategies
- Always warm-up prior to training
- Allot time for a cool-down period after training
- Additional strength training for resistance to injury
- Improving balance, agility, and proprioception drills
- Supportive footwear
Benefits of Running Stretches
The implementation of appropriate stretches are vital to overcoming the difficulties of running. Incorporation rudimentary running stretch improves flexibility and range of motion, further contributing to greater freedom of movement. By fulfilling your daily running stretches it can also act as an avenue to reduce and break-down lactic acid buildup.
Our physiotherapist will assist in guiding and curating a dynamic treatment plan that will elevate your running performance. For more information regarding the clinic and to book online, please visit https://bodysciencetherapy.janeapp.com/ or call (905) 997-2639.
