Hip Alignment Off? Your Chiropractor Will Help You Run Safer

“I was in severe pain.” I take this seriously when a patient shares their experience. My top priority is to create a treatment plan that helps YOU return to doing the things you LOVE. Whether you’re aiming for a distance of 1 mile, 5K, 10K, half marathon, or full marathon, chiropractors are dedicated to adjustments that restore proper alignment so you can run pain-free. Here is how your chiropractor will help you run safer:

Gait Analysis: Hip and Pelvic Alignment

Ask yourself, how do you feel before, during and after a run. Every mile you run, your spine absorbs wear and tear that can create an imbalance in the hips and spine. Feeling tight and achy? Do your muscles feel knotted up?

Initially, you may overlook the subtle signals your body sends during distance runs, like aches, pains, and fatigue. However, these signs indicate that some muscles are overcompensating, leading to a change in your running form. This shift can result in a strained posture, which isn’t sustainable over time.

How can a chiropractor make a difference? Chiropractors focus not just on your specific pain areas, but also on your overall spinal posture. Through precise movements known as adjustments, they enhance spinal motion, eliminate restrictions, and correct misalignments in your pelvis, hips, and spine. 

We Got Your Back, Knees and Ankles Too!

Range of motion is vitally important. Having stiff, inflexible joints, especially in the lower body, can prevent runners from setting new PRs (personal records) and from running with proper form.

The American Chiropractic Association states that knee pain is the most common running injury. It’s a misconception that a chiropractor only treats necks and backs. An extremity adjustment is a gentle manipulation that realigns and restores proper movement in joints that are not part of the spine.  Any joint can benefit from adjustments, including ribs, shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, knees, ankles, feet, fingers, toes, and even your jaw. Getting evaluated by a chiropractor is the best way to determine which of your extremities will benefit from hands-on work. This, in turn, relieves joint stress, reduces inflammation, and facilitates healing. When combined with corrective exercises, chiropractic treatment for knee pain has been proven highly effective.

Preventing Plantar Fasciitis, Shin Splints and IT Band Syndrome

What is the posterior chain? Simply put it refers to all of the muscles on the backside of the body from the base of the skull all the way to your heels. Runners are particularly susceptible to posterior chain weakness or lower cross syndrome. Regular chiropractic care focuses on individual function effectively eliminating muscle imbalances that over time will increase wear and tear on joints. Chiropractors can help catch injuries before they happen and get runners back on track with their performance goals.

Achieving proper spinal alignment allows you to run at your peak performance and significantly lowers your risk of chronic injuries that could disrupt your running season. Don’t let poor posture hold you back; consider chiropractic care to ensure you stay on track and enjoy your runs to the fullest!

Interested in chiropractic care?

Come by The Joint in North Ann Arbor! 734-396-4987