The Unparalleled Advantage of a Runner-Physical Therapist Combo

When it comes to managing running-related injuries or enhancing performance, a one-size-fits-all approach simply won't cut it. As runner-physical therapists that also treat runners a majority of our day. We understand the intricacies and demands of the sport like no other.

By specializing in treating runners and being avid runners ourselves, we offer a unique advantage that sets us apart from the average physical therapist. In this blog post, we will explore the numerous benefits of seeking care from a physical therapist who not only specializes in treating runners but is also a runner themselves. And why it may be worth it for someone to go directly to getting high level care rather than the average PT plan of care through their insurance.

Advantages:

-In-Depth Understanding of Running Mechanics: As runners with Doctorate level education and ongoing education. We intimately understand the biomechanics and movement patterns involved in running. This knowledge allows us to evaluate your gait, form, and specific muscle imbalances with greater precision. By identifying irregularities and how they may relate to your symptoms or poor performance, we can develop customized treatment plans tailored to your individual needs. This focused approach facilitates faster recovery, enhanced performance, and a reduced risk of future injuries.

"He also watched me run and made suggestions to improve my form. I am now running pain free and training for my first ultra marathon! I strongly recommend Zenith and am so happy I found this place so I could start feeling healthier and continue running and doing the things I love to do."- Sophia F.

-Advanced Expertise in Running-Related Injuries: As specialized runner-physical therapists, we simply have more experience and skill diagnosing and treating running-related injuries. Whether it's the classic runner injuries of shin splints, IT band syndrome, Achilles tendonitis, or plantar fasciitis; or the ones that don't pop up on Google when you search "most common running injuries", we have encountered and successfully addressed a wide range of running ailments. Our expertise enables me to identify the root cause of your injury, rather than merely addressing the symptoms, leading to more effective and long-lasting results.

"Over the years, I’ve opted for massages and chiropractics which were short term solutions. Jesse did a great job of listening to what issues I was having and was able to diagnose the root cause. From there he was able to prescribe a plan to get me on the right path which consisted of a stretching routine, strength training program (need to do more of) and follow up visits as needed for some manual therapy.

Since working with Jesse, I’ve been able to get back on track to the point where I recently trained for and finished my second 50K Trail Race. Without Jesse’s program and accountability, I wouldn’t have been able to finish this last Ultra Marathon in such high spirits!" - Pete M.

-Shared Passion and Empathy: Being runners, we empathize with the challenges, goals, and aspirations of our fellow runners. We've experienced firsthand the frustration of sidelined training plans, setbacks, and the determination to push past physical limitations. We also understand that running is more than just exercise, it's a cornerstone of our health, wellness, and sanity. We know that simply telling you not to run, is not the best option.

"Having Physical Therapists that are also runners/athletes is an amazing bonus! Jesse and Jenn really understand the demands on the body and offer both therapy and athletic knowledge - they are amazing! "

-Becky R.

-Time and Attention: By being out of network with insurance, we prioritize providing the highest quality care and allocate ample time for each client. Unlike clinics bound by rigid time constraints, we can offer longer appointment slots, ensuring thorough assessments, treatment sessions, and comprehensive discussions about your progress. This unhurried approach allows for a deeper understanding of your condition and enables more personalized treatment strategies and more improvement each session. We also don't have to limit care to when it's approved by insurance (spoiler, most insurances don't consider your ability to run essential enough to cover PT).

"I called so many places looking for the right PT just to find the perfect fit. As a parent when your child is injured you want to do right by them. Make sure they are receiving the best care. Zenith Performance by far exceeded what I thought physical therapy would look like for my daughter. They were patient, attentive, and understood her drive as an athlete. Their time together post-op was extremely beneficial for her recovery which allowed her to get back to playing sports earlier than anyone had predicted she would." -Joy W.

-Holistic Approach to Running Performance: Beyond injury treatment, we are invested in optimizing your running performance. We can help you improve running form, enhance running economy, implement injury prevention strategies, and provide guidance on cross-training and strength exercises specifically tailored for runners. By considering the broader context of your training routine and goals, we can offer comprehensive care that supports your long-term success as a runner.

-Others, bonus: That's all on the PT treatment side of things. It doesn't get into the intricacies of what we know. Things such as race fueling and pacing strategies. When to push or hold back on local races. Local running groups to run with, trails to check out, shoes to look for, etc.

When it comes to receiving physical therapy as a runner, the advantages of seeking a Running Specialist-PT are unparalleled. By combining a deep understanding of running mechanics, a shared passion for the sport, and advanced expertise in treating running-related injuries, a runner-physical therapist offers a unique perspective and an exceptional level of care.

If you want to recover from injuries faster, enhance your performance, and receive customized treatment plans tailored to your running goals, look no further.

Contact us at 458-215-1915 for a free phone consultation to see how we may help you,

Or book yourself an appointment directly through our scheduling platform, PT Everywhere.