Any athletic endeavour comes with the possibility of injury. Whether you’re a pro football player or working out on a treadmill in your basement, there is always a potential risk factor involved. But one of the most popular athletic pastimes probably has the most common injuries – avid runners are prone to a slew of ailments, some quite painful.
 
If you’re a runner, you’ve heard about – or experienced – these: shin splints, stress fractures, runner’s knee, spinal misalignment, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, and the list goes on. Some are more serious than others, but most are due to use over a prolonged period of time. Repetition can cause a lot of wear. But there are ways to lessen chances of injury, and steps to take to prevent it

Warm up & Stretch – Tight muscles are part of running, but warming up and stretching those muscles will keep them loose and less prone to injury. Pay close attention to the hamstrings and calf muscles, and well as your hip flexors.
 
Take it easy – Always listen to your body, no matter what exercise you may be doing. If it’s difficult to go the speed or distance you’re running, slow down or shorten your time. One common mistake runners make is pushing themselves too far, too fast, and not adding short distances incrementally and safely.       
 
Wear the right shoes – before buying the first pair of running shoes that look good to you, it’s a good idea to have your stride and foot shape professionally checked. That way you’ll find the right shoe for your specific needs. Be sure to try on many different shoes until you find the ones that are the most comfortable with the best fit.
 
Check your form – The right form can go a long way to preventing running injuries. While every individual may have their own unique way of running, there are certain aspects that should always be done the right way, such as running with a straight back, swinging arms for stability, and landing lightly on your feet.
 
Massage & Chiropractic – Another great way to keep the body in top condition and prevent injury is with the help of regular massage and chiropractic. With massage helping to keep the muscles loose, chiropractic can ensure that the entire body is properly aligned and functioning well.
 
Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just starting out, these tips can help keep your body working at its best to help prevent painful injuries. At Bodylab, we often work with athletes and know what works best for their particular sport. To book your chiropractic, massage, or acupuncture appointment with Dr. Sarah, just give us a call at 905 228 3130 or even book easily online.

​Athletes put their body through a lot of stress on a regular basis. As a result, strains, chronic pain, and recurrent injuries can often occur. When left untreated, these issues may become serious problems which can potentially mean the end of an athlete’s career.
 
One of the most effective ways of dealing with injuries caused by athletic movement is chiropractic care. Not only does it help with problems that are already apparent, it also can help to maximize performance. Here are a few ways that chiropractic is beneficial for athletes:

​Reduces Risk of Injury:  Regular chiropractic adjustments help keep the body properly aligned. When the body is out of alignment, there is more possibility for injury due to strength differences through the body and decreased range of motion. In addition, working the body’s soft tissue relieves tension and tight muscles, which are also main causes of athletic injuries.
 
Offers Prescription-Free Treatment: Numerous medications and sometimes invasive surgeries are prescribed for athletic injuries, and chiropractic care can help athletes recover without need for these other forms of treatment.
 
Pain & Injury Management: While chiropractic is used to prevent injuries, it can also shorten the amount of time needed to properly heal. During regular visits, your chiropractor will use specific techniques to deal with pain depending on your particular injury, and this will help to speed up recovery time.
 
Increased Performance: A high number of athletes, pro and otherwise, have credited chiropractic with increased performance. Muscle and joint conditioning, increased range of motion, and an aligned spine can help the body perform at its best.
 
At Bodylab, we specialize in recovery science for athletes. We utilize three stages to recovery: treating the symptoms, restoring function, and then maintaining function. Understanding the importance of flexibility and mobility in athletics is important, and we work to ensure that you are able to reach your optimal performance. Our doctors analyze posture, gait, muscular compensation, orthopeadic tests, radiographic imaging, and joint dysfunction to effectively diagnose each individual. If you’re looking for specialized treatments to enhance performance and prevent injury, we’re here to help – call us at 905 228 3130 or book an appointment online.