As many runners know physiotherapy can be critical for both rehabilitation as well as for injury prevention helping to make sure that nothing stands in the way of the thrill that race day brings.
As the Physiotherapy Association in BC, we love hearing stories from everyday active people about the positive impacts physio has had in maintaining their lifestyle. This summer we developed a video series to help raise awareness, taking the stories of individuals in the province who have had physio make a significant impact in their lives. The video features Olympic Ski-Cross Silver Medalist, Kelsey Serwa, Ballet BC dancers, a former Canuck and others, but it is the story of a 76 year old runner, Sandra Davies that has resonated strongly with many who have seen our Choose To Move video.
Sandra has osteoarthritis in her lower back, but she doesn’t let that keep her from pursuing her passion for running. Like many runners, Sandra discovered her love of running and racing later in life, at 57 she began and from there “one run lead to another” a trend many runners will relate to. She became even more committed to her running after a cardiac episode, and when she received an osteoarthritis diagnosis, physio became an invaluable part of her training. As Sandra told us, her physiotherapist does not just treat her injuries, but actively involves her in the process of rehabilitation and injury prevention, enabling her to become a partner in her own health.
It’s not unusual for a runner to seek physiotherapy to address joint or muscle pain after an injury has already happened, but too few of us seek out a physio to help us prevent injury in the first place. Physiotherapists can analyze your running style, evaluate your range of motion and provide you with targeted exercises to strengthen weaknesses, and provide you with warm-up and cool-down routines to help you stay ahead of an injury. And, if you do end up suffering from an injury, a physiotherapist can work with you to get you back to running sooner, more confidence and with an eye to reducing further injury. As highly trained and regulated professionals, physiotherapists can help runners of all ages and abilities meet their physical goals.
So as you’re preparing for your upcoming race — be that the Turkey Trot, the Fall Classic or even thinking ahead to next year’s BMO marathon — we encourage you to seek out a physiotherapist to become a partner in your success. You do not need a doctor’s referral to see a physio in BC, and for many people the treatments — be they preventative or rehabilitative — are covered by extended medical plans.
You can see Sandra’s story and others on our website, and find a physiotherapist near you with our Physio or Clinic Finder: www.bcphysio.org/choosetomove