Ready...Set...RUN!!!

As the calendar turns to spring, many people are considering starting or rebooting a running program. It’s a great idea, as running is good for the whole body. It benefits the musculoskeletal system, the cardiovascular system, and the brain! Biomechanical studies show that our bodies were built to run, but there are a number of factors which can influence our ability to avoid injury and run comfortably.

The first thing to consider is your feet. You should have a quality pair of running shoes. No running in tennis or basketball shoes! Running shoes are designed to support your forward movement while cushioning impact and helping to control the motion of your foot. That said, many people can benefit from more custom support for their feet, in the form of insoles specifically designed for their particular biomechanics. At Chiropractic Care, we can perform a specialized state-of-the-art digital scan of your feet and recommend sport-oriented orthotics which will address your specific needs.

Another thing to consider, especially if your winter has been fairly sedentary, is to start slowly. Muscles and joints take time to adapt to a different activity, so it’s important to listen to your body. Some soreness is normal, but persistent or worsening pain is not. Add mileage or pace only as you comfortably can.

Finally, correct spinal, pelvic and hip alignment can be critical to a satisfying running experience. Small misalignments are magnified when you start a repetitive exercise involving increased forces on your joints and muscles. Competitive athletes turn to chiropractic for not only treating injuries, but also preventing injuries, and to enhance their performance. The same thing applies to us weekend warriors and occasional racers. Maintaining good alignment is one of the keys to consistent training, which is the only way to improve.

Please visit our website for more information - click here -
or call our Chicago office: 312-269-5556
or our Homewood office 708.798.5556