Why Your Knee Hurts When You Start Running Again

Understanding runner’s knee, what’s normal, and when to take action If your knee starts hurting the moment you return to running, you’re not alone. One of the most common issues we see at FX Physical Therapy is knee pain after running, especially during seasonal transitions, post-injury returns, or after time off. The good news: most cases are highly treatable with the right combination of load management, movement correction, and targeted strength work. What Is “Runner’s Knee”? Often referred to as patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS), runner’s knee is irritation of the…

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Integrating Cycling into Your Running Routine: A Path to Becoming a Stronger Endurance Athlete

When incorporated into a well-rounded running training program, cycling can enhance your overall performance and endurance. Whether your goal is a 5K, half marathon, or full marathon, cross-training with cycling helps improve cardiovascular fitness, minimize injury risk, and stave off mental burnout.  At FX Physical Therapy, we’ve compiled five compelling reasons why hopping on a bike can make you a better runner. 1. Boost Cardiovascular Fitness for More Efficient Running Cycling is a powerful tool for maintaining and enhancing your cardiovascular endurance, which directly benefits your running performance. A 2018…

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RED-S and Postpartum Return to Running

Written By: Corinne Howe, PT, DPT What is RED-S? RED-S, or Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport, results in impaired functions such as metabolic rate, menstrual function, bone health, immunity, protein synthesis, and cardiovascular health. This condition arises when an individual’s caloric intake does not meet the energy demands of daily activities and exercise habits. Key Symptoms of RED-S in Postpartum Women The energy demands of postpartum women differ significantly from those at other life stages. Factors to consider include daily activity energy demands, breastfeeding status, sleep quality, and exercise-related energy…

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Unlock Your Running Potential: Strength Training Tips for Spring Races

Written By: Bailey Souder, PT, DPT As your running race draws near, you may feel the strain of burnout or the frustration of plateauing progress in your training. While focusing on increasing your weekly mileage is important, incorporating structured strength training into your routine can be a game-changer! ENDURANCE Beyond simply logging miles, scientific research highlights the crucial role of strength training in muscular endurance and resilience. Compound lifts like squats and deadlifts not only build raw strength but also endurance. These exercises engage multiple muscle groups simultaneously to mimic…

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Importance of Plyometric Training for Runners and Return to Run

Coming back from a running injury and want to get back to logging your normal mileage? Many runners at some point in their running journey have experienced an injury that can alter their activity. This can be frustrating as these injuries can hinder runners from training for a race or maintaining their weekly mileage.  As a means of trying to return to running seamlessly, consider plyometric training before returning to run. Incorporating plyometrics can be a great way to bridge the preparation of running. Think of running as an extension…

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Shin Splints

Shin Splints: What are they? Why do they happen? What can you do about them? Shin splints, technically known as medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS) affects 5-35% of runners.  It involves pain on the inside of the lower leg that occurs with running and typically develops gradually.   Though some aspects of the pathology remain unclear, we do know it involves the interaction of the tibialis posterior, flexor digitorum longus muscles; possibly the soleus muscle; the crural fascia (a connective tissue in the lower leg); and their attachment onto the tibia…

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Our Favorite Dynamic Warm-Up Exercises for Runners

Set your RUN up for SUCCESS!!! Whether you have been running for years, or you are new to the team, prepping for your run can really make a difference! A proper warm up helps your running performance, and sets you up for success in the long run.  Running requires a lot of hip and core strength in order to maintain alignment, good form, and proper weight transfer when moving from one foot to the next.  A dynamic warm-up is used to improve mobility while moving through a range-of motion vs.…

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Shin Splints: What? How? Why?

Shin splints, technically known as medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS) affects 5-35% of runners.  It involves pain on the inside of the lower leg that occurs with running and typically develops gradually.   Though some aspects of the pathology remain unclear, we do know it involves the interaction of the tibialis posterior, flexor digitorum longus muscles; possibly the soleus muscle; the crural fascia (a connective tissue in the lower leg); and their attachment onto the tibia bone.  In prolonged, chronic cases we see a stress reaction in the bone where there…

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Bulletproofing for Obstacle Course Racing

Hey OCR fans, we know you are fanatics about your sport and we want to keep you in it for the long haul.  Many of you may have signed up for that yearly pass, and there is nothing worse than suffering an injury that would prevent you from being able to get your money’s worth!  Here at FX Physical Therapy, we provide 1 on 1 treatment, and offer movement physicals that will give us some insight to your movement patterns and help you identify any areas that could potentially put…

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Keeping Your Cool This Summer

The increasingly longer days and rising temperatures can only mean one thing—Summer is here. With sun tans and barbecues come the increased risk for heat-related illnesses. It’s important to be aware of warning signs and what to do if you see them, especially for those of us who love to exercise outside and spend time in the sun. Your body is working hard at all times to keep your body temperature just right so that your cells stay alive, healthy, and working the way they’re supposed to. Just like a…

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