Physiotherapy for Running in Huntsville
Stretching is an essential part of running. A good stretching routine can help to minimize muscle imbalances, prevent injury, improve your exercise endurance and your running performance. The following stretching program is designed for runners who do not have any current injuries or individual stretching needs. If you have an injury, or a specific mechanical imbalance that may be holding back your running performance, your ProActive Rehab physiotherapist can design a stretching program just for you.
When is the Best Time to Stretch?
When you are warm and relaxed! For optimum performance you should stretch after you have done a general body warm up of about 5-10 minutes. This can include a combination of light running over a distance or on the spot as well as exercises such as jumping jacks. Running is a dynamic sport so you will need to do both dynamic and static stretching. Dynamic muscle stretches (movement through range of motion) form part of your pre-race or training warm-up. They are used to warm up and prepare your muscles for the rapid contractions experienced during running. Static stretches (long slow holds), on the other hand, are more useful to improve your overall flexibility and reduce muslce tension and are most effective if done after your race or training run, at the end of your cool down.Rules for Dynamic Stretching:
- Warm up your body first, then stretch while your muscles are still warm.
- Move through your range of movement, allowing your motion to be free and easy and not forced.
- You may feel light resistance in your muscles, but you should never feel pain during the movements.
- Start with slow, low intensity movements, and gradually progress to full-speed movements through range of motion. Complete these motions for several repetitions (10-15 times.)
- Finish with simulated quick running motions such as running on the spot, arm swings and jumps. Repeat for several repetitions (8-10 times.)
- Stretch while your muscles are still warm from running.
- Slowly take your muscles to the end of their range. You will feel slight resistance in the muscle, but you should never feel pain during a stretch.
- Hold the stretch in a static position. Do not bounce.
- Hold each stretch for 30-60 seconds. Repeat each stretch 2-3 times.
- Remember to breathe: slowly, deeply, fully and allow your self to let go of tension on the exhale.
Essential Stretches for Running:
These muscles are your prime movers for running. You'll need to stretch these muscles each time you train or before a race. Don't forget to stretch both sides. The stretching program shown below will take about 15-20 minutes to complete.
Dynamic Stretches
Arm Swings
Front Lunges
Leg Swings side to side and front to back
Trunk rotation (quickly)
Ankle range of movement
Leg curls
Jogging on the spot (knees high)
Static Stretches
Hamstring Stretch
Quadricep Stretch
Calf Stretch Gastrocnemius
Calf Stretch Soleus
Gluteal Stretch
Adductor Stretch
ITB (Iliotibial Band) Stretch
Hip Flexor Stretch
Pectoral Stretch
