Do I have to stop running?
I treat a lot of runners.
One of the hardest conversations I have with runners is whether or not they need to stop running when they start experiencing pain.
It is really common that runners coming to me tell me that their doctor told them to stop running and that running is the cause of their pain.
SPOILER ALERT: There’s a better way.
Before I get into the nuances of the question “Do I have to stop running if I have [insert painful area here]?” we need to set the stage. When it comes to people walking through the door into my clinic or scheduling online coaching/consulting with me my goal is ALWAYS to help you keep you DOING WHAT YOU LOVE and not take you away from it.
PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT: You already know that if something hurts to do and you stop doing that thing you will have less pain.
That is not why you need some guidance. You are looking for solutions to keep you doing what you love. Very rarely (in fact, almost NEVER) do I recommend my patients to completely eliminate their favourite activity. In the rare cases that I do, the elimination is TEMPORARY and only if it is absolutely necessary.
The reality is that some running injuries do need a period of Relative Rest. Relative Rest means a period of decreased running volume or intensity. This will inevitably mean a change in your running schedule, but it does not have to mean the complete elimination of your favourite activity.
There are a few considerations when we are considering what to do if you have running-related pain or injury:
How much are you currently running compared to how much you were running 6 weeks ago?
Rapid changes in mileage?
Changes to your routine?
Why are you running in the first place?
Running only for fitness?
Running in preparation for a race?
Running to clear your headspace?
What does ‘relative rest’ mean to you?
Complete elimination of activity?
Alternate activities besides running?
Changing your running volume/terrain/cadence/pace?
If you have been suffering from running-related pain, you already know how frustrating is it. The good news is that IT DOES HEAL. The catch is that it takes direction and a structured recovery program. My goal is to keep you running.
One this is usually certain when it comes to running injuries though… if you keep doing what your are doing the way your are doing it, it won’t get better and it will get worse. Something needs to change.
If you are dealing with a running injury, and have been told you need stop running, but you are ready for another approach, book a consult with us at Base Camp. Learn a better way.
Author: Dr Mark Murdoch, Chiropractor and Co-Founder at Base Camp Chiropractic and Sports Rehab in Vernon, BC.
Mark Murdoch is a Doctor of Chiropractic with a Master’s Degree in Sports Medicine.
Contact: drmurdoch@basecampclinic.com
Instagram: Base.Camp.Doc
Disclaimer: This blog is intended for general informational purposes only and is not intended for the delivery of medical advice. No doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this blog or materials linked from this blog is at the user's own risk. The content of this blog and website is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice.