Most sports involve running to some degree. Running comes naturally to a lot of people, but if you are running with poor technique you increase your chances of injury. Whether you’re training for a marathon, or you play competitive soccer, it’s important to make sure your running form is the best it can be. In this article, we are going to explain a few of the techniques we look for when performing a running analysis on a patient.
Arm Movement
Many people are focused solely on their legs when running, but the truth is your arms play a crucial role in your ability to run. Ideally, you want to keep your elbows at a 90 degree angle or less. Also, keep your hands loose and don’t let them cross each other.
Knee Alignment
Keep your foot underneath your knee while running (rather than in front of the knee). When your foot lands ahead of your knee, it increases the risk of injury. Additionally, keep your knees moving straight ahead of you – don’t bend them inward.
Stride
Keep your stride quick and tight. People with longer legs especially have a tendency to increase their stride much wider than necessary. Longer strides lead to an increased risk for running injury.
The physical therapy specialists at OrthoRehab have been helping athletes perfect their form and technique to prevent injury for over 25 years. We offer direct access to physical therapy so you can get the help you need right away without having to wait around. We will connect you with a dedicated physical therapist who will analyze your running form, offer suggestions for improvement, and help you perform to the best of your abilities. Contact our Edina or Minneapolis clinic to set up your appointment today.