By Professional Physical Therapy
With the warm weather and longer days, summer is peak season for runners. Whether you’re gearing up for your first 5K or training for a full marathon, this time of year brings plenty of opportunities to lace up and hit the pavement. But it also brings a higher risk of overuse injuries, heat-related issues, and training missteps that could keep you from crossing the finish line.
At Professional Physical Therapy, we understand the unique demands running places on the body—especially during summer months—and we’re here to help you train smarter, stay healthy, and perform at your best.
First, let’s talk summer training challenges.
Training in summer has its perks—but it can also increase your injury risk due to:
Higher temperatures leading to dehydration and muscle fatigue
Overtraining from ramping up mileage too quickly
Poor running mechanics or muscle imbalances made worse by tough terrain or worn-out shoes
Ignoring early warning signs of common injuries like runner’s knee, plantar fasciitis, or shin splints
Here’s how Physical Therapy can helps runners train smarter:
Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a seasoned racer, physical therapy offers key benefits throughout your training journey:
- Injury Prevention Before It Starts
Our therapists assess your strength, flexibility, posture, and running gait to identify risk factors before they lead to injury. You’ll get expert advice on:
Proper warm-up and cooldown routines
Muscle activation drills for glutes, core, and calves
Footwear recommendations and training surface considerations
- Personalized Strength & Mobility Plans
Running is repetitive—and imbalances can build up quickly. We create a custom program designed to address tight hips, weak stabilizers, or poor core control—key contributors to injuries like IT band syndrome or Achilles tendinopathy.
- Hands-On Recovery Tools
Manual therapy, soft tissue work, and modalities like dry needling or cupping can speed up recovery and help you bounce back between long runs or workouts.
- Training Modifications & Return-to-Run Progressions
If you’ve had to take time off for an injury or pain flare-up, we’ll safely guide your return with a progressive running plan that minimizes setbacks and builds confidence.
Why Take Our Advice?
Our physical therapists are not just movement experts—they’re runners, athletes, and coaches too. They understand what it takes to train for a race and how frustrating it can be when pain gets in the way. By partnering with us, you’re not just getting treatment—you’re getting:
One-on-one attention
Long-term injury prevention strategies
Real-time feedback on form, strength, and recovery
Support tailored to your goals and race schedule
Whether you’re training for a 10K, half marathon, or just getting back into running, Professional PT is here to support your stride. Visit your nearest location or book an appointment today: www.professionalpt.com.
