Find Out How Running Physiotherapy Can Help You
Running is one of the most accessible forms of exercise, but it's also one of the most common ways people get injured. Whether you're training for your first 5K, chasing a marathon PR, or dealing with pain that won't go away, physiotherapy can help you run stronger, faster, and minimise your injury risk.
At Shape Physio Melbourne, we specialise in helping runners of all levels stay healthy, recover from injury, and reach their goals.
Common Running Injuries We Treat
Running injuries are rarely "bad luck." They happen when there's a mismatch between the demands you're placing on your body and your body's ability to handle those demands. We treat a wide range of running-related injuries, including:
Runner's knee (patellofemoral pain syndrome).
Achilles tendinopathy.
Shin splints (medial tibial stress syndrome).
IT band syndrome.
Plantar fasciitis.
Hamstring strains.
Hip pain and gluteal tendinopathy.
Stress fractures.
Calf strains.
Patellar tendinopathy.
If you're dealing with any of these injuries or something else that's keeping you from running, we can help.
Related article: 5 Running Training Errors and How to Fix Them
What's Included in a Running Assessment?
A running assessment is a comprehensive evaluation of how you move, how much load your tissues can take, and how effective your training plan currently is. Let’s go over the main parts of a running assessment below.
1) Gait Analysis
We analyze your running form on a treadmill to identify movement patterns that might be contributing to injury or limiting your performance. We look at how your foot strikes the ground, how your body moves through each stride, and whether there are any compensations or inefficiencies. Depending on your situation, it may be recommended to make slight adjustments as part of your rehab.
2) Strength and Mobility Testing
Running requires strength, stability, and mobility. We test essential areas, including:
Lower limb strength (hip, knee, ankle).
Core strength and endurance.
Ankle mobility.
Single-leg balance and control.
Weaknesses or asymmetries in any of these areas will then be addressed where relevant as part of a rehab or prevention program.
3) Movement Screening
We assess how you move through fundamental patterns like squatting, lunging, and balancing to identify any restrictions, imbalances, or control issues that might be affecting your running.
4) Personalized Running Plan
Based on what we find, you'll receive a tailored plan that includes:
Specific strength exercises to address weaknesses.
Mobility work to improve movement quality.
Running form cues to optimise your gait.
Training load recommendations to help you progress safely.
Injury prevention strategies.
Whether you're recovering from injury, training for a race, or just want to stay healthy, your plan is designed around your specific goals.
Who Is Running Physiotherapy For?
Running physiotherapy is for runners at all levels:
1) Beginner Runners
If you're new to running or just getting started with a structured training plan, a running assessment helps you build a strong foundation and avoid common beginner mistakes that lead to injury. Starting with good movement patterns and adequate strength makes a huge difference in long-term success.
2) Recreational Runners
If you run regularly for fitness, stress relief, or enjoyment, physiotherapy can help you stay healthy and get more out of your training. Many recreational runners deal with nagging issues like tight calves and achy knees that are not yet "injuries" but make running less enjoyable. We can help you address these issues before they become bigger problems.
3) Competitive Runners
If you're training for a race, chasing a personal best, or trying to reach the next level, physiotherapy can help you optimise your performance. Small improvements in running efficiency, strength, and movement quality can translate to significant gains in speed and endurance.
4) Injured Runners
If you're currently dealing with a running injury, we help you understand why it happened and what needs to change to prevent it from coming back. We don't just treat the symptoms, we address the root cause so you can return to running with confidence.
Why Choose Physiotherapy for Running?
Physiotherapy helps you:
Identify the Root Cause: We don't just mask symptoms. We figure out why you're injured and what needs to change.
Build Strength and Resilience: Strong runners are healthy runners. We create personalised strength programs to help your body handle the demands of running.
Optimise Your Movement: Small changes in running form can reduce injury risk and improve efficiency.
Train Smarter: We provide evidence-based advice on load management, progression, and training planning so you can reach your goals without burning yourself out.
Get Back to Running Safely: If you've been sidelined by injury, we guide you through a structured return-to-running plan that rebuilds your capacity gradually and safely.
Ready to Run Stronger?
Whether you're injured, training for a race, or just want to make sure you're doing everything right, a running assessment gives you a clear plan to run stronger, faster, and pain-free. Book your running assessment today!
Not sure if physiotherapy is right for you? Book a free 10-minute discovery call to discuss your concerns and see if we're a good fit.
Book a running assessment | Book a free discovery call
Frequently Asked Questions
-
It depends on your injury and your goals. Some runners see significant improvement in 2-3 sessions, while more complex injuries or performance optimization may take 6-8 sessions. After your initial assessment, we'll give you a clear picture of what to expect and create a treatment plan tailored to your timeline and goals.
-
No referral is needed to see a physiotherapist. You can book directly online.
-
Yes, physiotherapy is covered by most Australian private health funds with extras cover. Check with your provider for your specific rebate. You will get your rebate instantly upon payment through our HICAPS terminal.
-
Of course! Many runners book assessments to optimise their performance, improve their running form, or minimise injury risk. You don't need to be in pain to benefit from physiotherapy.
-
Not necessarily. In many cases, we can modify your training to keep you running while you recover. Complete rest is rarely the best approach. We'll work with you to find the right balance of load management and rehabilitation.
-
No. Even chronic or long-standing running injuries can improve with the right treatment approach. It may take longer than a fresh injury, but addressing the root cause (whether it's strength deficits, movement patterns, or training errors) can make a significant difference.
-
Yes. Virtual running assessments are available for runners anywhere in Australia. You'll need access to a treadmill or outdoor space where you can film yourself running, and we'll guide you through the rest via video call.
-
Yes. We work with runners at all stages of training. This includes those just starting out to those preparing for marathons. We can help you stay healthy during training, optimise your performance, and manage any niggles that come up along the way.
Shape Physio Melbourne is located in Melbourne CBD. Running physiotherapy appointments are available in-clinic or online.