Endurance athletes always pose an interesting challenge when it comes to injuries and rehab. The majority of injuries that an endurance athlete will face are overuse injuries; injuries caused by repetitive movements over prolonged periods of time. That in itself doesn’t mean that you will develop an injury, but it is a careful balance to train and recover. When there is an imbalance of overly intensive training coupled with inadequate recovery it can lead to a breakdown in the body’s restorative and reparative properties, especially on a cellular level. This then progresses to an overuse injury. This isn’t the only interesting circumstance that comes with endurance training. A typical endurance athlete’s personality, regardless of ability, will contribute to wanting to train lots, and not miss training, especially if there is a particular event in the future. And typically a medical professional, whether it be a doctor or a physical therapist will recommend time off of training, which is not always adhered to by the athlete.

This I am very familiar with, I was an endurance athlete well before I was a physical therapist, and I very rarely listened to advice to stop training during an injury. Therefore I believe it is important to surround yourself with professionals in all areas that have a personal understanding of what you are passionate about and your commitment to it. I try very hard in my practice to allow a patient to continue training through treatment, when it isn’t detrimental to recovery. There is nothing worse than having a lifelong goal of completing a marathon, getting an injury and being told by a doctor that you aren’t meant to run and you should give it up!

Over the course of these articles I hope to educate you on typical problems encountered by endurance athletes of all ages and abilities, and help give you advice, both preventative and rehabilitative, in case you find yourself in any of these situations.

Common injuries with endurance athletes can be related to the sport in which the athlete participates. These are typically distance running, cycling or triathlon but of course are not limited to these. Each of these disciplines presents higher likelihoods for certain injuries, but again this list is not exhaustive. Running injuries typically have to do with technique, gait (or specifically foot strike) and of course shoes. These combined with pre-existing muscle imbalances and other personal characteristics may predispose athletes to particular injuries. Runners typically have injuries related to the lower back, hips and pelvis legs and feet. Some of the more common ones are Iliotibial Band Syndrome or Runners Knee, Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome or Shin splints, Achilles Tendinitis, and Plantar Fasciitis.

Cycling injuries are a result of an athlete’s physical characteristics combined with the dimensions and characteristics of the bike. Shoes, pedals, tri bars, handle bars and of course the seat can all pose specific or combined problems. Common cycling injuries are neck and shoulder discomfort, hand numbness, back pain, knee pain, specifically patellofemoral pain syndrome and foot numbness. Sometimes a proper bike fit specifically designed for your body and its muscle lengths will help alleviate these problems, instead of getting your bike and you to fit some kind of predetermined picture in your mind!

Swimming injuries are also repetitive in nature. Due to the constant strain on the shoulders, arms and back over the course of swimming any distance pain may develop in these areas. Muscle imbalance is a big component of swimming injuries, combined with the technique required to be efficient can cause extra strain on muscles and tendons eventually leading to tendonopathies. Typical swimming injuries revolve around the shoulder and neck, though back pain is common especially with poor positioning in the water. Having an experienced coach help with technique, and an evaluation by a physical therapist for muscle length and imbalances, can help make you a pain free and more efficient swimmer!

I will touch on each of these injuries, and others, as well as the specific things everyone can work on to ensure a more enjoyable training season! I can always be reached by email and please feel free to contact me with any specific questions.

Happy Training!!!