The London Marathon never fails to inspire. Whether you crossed the finish line, cheered from the sidelines, or watched feeling inspired from home, it’s hard not to feel moved by the determination, motivation and resilience.

For many, that post-marathon motivation sparks a new running journey and the parks, pavements and woodlands see extra footfall.

The benefits of running are plentiful, but as great as it is for your health it’s also tough on the body, especially when you’re just starting or training for a new distance. That is why it’s so important to make sure your body is working as it should, which is where chiropractic care can make all the difference.

Here’s how seeing a chiropractor can help you run better, feel better, and stay motivated:

1. The Prevention of Injuries

Any runner, whether experienced or new to the sport are vulnerable to injuries, such as plantar fasciitis, injuries to the ligaments of the knee (often referred to ACL/MCL injuries), shin splints, and painful joints (most often ankle, knee and hip).

Chiropractic care focuses on correcting any misalignments within the body which can cause imbalance and instability. Misalignments in the body can cause certain bones, joints and ligaments to take on extra strain and pressure, causing deterioration, uneven wear and tear and muscle strain which can predispose individuals to injury. By aligning your body, your bones, joints and muscles work as they should with full range of motion, without extra pressure, strain or restriction.

2. Improving Speed, Form and Endurance

As discussed above, an aligned body means that muscles aren’t taking extra strain from supporting misaligned joints and therefore are less fatigued and can go further, increasing an individual’s endurance.

Misalignments in the body can also cause a depressed or restricted movement in the ribcage affecting respiratory function. Aligning the body means your chest can move and function as it should, allowing for better oxygen intake increasing athletic ability.

3. Enhanced Recovery Time Between Runs

An aligned body can also promote proper nervous system function and cardiovascular function. This can promote healing and restoring balance within the body, through better blood flow, reduction of inflammation and uninterrupted nerve signals (resulting in faster reaction times, faster body responses and more accurate responses to stimuli).

In Summary…

Running is more enjoyable when your body feels good and you’ll be more likely to incorporate it into your lifestyle.

If you’re feeling inspired to start running or running further distances, book your consultation today and support your body from the start with chiropractic care.

Speak to front desk about our recommended running shoes to support your body.

References and Further Reading

• Stump JL, Redwood D. The use and role of sport chiropractors in the national football league: a short report. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2002 Mar-Apr;25(3):E2. doi: 10.1067/mmt.2002.122326. PMID: 11986584.
• Lin AFC, Piong SZ, Wan WM, Li P, Chu VK, Chu EC. Unlocking Athletic Potential: The Integration of Chiropractic Care into the Sports Industry and Its Impact on the Performance and Health of Athletes and Economic Growth in China and Hong Kong. Cureus. 2023 Apr 5;15(4):e37157. doi: 10.7759/cureus.37157. PMID: 37034139; PMCID: PMC10075015.
• Jon Schwartzbauer, D.C., Jason Kolber, Mitzi Schwartzbauer, D.C., John Hart, D.C., John Zhang, M.D., Ph.D. Athletic Performance and Physiological Measures in Baseball Players Following Upper Cerivcal Chiropractic Care: A Pilot Study. Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research ~ Volume 1 ~ Number 4 ~ Pages 1-7
• Haavik H, Niazi IK, Jochumsen M, Sherwin D, Flavel S, Türker KS. Impact of Spinal Manipulation on Cortical Drive to Upper and Lower Limb Muscles. Brain Sci. 2016 Dec 23;7(1):2. doi: 10.3390/brainsci7010002. PMID: 28025542; PMCID: PMC5297291.
• Sandell J, Palmgren PJ, Björndahl L. Effect of chiropractic treatment on hip extension ability and running velocity among young male running athletes. J Chiropr Med. 2008 Jun;7(2):39-47. doi: 10.1016/j.jcme.2008.02.003. PMID: 19674719; PMCID: PMC2682941.
• Chiropractic Care in a Multidisciplinary Sports Health Care Environment: A Survey of Canadian National Team Athletes
• Howitt, Scott D. et al. Journal of Manipulative & Physiological Therapeutics, Volume 46, Issue 3, 182 – 189