Running Discomfort: When to Get a Chiropractic Assessment
Enjoy running around Centennial Park or heading down to the beach for a jog? If your hip, knee or ankle starts feeling uncomfortable after a run, you may wonder whether it’s just part of training—or something worth having assessed.
I’m Dr Steven Lockstone (Chiropractor) at MyChiro in Bondi Junction. Before suggesting treatment, I’d want to know where the discomfort is, how your running has changed and whether it affects your everyday movement.
Why might running become uncomfortable?
Runners can experience a range of muscle and joint concerns. Some symptoms follow a change in distance or intensity; others involve a particular injury. Pain in the hip, knee, lower back, foot or ankle can have different causes, so it’s worth looking at the pattern rather than assuming a spinal alignment problem.
Four practical running habits worth reviewing
- Training changes: Consider whether you’ve recently increased distance, hills, pace or frequency.
- Comfortable footwear: Choose shoes that suit you and the way you run, rather than chasing a single perfect model.
- Recovery between sessions: Make room for manageable training and lighter days if needed.
- New or changing symptoms: If pain affects walking, keeps returning or is becoming more limiting, ask for an assessment.
These habits aren’t a guarantee against injury. A clinician can help decide whether exercise advice, activity modification or other assessment is suitable for a particular concern.
Will chiropractic adjustments prevent running injuries?
No particular adjustment or regular appointment schedule is proven to prevent running injuries or speed healing in every case. Some runners with back or other musculoskeletal symptoms may want a chiropractic assessment, but treatment should follow the findings and consider other options.
At MyChiro, if chiropractic care isn’t the most suitable option, we can discuss whether a GP, physiotherapist or other clinician would be more appropriate. The goal is informed care, not an unnecessary series of visits.
What does a first visit cost?
New patients receive a free initial consultation, including assessment and advice. If hands-on treatment is clinically appropriate and you choose to proceed, same-day treatment is available for $125. There’s no obligation to have treatment.
You can read about chiropractic costs or book a free initial consultation if you have a relevant back, neck or joint concern.
Original photo attribution retained: photo source, photographer, Creative Commons licence.