Our services at Run Physio Southampton

I offer a mobile physiotherapy service, travelling to you with a physio couch and other equipment. I cover approximately a 30-mile radius of Southampton but can go further if required (there may be an extra cost).

I work with runners of various standards, from total beginners wanting to do their first parkrun 5K to experienced, high level club runners. I have also worked with members of the military such as those planning to join the Royal Marines, who need to pass the run test.

The initial appointment includes taking a detailed history of the injury and a thorough medical history. Some aspects of health can affect tissue quality and contribute to injury – for example, diabetes, hypothyroidism and high cholesterol can adversely affect tendons, as can some medications. From the history, a cause can be identified such as a sudden increase in training or another sudden change, such as a different type of footwear or attempting to change running technique such as heel striking to forefoot running. The human body does not like sudden change!

Runners usually seek a physiotherapist because they’re in pain and are worried about damage and if they need to stop running and if so, how long would this be. Establishing the level and nature of the pain is important to aid diagnosis and give clarity if it’s safe to continue running.

After this, a physical exam is undertaken to aid diagnosis. A plan and initial treatment (which may include different hands-on techniques) are given and a timeline outlined for resolution and possible causes discussed. Usually, runners can continue running but may have to amend their training plans for a period i.e. de-load and then gradually re-load. If it’s necessary to stop running (for example, with a suspected stress fracture), it will be explained why and when we will know it is safe to start running again. Runners hate not running!

A key tenet of the service is also differential diagnosis. For example, a runner may already know they have an Achilles tendon problem. However, the management is different if it’s mid-portion or insertional, if the sural nerve or plantaris is involved or if it’s reactive or degenerative. The assessment would be able to pinpoint the problem and the best management.

The treatment plan for the injury is also individual and will vary from runner to runner. Education is also a key part of the service, so the runner understands their injury and aids self-management.

Advice can be given for future training plans. This is important as most running injuries are caused by incorrect training schedules.

An insole or heel lift may also be recommended for some conditions to aid recovery. The wide variety of shoes now available can also be discussed and the “right shoe” is very individual, but some conditions are better managed with a certain type of shoe.