sessions and the aim is to work on specific elements and tissue structures which have become shortened, tight and painful. The idea is to loosen off tightness within soft tissues so as to improve performance and prevent injury. A variety of techniques can
that they assist with the function of both, making an injury to either muscle group extremely disruptive to running. Both can be strained (or pulled) if they are overextended to the point that they rip slightly. A complete tear of the muscle is called a rupture
© Getty ImagesPut simply, good core stability is one of the most effective ways to prevent injuries and improve running efficiency. The groups of muscles that make up your core section provide essential support so strengthening your core should form
: "Massage can identify areas of tightness you weren't aware of, nipping potential problems in the bud and preventing injury." Which, all in all, isn't too bad for a 30-minute lie down.Is massage more useful at particular times?Book in if you up your training
, it probably would have helped prevent a multitude of injuries.Paul Magner Years Running 35 Variety is the spice of lifeIt’s easy to get stuck in a rut, and become a habitual runner. You can find yourself following the same routine week
the rigorous injury-prevention regime and last minute pre-race strategy that secured him the coveted gold medal. What has been your typical training week in the build-up to the World Championships?My typical training week follows the pattern of track, weights
prolong the agony.Recovery timeTreat it appropriately and four weeks should see full recovery, although this may be hastened and recurrence prevented if doctor, coach and athlete can work together to eliminate the causes. After recovery, changes
and sometimes infected. Symptoms You cannot fail to notice a swelling which develops behind the knee and probably prevents full bending and straightening. The pressure causes aching and tenderness, worse after training, and sometimes the area feels hot
an unaccustomed muscle activity. Typically, it occurs in the gluteals, quadriceps and shin muscles, especially after running downhill or sprinting. Its always advisable to cool down with slow running and stretch after exercise, but this wont necessarily prevent
injuries. However, any pre-run stretching must be gentle: stretching cold, stiff muscles carries the risk of strains. It’s also thought that overstretching can cause a muscle to act as though it is at risk of tearing, therefore tensing up to counteract that
