Physical Therapy for Runners in New York City by Vikash, DPT
Physical Therapy for Runners FAQ
- What are the most common running injuries you treat?
- I frequently treat shin splints, runner’s knee (patellofemoral pain), IT band syndrome, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, stress fractures, and various hip and lower back pains.
- Do I need to stop running completely if I have pain?
- Not always. A physical therapist can assess your pain and often provide strategies to modify your running, or suggest cross-training, allowing you to stay active while you heal.
- How does physical therapy for runners differ from general physical therapy?
- I specialize in running-specific assessments, including gait analysis, and design exercise programs that directly enhance running performance, efficiency, and injury prevention.
- How can physical therapy help me prevent running injuries?
- I identify subtle muscle imbalances, weaknesses, and faulty movement patterns before they cause injury, then prescribe targeted exercises and form adjustments to build a more resilient runner.
- What happens during a physical therapy assessment for a runner?
- I‘ll take a detailed history of your pain and training, perform a comprehensive physical exam (strength, flexibility, balance), and often conduct a video gait analysis to observe your running form.
- How long does recovery typically take for running injuries?
- Recovery time varies greatly depending on the injury’s severity and how long it’s been present. Mild issues might resolve in a few weeks, while complex conditions like stress fractures or persistent tendinopathy can take months.
- Will physical therapy exercises be painful?
- My primary goal is to reduce your pain. While some exercises might feel challenging as you regain strength, we work within your comfort limits and adjust treatment to avoid aggravating your symptoms.
- What kind of exercises will I do in physical therapy?
- You’ll typically do a mix of strengthening (for hips, glutes, core, calves), flexibility (stretching, foam rolling), balance exercises, and specific drills to improve your running mechanics.
- Can physical therapy help me run faster or more efficiently?
- Absolutely! By optimizing your strength, flexibility, and running form, PT can significantly enhance your running economy, allowing you to maintain speed with less effort and improve overall performance.
- When can I safely return to running after an injury?
- I use a gradual, progressive return-to-run program, often starting with a walk/run protocol. I’ll clear you to return when your body demonstrates the necessary strength and control, minimizing re-injury risk.
Runner’s Knee • Shin Splints • Plantar Fasciitis • Achilles Tendinitis • IT Band Syndrome
“I would rate the Perfect Stride Physical Therapy team higher than 5 stars if I could. As a professional runner that struggled with injuries for about 3 years, I can honestly say that meeting Vikash and the Perfect Stride team has been a game changer in my career. Now that I am running healthy with their help, I still have weekly check-ups to make sure I am doing the proper rehab...and not just rehab”
– Mary Cain, Professional Runner
World Junior Champion (3000m), USA Track & Field Champion (1500m)
Vikash Sharma, DPT, OCS, COMT, CFSC
32 Union Square East
New York, NY 10003
BY APPOINTMENT ONLY