My passion for helping runners

Why I’m Passionate About Helping Runners Recover From Injury

There’s nothing quite like a runner’s high. Some people may think runners are a little crazy for waking up early to log miles—sometimes in the dark, cold, or rain—but runners understand there’s no better feeling than the sense of accomplishment that comes from running. There’s also the social side of the sport: training with teammates, logging miles with friends, and pushing through the highs and lows of training together.

Then one day, pain shows up.

For many runners, a running injury doesn’t just stop training—it disrupts routine, identity, and mental health. You’re suddenly stuck on the sidelines while your friends continue training and racing without you.

This experience is what ultimately led me to become a physical therapist who specializes in helping runners return to pain-free running.

My Experience With Running Injuries

I began running track and field in middle school and continued through high school, competing in both cross country and track. During those years, I experienced my first running injuries, including a stress fracture in my foot and IT band pain. Physical therapy helped me recover, and it was during this time that I first began considering a career in physical therapy.

I went on to compete in cross country and track and field at the College of William & Mary. Unfortunately, injuries continued. I dealt with a herniated disc that caused significant back pain and calf weakness, which I believe contributed to my most frustrating and long-lasting injury: Achilles tendon pain.

How Achilles Pain Changed My Running Career

That Achilles injury affected the final two years of my collegiate running career. I was never quite the same runner afterward. Beyond the physical limitations, the emotional impact was significant. Running was a major part of my identity, and losing the ability to train and compete was incredibly difficult.

I also felt socially isolated—unable to practice with my teammates or compete in meets. This is a common experience among injured runners, and it’s something I now work hard to prevent for my patients.

Even today, I still experience some Achilles pain. Looking back, I believe this became a chronic issue due to poor injury management. The advice I received swung between extremes—either running through significant pain or being placed in complete rest, including time in a walking boot, without a clear rehabilitation plan.

Why Proper Running Injury Rehabilitation Matters

While I wish my injury had been handled differently, those experiences shaped the physical therapist I am today. They fueled my passion for helping runners recover properly, avoid unnecessary setbacks, and return to running stronger and more confident.

If I could go back and give myself advice—and what I now teach runners in physical therapy—it would be this:

1. Don’t Run Through Pain That Changes Your Gait

Pain that causes limping or altered movement patterns is a red flag. Continuing to run through this often leads to compensations and secondary injuries. Early assessment and treatment can prevent a minor issue from becoming a long-term problem.

2. Complete Rest Is Rarely the Best Solution

While short-term rest may be appropriate, prolonged rest without active rehabilitation often leads to stiffness and weakness. Successful recovery from running injuries—especially Achilles tendon injuries—requires progressive loading and strengthening to prepare tissues for the demands of running.

3. Strength Training Is Essential for Runners

Strength training is one of the most effective tools for injury prevention and performance. Stronger muscles and tendons tolerate repetitive stress better, improve running efficiency, and reduce the risk of future injury.

Helping Runners Return to Pain-Free Running

I often wish I could go back and apply these principles earlier in my own running career. While I can’t change the past, I’m grateful that my experiences now allow me to help runners avoid the same mistakes and stay healthy long-term.