Whether you're hitting the Santa Clarita paseos for a morning jog or training for the next local 5K, running is one of the most popular ways residents stay active. But as rewarding as running can be, it also comes with a high risk of overuse injuries—particularly in the knees and ankles. For many runners in Santa Clarita, these injuries aren’t just painful—they can completely derail training goals.
At Next Level Physical Therapy, we help runners stay on track by identifying the causes of pain and providing personalized solutions. With expert guidance and hands-on care, you can avoid injury, improve performance, and keep moving without setbacks.
Why Runners Are Prone to Knee and Ankle Pain
Running places repetitive stress on the lower body. Each stride generates impact forces that travel through the feet, ankles, knees, and hips—especially on hard pavement or uneven trails. Without proper conditioning or mechanics, these forces can lead to:
- Runner’s knee (patellofemoral pain syndrome): caused by poor tracking of the kneecap
- Achilles tendonitis: irritation of the tendon at the back of the ankle
- Shin splints and stress fractures: due to overtraining or weak support muscles
- Ankle sprains: from poor foot control or unstable terrain
- Plantar fasciitis: inflammation in the arch of the foot
Even experienced runners can develop these issues if they ramp up mileage too quickly, skip recovery, or overlook movement imbalances.
The Benefits of Physical Therapy for Runners
Many runners try to push through discomfort, rely on rest, or turn to generic stretches and ice packs. But without addressing the root cause, pain often returns. That’s where physical therapy makes the difference.
Understanding the why behind your pain is the first step to fixing it. Our physical therapists help runners:
- Identify movement dysfunctions affecting their gait
- Improve joint mobility and muscle balance
- Restore strength in weak or underused muscle groups
- Develop smarter training strategies to reduce overload
How Next Level PT Helps Runners in Santa Clarita
At Next Level Physical Therapy, we’ve helped runners of all levels—from beginners to seasoned racers—treat pain and avoid injuries. Here’s how we do it.
1. Comprehensive Movement Evaluation
We begin with a head-to-toe assessment to uncover what’s putting excess strain on your knees and ankles. This includes:
- Gait analysis to check for imbalances
- Range of motion testing
- Strength and stability checks, especially in the hips, glutes, and core
2. Hands-On Treatment for Pain Relief and Mobility
If you're already experiencing pain, we work to relieve it right away using:
- Soft tissue massage and myofascial release
- Manual joint mobilization to reduce stiffness
- Modalities like ice, heat, or electrical stimulation
These techniques reduce inflammation, ease tightness, and prepare your body for strengthening.
3. Runner-Specific Strengthening and Training
Prevention is just as important as recovery. That’s why our therapists guide you through strengthening and mobility drills that target common problem areas for runners:
- Glute and hip activation to control leg alignment
- Ankle and foot stability to improve balance and reduce strain
- Core and postural training to support efficient, upright running
We also offer advice on proper warm-ups, cooldowns, and training modifications to reduce re-injury risk.
4. Practical Running Tips to Stay Pain-Free
In addition to hands-on therapy, we help Santa Clarita runners stay injury-free with these practical suggestions:
- Don’t increase your mileage too fast—follow the 10% rule
- Incorporate cross-training like cycling or swimming for recovery
- Invest in proper running shoes and replace them regularly
- Listen to your body—don’t run through sharp or persistent pain
- Use mobility tools like foam rollers after long runs
With guidance from a physical therapist, these strategies can make a big difference in your comfort and performance.
Why Santa Clarita Runners Choose Next Level PT
We know the local running community and understand the demands of personal training in the SCV climate and terrain. Whether you run Paseo trails, race in the Santa Clarita Marathon, or jog around Central Park, our team is here to support your journey. At Next Level PT, runners receive:
- Individualized care with one-on-one therapist attention
- Science-backed strategies to reduce injury risk
- Customized training recommendations for your fitness level and goals
- Ongoing education to help you stay active for life
Our goal isn’t just to treat pain—it’s to help you run stronger, longer, and without limitations.
Stay Ahead of Knee and Ankle Pain with Expert Help
You don’t have to wait for pain to slow you down. Whether you're recovering from an injury or want to prevent one, physical therapy offers the tools to help you run safely and confidently.
📍 Visit us at one of our Santa Clarita locations:
- 23206 Lyons Ave, #105, Santa Clarita, CA 91321
- 17866 Sierra Hwy Suite 101, Santa Clarita, CA 91351
📞 Call us today at (661) 383-9828 to schedule your runner-focused evaluation.
Or request an appointment online—and get back to running pain-free, the smart way.
