Biomechanical Podiatrist – will study the movement, alignment and timing of the feet, legs and back to establish causes of pain anywhere from your feet, legs, hips, back and so on. Through experience, visual assessment and by use of digital scanning assessments the practitioner can provide an in depth gait analysis and how the individual’s body works in different scenarios; including the repetitive weight baring action of running. A custom made orthotic can be produced and worn under guidelines to correct any in-balance with the ultimate aim of restoring function or relieving pain from injury, avoiding further/future injury and performance enhancement. If orthotics are not required the practitioner will be able to suggest other forms of appropriate treatment. A Biomechanical specialist can therefore be consulted ahead of embarking upon a training plan, after persistent niggling injury or pain, if there are any background concerns or merely to build up a complete picture of running style, in order to be able to make accurate choices on running footwear or indeed change running style overall in a bid to perform to a greater degree.

Chiropractor/Osteopath – The role and practice of the Chiropractor & Osteopath are often confused and I am sure that practitioners from both hear the same question daily, ‘So what is the difference?’. The very fact that the names appear together for this passage could be seen to highlight this; however the similarities and differences will hopefully be (in general terms) explained here for the runner. Quite simply they both have the same aims but approach these in a slightly different fashion. Once again whilst the foundations of both are set in place, individual practitioners will have sub specialisation or special interest areas. Different colleges in either field will produce very slight variations on the theme of Chiropractic & Osteopathy (McTimmoney Chiropractic is a bigger example of a different way of administering Chiropractic to the mainstream) and choice of who to see is again often down to personal recommendation and/or how you gel with your practitioner, that ultimately counts. In essence both a Chiropractor & Osteopath aim to restore healthy skeletal structure, nervous system and soft tissue functions. This can be for any part of the body; they work on much more than just your back. Necks, back (of course), hips, knees, ankles, wrists, shoulders, all main joints in short together with anywhere else; so jaws, ribs, fingers can all be treated successfully. The main part of the practice administered is the manipulation of joints to restore correct positioning and structure. It is this treatment that is often confused between the two and indeed the main focus of discussion by those who have had previous treatment! As a generalisation the differences are patient preparation, the lever used to administer a manipulation and the target area for treatment; which could provide the distinction. However whilst many Osteopaths first use soft tissue techniques to relax an area of muscle tension before manipulation, not all do. Some Chiropractors do focus more on this also! Not all Chiropractors use the same nerve impingement or muscle weakness tests as others before treatment and indeed some Osteopaths home in on the area to treat using the same. Some Chiropractors like to see X-Rays before going any further also. A Chiropractic might say that their adjustments are more precise and they use speed of manipulation to provide the right movement to restore the correct placement of structure. This being rather than some soft tissue work followed by a more general area adjustment that might be associated with the Osteopath. And then another practice may well do the opposite. In short every patient that steps through the door has a different complaint, different pain threshold, tolerance levels, working/sporting lives and therefore the treatment offered by any decent Chiro or Osteo will change according to these factors. Essentially if in acute pain caused by structural misalignment (i.e. not a fracture) then either can help. Severe muscle spasm again either caused by skeletal impingement or accident etc, general muscular strains, sprains, ongoing niggling pain, discomfort, headaches, loss of performance in the sporting world can be treated successfully by both, the Chiropractor and Osteopath. A good practitioner in either practice will have a vast knowledge of the body and its systems and can offer much more in the advice as well as treatment.

Club Coach – Many runners like to share their experiences of years of training and race events and many of them go on to take coaching qualifications to further their credentials. These are a great resource to tap into at any level. Especially as on the whole it is free as well as most running clubs have members who are qualified/part qualified coaches as well. Training plans, training techniques, rules of hydration, nutrition for general running or a specific purpose/race/event can be worked out initially or followed under guidance to structure and chart progress in pursuit of the goal. They can also advise on all things running such as foot type, running footwear choices, when to change your running footwear, preparation, recovery. The really good ones will be have a comprehensive view on warm ups, warm downs, stretching regimes, injury avoidance, running technique and advice on who to see if you do get injured.

Sports Psychologist – The importance of the mind being as bigger issue as the physical in elite sports has certainly come to the fore in recent years, although it has always been recognised as a contributory factor to success or at the very least optimum performance. So much more than just motivation, the skill of the Psychologist is understanding any mental obstacles the individual has to overcome and then talking through the unblocking of these; in order to fulfil potential and achieve goals. Concentration, Confidence, Control & Commitment often referred to as the four C’s are a key mantra to the practitioner to instil into the athlete. Whilst at top level this resource is regularly used very successfully, at club and recreational level it is hard to see anyone perhaps going to such lengths, however, life coaches, NLP practitioners, and Hypnotherapy practices are commonplace, accessible and affordable to those who seek a certain something that they may not be able to define. A positive outlook and some techniques to overcome nerves or hurdles or even reactions to certain situations could prove the key to unlock the physical potential in running that may well just be suppressed otherwise.

Personal Trainer – Once the preserve of the rich and famous, Personal Trainers are now commonplace and readily available. If you lack motivation or a goal that you think you need a helping hand with, then having a trainer can undoubtedly help. Having someone to work out a specific programme/s over agreed timeframes and then push you through this every step of the way takes away any excuse or argument you may be having internally. Personal Trainers are qualified in all aspects of physical activity and specific training and can help with things other than motivation. Technique, hints and cross training activity aside, some will also be specialists in running; so like a club coach they can provide particular advice on improving strength and conditioning for running endurance, general fitness or speed work to improve running times or core stability for both of these and/or injury avoidance. Fitness levels including heart rate statistics and training zones for workouts should be a given by a Personal Trainer also, so that you have some background data to substantiate progress. It is always best to check via an initial consultation that a PT you have located can provide you with the tools to achieve your particular goal however to avoid any misunderstanding later on.

Pilates/Yoga teacher – Cross training for running - Pilates – lists the benefits that Pilates could bring the runner in pursuit of greater performance. Whilst actually doing Pilates or indeed Yoga may not appeal (when your main focus/sport is running) a beginner’s course in either can really offer an insight into your body, how to develop inner strength and overall conditioning, core stability, stretching and ultimately a small basic routine to call upon and help you work towards your goals. This core stability strength enhancement, breathing control, knowledge of muscle function and stretching thereof can all provide positive advances with your overall running ability, performance and injury avoidance. Pilates is taught by specialist teachers and sometimes personal trainers in groups or even in one to one sessions. Check to see if the teacher can even tailor a session towards runners and join forces with some other runners to form your own class/group perhaps? Yoga has many different forms and a gym based beginner’s class in power yoga or fitness yoga could offer the same. Take the lessons learned and work out a small home based regular core stability workout on rest days or better still every night. A few items of kit (gym ball/wobble board/resistance band/medicine ball), 15 minutes of your time committed each evening, combining your knowledge from the above and over a short period of time, this regular workout will pay dividends.

Nutritionist – The saying goes you are what you eat and it is true that a balanced diet means that your body will receive the key ingredients it needs to function healthily. This is even more of an important factor when you are a general runner, are in training or competing regularly. Your eating habits could actually be holding you back in so many ways and whilst advice is available from everyone and anyone and the basic principles are fairly easy, it is also easy to see why so many (and even experienced) runners get this spectacularly wrong. To be sure that in line with your particular goals and training efforts you are eating a) the right things at b) the right times, a Nutritionist can hold the key for the runner and make the difference. Fuelling and recovery can be greatly enhanced by the right food choices and combinations at key times. Weight loss of course is linked with the right food choices but so is the individual’s overall make up and condition, and it is this aspect that a Nutritional expert can also really set themselves apart as an important ranking resource. A diet tailored around your weight, body type, life and working life plus sport (or training) can lift fatigue, promote well being, ward off illness, energise and promote speedier recovery. Weight loss, muscle gain and food intolerances can also be homed in upon and rectified with this specialist advice. Diet sheets can be set and altered as time passes and requirements change. Whilst your GP may have access to a Nutritionist via the NHS this may only be available when illness, fatigue or weight issues ensue, however private appointments are readily accessible. Why not invite a Nutritional expert to your running club or to have an advice stand at your next club event?

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