WA R M- U P S INJURY
MAY 2019 RUNNERSWORLD.COM/UK 021WO
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THINK OUTSIDE THE BOTOX Try this
Here’s one treatment for plantar fasciitis you’ve
probably never considered: botox. Multiple
studies have found that botox injections
worked significantly better than placebos
or steroids when it came to fighting plantar.
One small study, published in Foot & Ankle
International, found that patients treated
with botox over six months showed faster
and more sustained improvement than those
treated with steroids. Plus, your foot might
have fewer wrinkles after the treatment.SOME LIKE IT HOT
Warm up and massage your muscles at the same
time with the Moji Heat-Roller (£56.95, footactive.
co.uk). This microwaveable two-piece foam roller
provides 30 minutes of heat and is designed to
loosen up your quads, glutes, IT band and calves.GIVE IT SOME NEEDLE
Here’s a rehab method that might prick your interest
NEEDLING INVOLVES having a sterile
needle pricked into your skin so that
it touches trigger points (sometimes
called knots) in muscles. It differs from
acupuncture in that it isn’t based on
belief in meridians (energy pathways in
the body). RW headed to West London
Physio (westlondonphysio.co.uk) to get
some treatment for a sore point.How does it work?‘Needling is
designed to relax
the muscles and
encourage blood
flow to the targeted
area,’ says David
Wynne, musculo-
skeletal and sports
physiotherapist.
‘We use it to
stimulate healing,
particularly to
tendons, which
have poor blood
supply, and to
improve range
of motion.’Is it painful?Not really. You first
experience a small
pinprick and then
a slightly more
painful sensation
when the needle is
very gently rotated.What injuries
is it used for?Classic running
complaints such astight calves, Achilles
tendonitis and
plantar fasciitis
have been eased
by needling, but
it can be used
for a wide range
of injuries.Is it dangerous?In expert hands, it’s
very safe for the
majority of injuries,
although Wynne
cautions, ‘We would
not recommend it
for acute injury,
such as a suspected
fracture, or for
anyone who is
pregnant.’Does it work?Research suggests
it reduces pain and
muscle tension.
After a visit to
West London
Physio with tight
calves and knee
pain, RW noted
improvement in
both areas.TWO
Runners who rotate two pairs
of shoes get fewer injuries than
those who train with one pair.^1
THE SHARP END
Needling can stimulate
the repair process