Mike Swinger Is Educating Runners On Injury Prevention

My guest today is a physical therapist that loves working with runners because he is one of us.

Mike Swinger

Mike Swinger is passionate about working with athletes, specifically runners, and helping them to avoid injuries.

Today we will go a few easy miles as he shares his insight and knowledge on how to run pain-free.

Early Injuries Shaped A Career

Mike was always an athlete growing up, but focused on team sports and viewed running as a punishment.

His numerous athletic endeavors landed him in the hospital for 2 knee surgeries while in high school.

The road to recovery included multiple physical therapy appointments.

As he quickly realized, some physical therapists were more knowledgeable than others.

This realization shaped what career path he would take along with how he would approach the athletes that came to him.

Mike is passionate about helping runners tune up their bodies to run more effectively through various stretches and exercises.

Each athlete will benefit in various ways to certain exercises.

It is crucial that individuals make themselves a case study of one.

Mike Swinger Demonstrating an Exercise

A Little Goes A Long Way

The most common excuse runners have for not doing exercises or stretching is lack of time.

Mike is a firm believer that positive benefits can occur with two weekly stretching and foam rolling sessions that last 30 minutes.

Doing these sessions regularly can provide a cumulative effect.

A visual reminder, such as leaving a foam roller by a couch, is often helpful in creating habits.

The 4 most common problem areas in runners tend to be:

• Tight hip flexors
• Glutes
• Calves
• Adductors (Inner thighs)

A personal referral is often the best way to get a PT that is familiar with runners.

3 Pillars of Running

The 3 main principles of injury-free running are:

• Flexibility
• Form
• Strength

Flexibility deficits can impact form and lead to injury.

Form is the body expressing itself in motion and is a direct reflection of the strength and flexibility one possesses.

Genetic makeup also plays a role in one’s form and what is realistic.

Hip, core, and foot strength should not be overlooked in runners.

A videotape of you running can help to highlight poor form and deficiencies to work on.

The way a runner’s arms move can point to underlying issues.

Mentioned In This Episode:

• RunPhys YouTube Channel

If you want to connect with Mike, check out his Website and make sure to follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

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