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​JAMES ARMSTRONG PHYSIO

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physio spotlight - with  'run fit run fast'  on  Avoiding injury

22/9/2021

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How to avoid injury.

Overuse injuries account for approx 80% running related injuries so here’s my top tips for avoiding these pesky barriers to that all important consistent training and racing fun!
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- Avoid sudden spikes in training.
Try not to increase any if the following too much too quickly.
Frequency - How many times a week you run
Intensity - How hard you run
Time - How long you run for
Type - Type of training (speed, hills, fell)
One of the best way to do this is to have a good quality coach or to at least plan your training.

- Be flexible with your training/ be open and honest with your coach.
So if you’re feeling fatigued or flat then switch to an easy run, but when your feeling good have confidence to push hard.

- Prioritise Recovery and Sleep
Make sure you’re recovering from the training you’re put in the bank. I say this a lot but it’s a true! “Sleep is where the magic happens”. In fact those who sleep less than 7 hrs per night are at a greater risk of injury! The key thing to note is, training forces the physiological adaptations that take place when you recover, so recovery it is vital.

- Strength Training
Implement a simple strength plan in to your diary. It does not need to be complicated! Squats (they don’t need to be deep), calf raises, deadlifts, lunges and resisted hip abductions (crab walks) are all great and simple. The important thing is to try and lift heavy! You want a weight that means you can only do a max of 12 repetitions. Some heavy books in a bag will do. I’ve even prescribed squats holding a toddler before! If you don’t have any weights then repeat until you fatigue. See the page on my website on specific strength training for runners and endurance athletes.

- Nutrition
​The simple fact is you need to fuel for the task in hand. If you’re under fuelled then your body doesn’t just not perform it also can’t repair and adapt from the training. Eating enough is key and where I see many patients go wrong. If in doubt seek advice from a qualified professional.

For more in-depth advice on how to reduce injuries, head to the dedicated page on the site HERE

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Come back stronger

24/3/2021

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I see many runners who suffer with reoccurring injuries and just can't seem to get to the bottom of why the same injury keeps returning. So, I thought I'd share one of the common reasons this happens and how I help break the cycle for runners and endurance athletes that I see in clinic.
Firstly, it's important to understand that during the running gait your soft tissues and bones experience large amounts of load and need to produce/ resist large forces. For example, your gluteus medius muscle (a relatively small muscle in the side of your hips), takes approximately 6.5 times your body weight at peak forces, every step of the run! That's huge! If you weigh 77kg that means even if only for a millisecond, that muscle is experiencing a force of 500kg repeatedly during your run!
So how does this relate to reoccurring injury?
Often when people pick up an injury, they do one or mix of a few things.
They either completely rest and it gets better and then they return to running. Or they rest and do some exercises that help it get better. They may also get a massage and other hands-on passive treatments.
But none of these approaches actually get to the root cause of the injury. If you think about it, your body needs to have a pretty big capacity to take the loads involved in running so if you don't get that capacity back up in the tissues, then as you return to running it's very likely that they will not be able to keep up and hey presto your injury returns.
Okay now what can you do to change this?
When you pick up an injury it's vital to get it assessed properly so you can find out if there's any way you can maintain some running. Rest is rarely best. At the same time a properly pitched, progressive loading and strengthening programme is crucial. One that is programmed to build you back stronger than you were before the injury and one that is right for your injury. After all the majority of injuries are caused by a lack of capacity in the first place. Hence my tag lines of #STRONGER and #RUNSTRONG. When coming back from injury you need to be stronger and more robust than the time leading up to that injury. So, don't put up with a reoccurring injury. There really is absolutely no need to COME BACK STRONGER

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February 02nd, 2021

2/2/2021

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TAC V5 Congratulations
What an amazing event! It has been unbelievable to watch everyone get out and complete their virtual 5k as part of the Tavistock Virtual 5k! The club has come together as one and the feeling of comradely is overwhelming. 
It's been an honour to not just be part of the club but to be in a position to sponsor the event and offer some prizes to such great running.  I'd like to personally congratulate everyone who took part in the V5 event. You are all superstars and I can't wait to be part of another event real soon and hopefully some full events where we can all get together properly. 
We all have lots of celebrating to do when we get together. ​

check out the running resources while your here

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Running and training during lockdown

27/1/2021

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By Jodi Fisk

​I know most people struggle with how to focus and balance their training during lockdown, because of the uncertainty of future races but it’s important to embrace this uncertainty at the moment and see it as a chance to give your body a break from the hard training, mix things up and enjoy exercising….right now it’s all we can do! I think it’s safe to say that there are no races on the horizon anytime soon, the last time I raced was 1st March 2020, I was in the best shape I’ve ever been, ran a half marathon PB and was looking forward to London Marathon in Spring 2020. A few weeks later, life changed for us all…
Since then, my mileage has halved and home workouts keep me going. I exercise because I want to, not because my training plan says I should (I’ve never been one to follow a plan anyway)! This may not be the right approach for everyone, some need a plan and structure. Now is the time to get strong, try something new, personally I have really got into HIIT workouts, you can do these anywhere and its surprising how many calories you can burn in 20 minutes. 
it’s important to embrace this uncertainty at the moment and see it as a chance to give your body a break from the hard training, mix things up and enjoy exercising"
Strength training isn’t easy at the moment if you don’t have the equipment at home but improvisation is great, use something around the house, try some squats carrying your child! For conditioning and mobility, I now do an Ultra Mat Pilates session twice a week with Zero Gravity Pilates. It’s not the same as Pilates you see elsewhere. It’s much more performance focused and great for runners it’s so addictive and very affordable. You could also try PE with Joe, now is the time to take the pressure off of yourself, look after your physical and mental wellbeing and do things for enjoyment. I think you’ll be surprised at how fit and strong you are when training recommences. 
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Sponsoring the Tavistock Athletic Club Virtual 5k race

24/1/2021

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TAC V5 Sponsored by James Armstrong Physio
Proud to be supporting the Tavistock Athletic Club Members V5. A fab virtual 5k challenge just for TAC members, they'll be running 5k their way, at their pace, and in their own space. It's great to see so many athletes staying active and sticking together throughout this difficult time. Looking for a friendly club to join in 2021? Well then look no further than Tavistock Athletic Club. Formed in 1985, the club has been at the centre of the Tavistock community for over 35 years! A friendly club with an amazing junior section and amazing resources including the 400m athletics track - Check them out HERE
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Running Shoes - What you need to know

23/1/2021

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With so much conflicting information out there and outdated advice, I’ve put together these resources to help you make more informed decisions when buying new running shoes. It should make buying running shoes so much easier, more fun and less expensive. 
I’ve also written a full and detailed guide along with lots of other running resources. 
It’s important to question where the advice is coming from sometimes and who is selling you something. Enjoy everyone and happy running 🙌
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CLICK HERE FOR FULL ARTICLE 

#runningshoes #running #runners #run#jamesarmstrongphysio #physio#runningcommunity #runnerslife
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Coaching licence renewed

16/1/2021

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Renewed for another 2 years of coaching! I have been coaching running for over 10 years and it has enabled me to work with so many great athletes and be part of several great clubs. Coaching also is at the centre of my Physiotherapy practice now. Such a pivotal skill set and one I draw upon on a daily basis. #ukathletics#englandathletics #coaching #physio
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Tips for starting running in 2021

8/1/2021

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- Keep it simple and enjoy it. 
- Don’t do too much too soon. Progress your running gradually. 
- Always listen to your body. If you’re tired and don’t feel up for it do something different. 
- Recovery is key, it’s actually when your body makes the adaptations that make you fitter and stronger. 
- Prioritise sleep and ensure your nutrition is good.
- Don’t stress about getting expensive shoes. Find some that are comfy and that fit your budget! 

- You don’t need a gait analysis and special shoes.
Most importantly of all, enjoy it and have fun improving your health.
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Featured in the csp Frontline magazine

2/1/2021

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Such an honour to have been asked to contribute to the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy Frontline magazine. Hopefully my enthusiasm and passion for the profession comes across 😀. I have been supporting Physiotherapy students during my role in the NHS. I am incredibly passionate not just about Physiotherapy as a whole but also the new generation of physios coming through. Was not expecting a 4 page spread! 
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HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU...

1/1/2021

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Next year is going to be your year 🙏
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    James Armstrong
    Chartered Physiotherapist with a specialist interest in endurance sport. 

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What My Patients Are Saying

I can’t thank James enough. He always explains so informatively and is extremely thorough with his consultations. I always know I am in safe hands and can always ask any questions. I always leave feeling so positive and with knowledge on how I’m moving forward. The follow up emails reminding me of what exercises I need to do and extra information are invaluable. I thoroughly recommend.

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