The Physio’s Guide to Smarter Running

In this episode, we dive into the most common running injuries and the smarter strategies to overcome them. Whether you’re training for your next race or just getting into running, understanding how to manage your load, strengthen your body, and avoid the common pitfalls can make all the difference. 

We explore everything from return-to-run progressions and biomechanical faults to the role of footwear, strength training, and the mental side of injury recovery. You’ll also hear about real-world cases, practical advice on running technique, and how physiotherapists help both injured and uninjured runners stay at their best. 

If you’re serious about running pain-free and performing at your peak, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Chapters 

1:15 – Most Common Running Injuries (and Why They Happen)
5:05 – How We Guide Runners Back from Injury
10:00 – Footwear’s Role in Injury Prevention & Performance
11:00 – Helping Runners Mentally Through Long Rehab Periods
13:00 – Why Physios Matter Even When You’re Not Injured
16:00 – What We Look for in a Running Assessment
20:15 – Top 3 Tips for Staying Injury-Free During a Training Block
22:30 – When Should a Runner Actually See a Physio?
23:50 – Why Do Injuries Keep Coming Back? Breaking the Cycle
27:08 – Common Biomechanical Faults in Runners 
29:40 – Balancing Strength Training with High Running Volume
30:50 – What Does Good Running Technique Actually Look Like?
32:03 – The #1 Mistake Runners Make When Increasing Mileage
33:33 – How Often Should You Replace or Rotate Running Shoes?
34:40 – Real Case Study: Overcoming Achilles Tendinopathy
37:07 – Dealing with a Niggle Before Race Day


Disclaimer: Before making any health changes, consult with a healthcare professional.

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Dr. April Patterson

Physiotherapist

Dr. April Patterson graduated from Bond University with a Doctor of Physiotherapy degree. April established RX Physiotherapy in 2019, where she has been dedicated to providing top-notch care to her patients.

Dr. April Patterson has a unique perspective on physiotherapy as she has personally experienced conditions such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, hypermobility, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues. Her own struggles with these conditions have fueled her passion for understanding and treating them, allowing her to empathize with her patients on a deeper level. Dr. April Patterson is dedicated to tailoring treatments to meet the unique needs of each individual under her care.

With a commitment to ongoing professional development, Dr. April Patterson stays abreast of the latest advancements in physiotherapy, ensuring that her patients receive the most effective and evidence-based treatments available. Her holistic approach to patient care encompasses not only physical rehabilitation but also focuses on empowering individuals to manage and prevent further issues.

In her spare time you can find her hitting the gym, cooking or spending time with her two dachshund children and partner.

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Ms. Laura Flemming

Physiotherapist

Laura has been a dedicated physiotherapist for over five years, beginning her career at Wollongong Hospital before moving to Sydney, where she broadened her skills in a private practice and community setting. In this time she obtained her certification as a Level 1 Strength and Conditioning coach. Additionally, she supported junior representative soccer teams in the St George area. Now based in the Illawarra, she is looking forward to supporting new patients.

Laura’s approach centers on enhancing her patients’ quality of life through understanding their goals and intentions and providing effective pain management, manual therapy, patient education, strength training, and personalised exercise programs. Her experience includes managing acute and chronic injuries, strength and endurance training, post-operative rehabilitation, falls prevention, and neurological rehabilitation for conditions including stroke and brain injury. She implements evidence-based treatments and utilises a holistic approach aimed at empowering individuals with injury management and prevention.

In her free time, Laura can be found hiking up mountains, writing music, playing soccer, or training for the occasional triathlon or running event.

Mr. Trent Cooksley

Physiotherapist

Born and raised in Wollongong, Trent grew up immersed in sport—playing soccer for the Woonona Sharks, as well as tennis, golf, swimming, school footy, cricket, and AFL. By age 13, he had focused his attention on golf, eventually earning a place in the IAS Golf Program during his final year of high school. His talent on the course led to a scholarship to study and play college golf in Abilene, Texas, USA. It was during this time—after experiencing a few injuries and being treated by his athletic trainer—that he discovered a passion for physiotherapy. 

Trent has a strong interest in musculoskeletal and sports physiotherapy, working with clients of all ages—from kids to adults. He has a particular passion for acute injury management and supporting golfers through injury and performance. Outside of the clinic, he enjoys spending time on the golf course, catching waves, or relaxing with friends.

 

Ms. Emily Yorkston

Physiotherapist

Emily graduated at the end of 2020 and began her career in Orange, NSW, where she gained broad experience in musculoskeletal, neurological, orthopaedic, and paediatric physiotherapy. 

She developed a strong foundation in client-centred care through outreach work in rural communities and leading allied health teams. 

Emily has a particular passion for hypermobility (HSD, EDS ect), Jaw/TMJ dysfunction, and sports rehabilitation. 

She loves working with clients on long-term goals, guiding them through strength and conditioning programs that restore both function and confidence. 

After time spent travelling and expanding her life experience, Emily returns to physiotherapy with fresh energy, a deep commitment to ongoing learning, and a collaborative, team-focused approach.

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Mr Reece Nikitaras

Physiotherapist

Reece Nikitaras is deeply passionate about optimising human movement and enhancing quality of life through targeted rehabilitation and evidence-based therapeutic techniques. His journey into physiotherapy was driven by a genuine desire to help individuals overcome physical barriers and reach their full potential.

As an avid runner, Reece brings both personal insight and clinical expertise to the treatment of running-related injuries. He is particularly dedicated to helping runners recover from injury, prevent future setbacks, and elevate their performance. Reece has developed a comprehensive running assessment protocol designed to identify biomechanical inefficiencies and areas of weakness, allowing for tailored interventions that support long-term improvement and injury prevention.

Reece also holds a strong clinical interest in knee rehabilitation, with an in-depth understanding of knee biomechanics and the complex nature of knee injuries. He implements highly specialised, results-driven treatment plans to restore function and accelerate recovery in clients dealing with knee concerns.

Always eager to stay at the forefront of his field, Reece consistently seeks out new knowledge and incorporates the latest advancements in physiotherapy research into his practice. His commitment to continuous learning ensures he delivers the highest standard of care to every patient.

Outside of the clinic, Reece enjoys travelling, spending time at the beach, and playing a round of golf.