✓ Written & medically reviewed by Dr. Molly McDonald, PT, DPT, LMT · Updated January 14, 2024
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Embarking on the journey of training for a marathon is a challenging and time-consuming endeavor, but it's also an incredibly rewarding and exhilarating experience. There's a unique sense of empowerment that comes from realizing you can conquer 26.2 miles on foot, whether you're running the entire way or mixing in some walk breaks – absolutely no shame in that!
The only thing that can ruin that feeling is a muscle or joint pain that lingers long after the race has ended.
No one goes into training for a marathon assuming the training process will be pain free. Most people become very familiar with their own combination of bio freeze, ice, massages or foam rolling during their training cycle to combat muscle soreness.
But for many of my clients, there comes a point in their training when discomfort takes a more stubborn form. In fact, the discomfort eventually progresses to the point of disrupting their training and refuses to budge within the typical 1-2 day recovery window. They may have to take more days off from running or they slow down their pace. Some clients switch from outdoor runs to treadmill sessions, all in the relentless pursuit of their marathon dream. They will just push through the pain until marathon day assuming the pain will magically vanish after the race.
But what if it doesn’t?
How long should you wait before seeking professional help?
And which specialist should you go to?
If these sound like questions you are having, this message is perfect for you. I’m Dr. Molly with Your Goals Physical Therapy and I help runners end their aches and pain to get them back to running at the level they want.
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If at any time during your training the pain persists beyond 1 - 2 weeks, then it is time to consult a running specialist.
Ordinary post workout muscle soreness will resolve within a couple of days, so anything lasting longer than 1-2 weeks will not go away on its own.
An experienced Physical Therapist who specializes in running can identify the root cause of your muscle and joint problems. They’ll create a personalized program to get YOU back to your desired running performance.
If you’ve just run a marathon and you are trying to find out why your pain hasn’t resolved, we have 2 ways to start your journey back to running:
This is a 30 minute movement assessment. This gives you an initial, high-level overview of the underlying factors contributing to your discomfort. It’s a preliminary screening so it’s less specific than an evaluation and there is no treatment. Instead, think of it as a guided exploration. During this session, I will observe your movements, assess your running mechanics, and gather general information about your condition. This process reveals any apparent red flags and lets us determine if further investigation is necessary. The Running Screening is an excellent starting point to understand your situation & next steps before committing yourself to a full evaluation.
This is a 1-hour comprehensive assessment that dives deep into identifying the root cause of your pain and discomfort. With this thorough examination, We will pinpoint the precise root causes of your aches and pains. Then we will create a personalized treatment plan to address your pain and get you back to running at the level you want.
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We help active adults end their aches and pain, so they can reclaim their favorite recreational activities and live life to the fullest.
Ready to move without pain — without meds, injections, or surgery?
Talk with Dr. Molly and get a clear next step for your specific goal.
Request Cost & AvailabilityRequest a Free Discovery VisitReal results from active adults in Cypress, TX
“Dr. Molly has done an outstanding job restoring my leg/hip strength levels to pre-2020 levels in less than a year. I am a competitive powerlifter and am back to deadlifting over 400 lbs.”
“I’m a 39-year-old runner who reached out to Dr. Molly with a nagging knee issue. She gave me several exercises to help alleviate my pain — and once I followed her plan, things turned around.”
About the author
Owner & Physical Therapist, Your Goals Physical Therapy — Cypress, TX
Molly helps active adults end nagging aches and pain and get back to the activities they love — without medication, injections, or surgery. She treats the root cause, not just the symptom, because you shouldn’t be told you can’t do something; you should be shown how.
