<![CDATA[Physioimpulse - Blog]]>Mon, 16 Mar 2026 21:34:35 +0000Weebly<![CDATA[How to Run the Bath Half Marathon Injury Free]]>Mon, 16 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://www.physioimpulse.co.uk/blog/how-to-run-the-bath-half-injury-free9418899At this time of year we have a deluge of running enthusiasts limping in to our Physioimpulse clinic rooms pleading to be healed in time for the Bath Half or the next big Marathon. We understand the pressures involved in completing the run for that special charity close to your heart or to knock spots off last year’s PB, so we have produced this guide to help you stay injury free!

5 Common running Injuries

1 Runner's Knee/Anterior Knee Pain
Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS), or "runner's knee," is the irritation of tissue on the underside of the patella (knee cap). PFPS typically flares up during or after long runs, after extended periods of sitting, or while descending hills and stairs.
Anyone with biomechanical factors that put extra load on the knee such as quads shortening or gluts (gluteal or buttock muscles) weakness is vulnerable to PFPS. Changes in training surfaces/frequency/intensity or running style can also put you at risk.

2 “Shin splints”
Because we like fancy words at Physioimpulse, we call this condition Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (MTSS). Basically it is when too much stress/load is placed through the inside of the shin muscles, tendons or bone resulting in a nasty shin pain with each step. Footwear and “overpronation” is often blamed for this condition but we find that training history, running form and muscle control are more likely culprits.

3 Achilles Tendinopathy /pain
The Achilles tendon connects the two major calf muscles to the back of the heel. Under too much stress, the tendon properties alter which may result in debilitating pain in the heel or just above. Runners who dramatically increase training, particularly hills and speed work or have tight weak calves are susceptible.

4. Plantar Fasciitis

A sharp, painful sensation at the base of the heel, often described as like having a stone in your shoe. At its worse when you first step out of bed this pesky injury can halt your training plan in its tracks. Overtraining and improper or worn-out footwear can cause pain in your heel, but the root of the problem lies in tight and weakened muscles in the foot. If your feet are weak, the heel takes on an excessive load and can’t handle your gruelling training regime.

5. “ITB Syndrome”

Symptoms of ITB (Iliotibial band) syndrome consist of pain on the outside of the knee, more specifically at or around the lateral epicondyle of the femur (the bony bit on the outside of the knee). It comes on at a certain time into a run and gradually gets worse until often you have to stop. After a period of rest the pain may go only to return when running starts again. The pain is normally aggravated by running, particularly downhill. People usually go straight to foam rolling or massage for this injury but an additional glutes strengthening programme with gait retraining will often be far more successful.



Injury Treatment and Prevention

Injuries are always multi-factorial and their management multi-modal so we will break this down in to 5 parts

1. Training Programmes/Progression
2. Running Technique and footwear
3. Strength and Conditioning
4. Stretching
5. Physiotherapy

Training Programmes/Progression

We love treating your aches and pains to help you get back to pounding the pavements but prevention is always better than cure so a graded training programme is essential when partaking in a race or increasing fitness. There is an age old injury mantra in physiotherapy which continues to hold true – too MUCH, too SOON, too OFTEN will overload your normally robust body and may result in injury.

If you do:

Too MUCH - E.G. Running 10 miles when you have only covered 1 previously.
Too SOON - E.G. Enthusiasm leads you to running that 10 miles in week 1 of training.
Too OFTEN - E.G. You run that 10 miles 5 times in a week as the race is only a month away and you spent Xmas in front of the fire rather than training.
You will predispose yourself to the injuries we listed previously and more.

Thankfully the human body is a fantastic piece of kit and will allow us to perform amazing feats so long as we prepare it adequately. It’s all about appropriate loading of tissue at the right time. If you gradually add load (increase training) at a responsible rate the cells and tissues of your body will adapt to the load and strengthen for your next training session. This will reduce the chances of you needing our help!

Luckily a host of excellent training programmes with graded progression are available to help you complete your race and stay injury free. Here is a link to a couple of programmes written by running experts for the Bristol 10k/Half

http://www.runbristol.com/Blog/training-plans

Running Technique and Footwear

Running technique is a tricky one as without tuition you will already have developed your own unique running style. We generally say that if you are enjoying your running and it feels easy then you are doing something right. If however your running feels laboured and you are picking up the odd niggle or a lot of injuries then it is likely your running technique could be improved. When we undertake our running analysis the most common finding is that people tend to brake slightly when they land, meaning that despite a good landing foot position, the impact through the heel/foot is increased because the hip position is sub-optimal. So how do we go about changing this? Well it’s hard to know for sure whether this is definitely you but it wouldn’t hurt to undertake a few hopping drills and show your body what it feels like to land with your hip over your foot at initial contact. Why not try it now? Stand on one leg, lean forward until you are able to fall forward and save yourself by hopping forward. Try repeating this for 10 seconds each side just prior to going running or a couple of times on your rest days and see how you feel.

Footwear is also key as we often find a biomechanical component to these lower limb problems. The two main things you find in a running shoe is that it either does or doesn’t have an arch support (look at the underside of the shoe and see if there is an extra piece of plastic or a bar in the middle near the arch of your foot) which firstly adds extra support and secondly a motion control adaptation, which is useful if you do land/strike with your heel. Although it’s hard to know for sure without analysing an individual style if you take the time to run up and down the street outside the running shop then you’ll get an idea of comfort and all good running shops will encourage you to do this.

A motion control device (dual density heel, normally with a firmer inner part to reduce the amount and the rate at which you pronate or how quick and how much your foot rolls in wards and flattens) is helpful if you tend to strike with your heel but superfluous if you have a mid-foot landing position. Obviously it’s hard to tell but if you are buying a pair of running shoes with motion control and it does transpire you have a good landing position then it won’t necessarily lead to any problems, it’s just like having cruise control on your car and never using it. It may also help with longer runs when you start to fatigue and who knows it may make all the difference if and when you hit the wall!

Strength and Conditioning

In clinic we consistently find injured runners present with impaired strength, power, balance or muscular control. This correlates with a host of recent research which points to reduced strength as one of the major risk factors of injury. When training for an event it is easy to get caught up in the need to carry out x number of miles in x number of weeks without consideration of any other training needs, particularly strength and conditioning. As discussed previously we need to load tissues appropriately and including some strength work in your weekly plan is a great way to prepare those tissues and also add variety to your training.

Pictured below is Mo Farah working on strength and stability


Picture
If a finely tuned Olympic athlete needs to work on this it makes sense that we should also devote some time to strength and conditioning.

There are many way to work at strength and conditioning and we have some great exercises on our website HERE A good starting point is to work on squats, lunges, and single leg dip variations focussing on balance, form and control. Research has found an association between dynamic knee valgus (the knees coming together) and increased stress load through the joints and muscles of the leg. It is therefore important to work on “alignment” throughout your exercises as depicted below.

Stretching
There has been a lot of negative press recently, portraying certain stretching as harmful and strength inhibiting. These sensationalist headlines are generally based on a few cherry picked studies that cannot be applied to the population as a whole. In clinic we find stretching a useful tool to increase or restore range of movement as part of a multi-modal physiotherapy treatment programme. We use and recommend a combination of dynamic and static stretches depending on the goal of the individual patient. Runners tend to develop restrictions in particular movement patterns due to the repetitive nature of the sport and stretches are a useful way to retain range of movement whilst working at strength and control.

Yoga enthusiasts will be familiar with the sun salutation sequence pictured below. Usually we would recommend multi-planar stretching (stretching in all different directions) but the sequence below is often a priceless addition to a runners training programme. Give it a try!

Physiotherapy Treatment

Physiotherapy intervention can take many approaches ranging from hands on manual therapy and the provision of therapeutic home exercises to the use of acupuncture and electrotherapy and taping. However by far the approach we find most useful with running related injuries is the former. The main aims of treatment are to enable you to run pain free or more efficiently by treating the direct cause of your symptoms and to then teach you exercises to help maintain those beneficial effects. However it’s also just as important to treat the underlying causes of injury which are often associated with a variety of factors such as muscle imbalances around your hip and certain postural types. Whereas self-help is key, most people find it more effective to build on improvements made with ‘hands on’ physiotherapy which creates a ‘window of opportunity’ to both counter symptoms and their contributing factors.

Please do not hesitate in getting in contact if you have any questions and if you are running Bristol to Bath or any other upcoming event, good luck! Physioimpulse.
]]><![CDATA[Stay Injury-Free and Perform Your Best on Court: Tennis Physio Now Available in Bath]]>Mon, 27 Oct 2025 10:59:30 GMThttps://www.physioimpulse.co.uk/blog/stay-injury-free-and-perform-your-best-on-court-tennis-physio-now-available-in-bathPicture
Whether you’re a regular at Team Bath, play league matches at Lansdown, or just enjoy a social hit at your local courts, you’ll know that tennis can be tough on the body. From shoulder strains and elbow pain to tight calves and aching backs, even the most committed players can find themselves sidelined by injury.

At Physioimpulse Bath, we understand that tennis players need more than just a quick fix — you need treatment that keeps you on court, performing at your best, and prevents those recurring niggles from coming back. That’s why we’re excited to introduce Aaron, our new physiotherapist and sports massage specialist, who brings first-hand insight into the physical demands of the game.
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A Physio Who Knows Tennis Inside Out
Aaron isn’t just a physiotherapist — he’s a competitive tennis player who continues to compete at both regional and national level. This on-court experience gives him a deep understanding of the biomechanics, movement patterns, and injury risks specific to tennis.
Whether it’s serving, sprinting, or sliding, Aaron knows what your body goes through — and how to get it performing at its peak again after injury.

Targeted Treatment for Common Tennis Injuries
Aaron specialises in musculoskeletal physiotherapy, helping players recover from and prevent conditions such as:
🎾 Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
🎾 Shoulder pain and rotator cuff injuries
🎾 Knee and hip overuse injuries
🎾 Ankle sprains and stability issues
🎾 Lower back and core weakness
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Through a combination of hands-on physiotherapy, tailored exercise programmes, and sports massage, Aaron helps you move efficiently, build strength, and protect against future injury — so you can spend more time on the court and less time in recovery.
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Improve Your Game and Reduce Injury Risk
​It’s not just about rehab. Aaron’s background in sports performance and biomechanics means he also works with players proactively — assessing movement, improving technique-related mechanics, and designing conditioning plans that enhance power, mobility, and endurance.
So whether you’re returning from an injury, looking to sharpen your serve, or preparing for the next tournament, a session with Aaron could be the key to unlocking your best game yet.

Book a Tennis Physio Session in Bath
Aaron is now taking appointments for Physiotherapy and Sports Massage at both our Miles’ Building and Phase Oneclinics in Bath.
👉 Book your appointment today to get expert, tennis-specific care that keeps you performing at your best — all year round.
]]><![CDATA[Why Ultrasound-Guided Injections Are Superior to Landmark-Guided Techniques]]>Tue, 29 Jul 2025 17:52:40 GMThttps://www.physioimpulse.co.uk/blog/why-ultrasound-guided-injections-are-superior-to-landmark-guided-techniquesWhen it comes to treating joint, tendon, and soft tissue pain, precision makes all the difference. At PhysioImpulse, we specialise in ultrasound-guided injections, offering a level of accuracy and confidence that traditional landmark-guided techniques simply can’t match.

✅ 1. Unmatched Accuracy
Landmark-guided injections rely on feeling surface anatomy and estimating the position of internal structures. While experienced clinicians can achieve reasonable accuracy, this method leaves room for error—especially in patients with variable anatomy or deeper structures.
With real-time ultrasound imaging, we can see exactly where the medication needs to go and guide the needle directly to the target--no guesswork involved.

✅ 2. Better Outcomes, Faster Relief
Ultrasound guidance improves the chances of a successful injection by ensuring medication reaches the intended area. This means:
  • Faster pain relief
  • Improved function
  • Longer-lasting results
By treating the source of pain precisely, we reduce inflammation more effectively and avoid wasting valuable treatment.

✅ 3. Safer for You
Injections near nerves, blood vessels, or tendons carry risk if placed incorrectly. With ultrasound, we can visualise surrounding structures and avoid them, making the procedure safer and more controlled—especially for complex cases or high-risk areas.

✅ 4. Real-Time Visual Confirmation
Patients often find it reassuring to see exactly what’s happening during their procedure. Ultrasound allows us to show you:
  • The target area
  • Needle placement
  • ​Successful delivery of medication
This adds transparency to your care and increases confidence in the treatment process.

✅ 5. Essential for Complex and Small Targets
Certain areas of the body are particularly difficult to treat using landmark methods—either because they’re deep, variable, or very small. One such example is the subacromial bursa in the shoulder.

🎥 Watch: Ultrasound-Guided Subacromial Bursa Injection
Here is a video showing an ultrasound-guided injection into the subacromial bursa—a small space that can be just a millimetre or so wide. In such cases, even a slight inaccuracy can mean missing the bursa entirely or irritating nearby structures.
Using ultrasound, we can guide the needle directly into this narrow target with confidence and precision. This level of accuracy is impossible with landmark-only techniques and demonstrates the clear advantage of image guidance in clinical practice.

💬 Ready for Targeted Pain Relief?If you're considering an injection for joint, tendon, or soft tissue pain, choose the option that offers:
  • Greater accuracy
  • Better outcomes
  • Fewer complications
Choose ultrasound-guided injections with PhysioImpulse.
📍 Available now in Bath.
📞 Call us 01225 683007 or Book Online
]]><![CDATA[The Role of Physiotherapy in Keeping You Moving – From Elite Sport to Everyday Running, a guide from a sports physio.]]>Sat, 28 Jun 2025 07:59:20 GMThttps://www.physioimpulse.co.uk/blog/the-role-of-physiotherapy-in-keeping-you-moving-from-elite-sport-to-everyday-running-a-guide-from-a-sports-physioOur top Sports Physio Darcey shares her perspective on the importance of physiotherapy in keeping you on the pitch.. She has worked within elite sport, most recently supporting players at Cardiff Dragons, a Netball Superleague franchise. With her experience at the top level and a passion for helping people stay active, her approach is all about prevention, preparation, and performance.
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Why injury prevention matters
In sport and physical activity, the threat of injury is always present. It doesn't matter whether you're playing in a national league or training for your first 5K — when the physical demands placed on your body exceed its current capacity, you're at risk of injury. That might mean a pulled hamstring during a sprint, an achy knee halfway through a long run, or a stiff back that flares up during a game of tennis.
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This is where physiotherapy can make all the difference.
Physiotherapists are trained to identify where your body might be under strain — before pain or injury fully sets in. When you understand how your body is moving, where imbalances lie, and how to address them, you dramatically reduce your risk of injuries that can take you out of the game for weeks or even months.
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Physiotherapy: More Than Just Injury Recovery
While many people seek out physio after an injury, our goal is to stop the issue before it even starts. Professional athletes regularly use physiotherapy to manage niggles — the small, often subtle signs that something isn’t quite right. Left untreated, these minor aches and pains can develop into more significant injuries that require time off and lengthy rehab.
Whether it’s through soft tissue work to reduce muscle tension, joint mobilisations to restore optimal range of motion, or targeted rehabilitation exercises to build strength and stability, physiotherapy helps keep your body working at its best.

Don’t Wait for an Injury to Act
A common misconception is that physiotherapy is only for those who are already injured. In fact, regular physio sessions can be one of the most effective tools for staying injury-free. Just like you wouldn’t wait until your car breaks down to take it for a service, your body deserves the same proactive care.

Here’s what physiotherapy can help you with:
  •    Injury prevention and performance support – especially if you’re training for a specific goal
  • Management of ongoing niggles – like tight calves, sore Achilles tendons, or lower back discomfort
  • Personalised rehab – tailored exercises to improve areas of weakness, instability, or poor mobility
  • Return-to-sport planning – after injury or a break from activity
  •   Guidance for everyday movement and posture – because how you move outside of sport matters too

Whether You're an Elite Athlete or Just Love to Run...
...physiotherapy can play a vital role in keeping you moving well and feeling your best. Darcey and our team are here to help you stay on the pitch, on the track, or on the trails — doing what you love, for longer.
If you’ve been feeling a niggle, or simply want to future-proof your body against injury, don’t wait until it sidelines you. Book in with our physiotherapy team today, and take the first step towards stronger, pain-free movement.


BATH PHYSIOTHERAPY 
​01225 683007

]]><![CDATA[Leg press for return to running post injury]]>Sun, 29 Dec 2024 19:30:00 GMThttps://www.physioimpulse.co.uk/blog/leg-press-for-return-to-running-post-injury
🏃‍♀️ Get Back to Running with the Leg Press Machine! 💪
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Rehab doesn’t need to be complicated, and sometimes the simplest tools can help you make the biggest strides! If you're a runner recovering from injury, the leg press machine is an excellent way to build strength, restore muscle function, and safely return to impact activities.

🔹 How the Leg Press Helps Runners: 

✅ Strengthens key leg muscles (quads, hamstrings, glutes)
✅ Gradually builds up strength for impact without the stress of running
✅ A low-impact alternative to higher-impact exercises
✅ Helps to restore confidence and function in the injured leg
✅ Prepares the body for the transition back to running and jumping

At PhysioImpulse, our experienced physio team can help you safely progress through your rehab. Whether you’re easing back into running or getting back to your usual intensity, we’ll create a personalized rehab plan that works for you – no complicated techniques needed! 🙌
Ready to get back to running strong and injury-free? Let’s work together to make it happen!

📞 Call us at 01225 683007
💻 Book online at www.physioimpulse.co.uk

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