25/05/2026
RETURNING TO RUNNING AFTER INJURY 🏃♀️🔄
Getting back to running isn’t just about being pain-free — it’s about making sure your body is ready to handle the load again.
In clinic, we use a range of strength and control tests to guide a safe return to running 👇
Single Leg Calf Raises 🦶
A common benchmark is ~25 good-quality reps on one leg. This helps ensure your calf and Achilles can tolerate running loads.
Single Leg Strength (LSI) ⚖️
We often look for ~90% Limb Symmetry Index (LSI) — meaning your injured side is close to your uninjured side in strength and function.
Hop Testing 🦘
Single leg hops (for distance, control, and repetition) help assess how well your body handles impact and load.
Control & Stability 🧠
Looking at movement quality through exercises like single leg squats or step-downs — especially through the hip, knee, and ankle.
These tests help answer an important question:
👉 Can your body tolerate the demands of running again?
Returning too early can increase the risk of re-injury, while the right progression builds confidence and resilience 📈
Every injury and runner is different — so your return-to-run plan should be too.
Come in and see one of the team for an individualised plan to get back on track!
https://bookingsnz.gensolve.com/physio_mechanics