OTTAWA – Whether you are sprinting down the wing, chasing a through ball, or pushing yourself on long runs to stay in peak shape, running is at the heart of soccer. Yet, even the fittest athletes often run into challenges such as nagging hip pain, sore knees, or foot discomfort that just will not go away. That is where a professional Running Evaluation can make all the difference.
At Ottawa Physiotherapy and Sport Clinics, our Running Evaluation program is designed to help athletes of all levels, from weekend joggers to competitive soccer players, move more efficiently, remain injury-free, and perform at their best.
What Is a Running Evaluation?
A Running Evaluation at OPTSC is not just about watching you run. It is a comprehensive, two-session assessment that takes a close look at how your body moves and identifies what may be holding you back.
Session One: Clinical Evaluation
- History and interview: We review your injury background, medical history, current running or training routine, and performance goals.
- Physical assessment: Our physiotherapists measure your flexibility, alignment, muscle balance, and posture, which are key factors that affect your running mechanics.
Session Two: On-Track Running Assessment
- Biomechanical and technical analysis: We study your stride, joint movement, balance, and running technique on track.
- Personalised plan: You will receive tailored recommendations, including training modifications, strengthening and flexibility exercises, footwear advice, and running drills.
Why Soccer Players Benefit from Running Evaluations
For soccer players, proper running form is not just about speed. It is about efficiency and injury prevention. Running evaluations can help you:
- Prevent recurring injuries. Learn why hip, knee, or ankle pain keeps coming back and what to do about it.
- Improve stride mechanics. Small adjustments can make you faster, more balanced, and less prone to fatigue late in matches.
- Optimise footwear and orthotics. Discover whether your shoes or inserts are helping or hurting your performance.
- Train smarter. With customised exercises and drills, you will strengthen key muscles and reduce your risk of overuse injuries.
- Extend endurance. Running comfortably and efficiently means you can cover more ground without discomfort.
The Bigger Picture: Injury Prevention and Performance
Soccer demands repeated sprints, sudden changes of direction, and long stretches of running. Over time, even minor imbalances can lead to bigger problems if left unaddressed. A Running Evaluation helps identify these issues early and provides clear solutions before they affect your game.
Think of it as fine-tuning your body’s engine. Just as you would not drive a high-performance car with poor alignment, you should not expect peak performance if your running mechanics are off.
Covered by Insurance
Most insurance carriers reimburse Running Evaluations performed by a physiotherapist. That makes it an accessible and proactive investment in both your health and performance.
Take the Next Step
Whether your goal is to remain pain-free during weekend runs, prepare for marathon training, or simply perform your best on the soccer pitch, a Running Evaluation can give you the insights and tools you need.
At Ottawa Physiotherapy and Sport Clinics, we are here to help every athlete, including soccer players, run smarter, safer, and stronger.
