Pre-Race Prep

Marathon training is more than just logging miles—it’s about ensuring your body is in peak condition. Incorporating specific recovery and performance-enhancing strategies before race day can help reduce the risk of injury and improve overall efficiency.

• Activator Chiropractic Adjustments: Targeted Support for Joints

Running places significant stress on weight-bearing joints, especially the knees, ankles, and hips. Studies show that up to 79% of runners experience a running-related injury each year, with knee injuries being the most common.¹ Activator chiropractic adjustments use a precise, low-force instrument to realign these joints, promoting mobility, reducing strain, and improving biomechanics. By ensuring optimal alignment before a race, runners experience more efficient movement patterns and decreased discomfort during training.

• PEMF Therapy: Enhancing Cellular Recovery and Circulation

Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) therapy is another effective tool for marathon preparation. This therapy works at the cellular level to promote circulation, reduce inflammation, and enhance tissue repair. Improved blood flow helps muscles recover more quickly after training runs, while reduced inflammation minimizes soreness and stiffness leading up to race day.

Post-Marathon Recovery

After months of training and the intense demands of race day, proper recovery is essential for reducing soreness, preventing injury, and promoting long-term joint and muscle health.

• Chiropractic Adjustments: Realigning the Body After the Race

Long-distance running can cause misalignments in the spine and joints due to repetitive impact. Research suggests that spinal misalignments can contribute to lower extremity injuries in runners, affecting nearly 65% of marathon participants.² Chiropractic adjustments help restore balance to the musculoskeletal system, improving mobility and reducing tension. Addressing these misalignments early can also help prevent chronic pain or overuse injuries.

• Massage Therapy: Reducing Muscle Soreness and Enhancing Circulation

Massage therapy is a powerful recovery tool for marathon runners. Studies have shown that post-exercise massage can reduce muscle soreness by 30% and improve blood flow to fatigued muscles by 15%.³ A post-race massage helps relieve tightness, decreases delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), and promotes relaxation, helping the body transition from race mode to recovery mode.

• Infrared Sauna: Heat Therapy for Muscle Relaxation and Detoxification

An infrared sauna session after a marathon can aid in muscle relaxation, reduce stiffness, and promote circulation. Research indicates that infrared heat therapy can improve muscle recovery time by up to 50% and help eliminate toxins built up during exercise.⁴ The deep heat from infrared therapy penetrates muscles and joints, supporting recovery at a cellular level.

Marathon success isn’t just about how well you train—it’s about how well you care for your body before and after the race. With nearly 80% of runners experiencing an injury at some point, incorporating activator chiropractic adjustments and PEMF therapy into your pre-race routine can help you perform at your best. Meanwhile, chiropractic care, massage therapy, and infrared sauna sessions can support a smooth and effective recovery. By taking a proactive approach, you’ll not only enhance your performance but also ensure long-term joint and muscle health for future races.

Sources:

1. van Gent et al., 2007. "Incidence and determinants of lower extremity running injuries in long-distance runners."

2. Noakes, T. (2003). "The Lore of Running."

3. Weerapong et al., (2005). "The Mechanisms of Massage and Effects on Performance, Muscle Recovery and Injury Prevention."

4. Leung et al., (2018). "Infrared Therapy for Post-Exercise Recovery."