Running Assessments

What is a Running Assessment?

With 70% of runners getting injured each year, this is a big problem for lots of people, stopping them from either getting started or finishing their training to allow them to compete.

Research has shown recurring themes with running styles, that can be easily identified, and simple changes made to modify their running technique alongside a combined rehabilitation program.

We assess your running technique, your training schedule and movement patterns with an aim to transform injury-prone joggers to injury-free runners. Whether you are looking to run your first 5km or are a seasoned marathon runner we will advise you on the best ways to maintain an efficient running career.

We start with a biomechanical assessment of your whole body, looking at both mobility of joints and tissues, muscle strength and function, alongside slow motion video analysis of your running style and technique to determine potential causes of injury.

If problem areas are identified at your assessment we will have opportunity to put together a personalised plan to address these areas via one or a combination of Physiotherapy, Strength and condition or running technique sessions, with the ultimate goal of minimising your injury risk and improving your running efficiency.

We understand most running injuries are a result of overloading muscles, tendons, joints or bones, so we can also help design a running plan that spreads out those loads, and keeps you running.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is this for?

Runners who are frequently injured and are fed up with simply treating the symptoms. We aim to discover and fix the underlying reasons behind injuries such as Runner’s Knee, ITB Syndrome, Plantar Fasciitis, Achilles Tendinopathy, Shin Splints, Back Pain, Calf and Hamstring Pains.

Runners who want to minimise their chances of getting injured as they train for their big event.

Does this help performance?

You will only achieve high performance through consistent training, and nothing affects performance like getting injured and having to rest up. If we can help you to reduce your chances of getting injured, then you can push on with your training plan and achieve your potential.

It is also likely that fixing any major strength or flexibility deficits will help you to achieve improved performance.

However, in terms of improving your performance by changing the way you run, the research is not clear. We know there is not one optimum way to run; if there were then all the elites would run in exactly the same way, and a quick look at the leading group in the London Marathon shows us clearly that is not the case. However, there are certain traits common to the most successful runners that we aim to help you integrate into your running.

What’s the first step?

We start with a biomechanical assessment of your whole body, looking at both mobilities of joints and tissues, muscle strength and function, alongside slow motion video analysis of your running style and technique to determine potential causes of injury.

If Problem areas are identified at your assessment you will have the opportunity to put together a personalised plan to address these areas via one or a combination of Physiotherapy, Strength and condition or running technique sessions, with the ultimate goal of minimising your injury risk and improving your running efficiency.

We understand most running injuries are a result of overloading muscles, tendons, joints or bones, so we can also help design a running plan that spreads out those loads and keeps you running.

Our Clinic

Unit 1, Stourbridge Health & Social Care Centre, John Corbett Drive, Stourbridge DY8 4JB
(Free car parking to the front & off-street parking nearby)

Opening Hours:
Monday: 8.30am – 8.00pm
Tuesday: 8.00am – 8.00pm
Wednesday: 8.00am – 8.00pm
Thursday: 8.30am – 8.00pm
Friday: 8.30am – 4.30pm
Saturday: 9.30am – 10.30am (Pilates class only)
Sunday: Closed

Client Stories

Excellent experience. Sophie provided a thorough physio pain management and improvement program for my lower back pain. Both Sophie and the team were professional and were exceptionally helpful regarding flexibility of appointments due to work commitments. Highly recommend.

Lewis Hayward

I chose Mac physio due to recommendation and they were spot on. Sophia was able to identify my strained knee tendon and recommend treatment and exercises to get me back up and running. She provided exercises via the Physio tec app which showed the correct technique. I would recommend them!

Steven Pearson

Over the course of a year with a complex injury I’ve always had the the best advice and amazing support from MAC physio to assist my recovery. Brilliant service from making appointments to the online easy access exercise programme. 5 Stars!!

Louise Reather

I have been seeing Martin since October 21 with a frozen shoulder in lots of pain and with limited movement. He has been amazing and with lots of care, personalised exercise routines, hands on massage and manipulation, I have got most of my movement back and have minimal pain in my shoulder. He is very experienced, patient, and professional and I can't recommend Martin services enough and you will be in very safe, skilled hands. Thanks again Martin!

Kalpna Patel

Amazing service, I had been to so many people who couldn’t sort out my issue. The knowledge and experience the physiotherapists have is outstanding and you really can’t put a price on being able to resume to your normal life without pain. Recommend for anyone who is going through joint/ muscle pain or stiffness.

Yusuf Khan

Following a wrist fracture, Martin and his team examined me thoroughly and provided an in-depth, personalised workout regimen that aided my recovery. During the sessions Martin took the time to massage and manipulate the effected joint and made sure I was making progress. I believe his expertise shortened my recovery time dramatically and mean I’m now back to 100 percent function.

Jon Serdne

I had always been to a physio who was good, and I was a fan of physio as I played sport all my life and suffered for it!! I now have arthritis in areas (I am 61) but when I went to Annie my views went up into a different league. Her diagnosis was spot on there is a lot you can do with muscles and soft tissue to reduce the effects of arthritis. She found ways of curing pain that I can continue at home. I have never been so aware and understand my body.

Carolynne Clarke

Excellent Physiotherapists!
Our teenage daughter has been using Mac Physio & Pilates due to a lower back pain which had been causing her constant pain every day, for at least 2 years. The professionalism and knowledge of the pain issue, coupled with such empathy shown towards our daughter certainly went above and beyond any previous expectations we had. 

Jude & Guy Baggott

Had a Sports Massage with Jodie last week. I won’t lie, it hurt, but that’s the whole point of them in my opinion. The relief afterwards was intensely gratifying, and the visible results of tension relief was unbelievable. I thought it was muscle, but no, it was tension. The aches and pains have almost gone. Another session and hopefully I’ll be sorted. Don’t neglect your bodies people, you only get one. 

Anna Lawrence

I have seen both Martin & Annie at Mac physio as well as attending Annie's Pilates classes. I can't recommend them enough! After seeing so many different specialists for issues from a childhood injury, they finally found solutions to ease my back/hip/knee problems. They have helped me to keep on top of my injuries with hands on physio and exercises. After on and off treatment for approx. 18 months I still regularly attend Pilates classes.

Samantha Pearson

Very professional set up, even during covid. They have been my go-to and keep fit with on-line classes. Annie manages to always have a slightly different routine in classes but very easy to follow. they are well structured and super support. I started with beginners and are mixed ability now. I have advanced cancer in the spine, neck and hip.

Lenneke Van der Houwen

After getting nowhere with an NHS physio I decided to go and see Martin after being recommended by a friend. Martin gave me different advice to the NHS physio but as I was paying, I decided to listen! I should have done so months ago and my hamstring problem may have been resolved. I also did a 6-week Pilates course with Annie which was excellent and really helped me too. 

Sally Grainger

Went to Annie with a niggle in my back she soon sorted me out and gave me some exercises to maintain it. Not looked back. Now doing her Pilates on a Wednesday which is fab and really strengthening up my core. Thanks, your just GREAT!

Beverley Edwards

Went to Annie with a niggle in my back she soon sorted me out and gave me some exercises to maintain it. Not looked back. Now doing her Pilates on a Wednesday which is fab and really strengthening up my core. Thanks, your just GREAT!

Beverley Edwards