03/27/2026
Running injuries aren’t always just about weak glutes, tight hip flexors, or poor form...
The study in this post (published in 2024) suggests that running-related injury risk may also be influenced by how we think, train, recover, and respond to pressure - not just "over-pronation" and a history of previous injuries (although those things do contribute some). Yet, authors find self-criticism, pushing through pain, fear of backing off, and tying self-worth to training may all shape how injury risk shows up for runners.
As physical therapists, this matters because treating runners well means looking at the whole picture—not just the body part that hurts. Strength and biomechanics are absolutely important, but so do training habits, recovery, mindset, and load management.
Due to the level 3 evidence of this study, any suggestions made should be taken with a grain of salt as not all findings from studies are 100% generalizable to everyone. Use it as a way to reflect on your current or previous running injuries to see if it resonates with you at all. It may help in understanding why injuries (especially recurring or chronic) continue to pop up.
And make sure to save and share this with a runner (or anyone) who needs to hear it.
What do you think plays the biggest role in running injuries?