International Journal of Sport, Exercise and Health Research 2025; 9(1): 17-22 DOI:10.31254/sportmed.9104
Manual Therapy for Runner’s Injuries: A Review Study
Lucky Anggiat1 , Andrei Joseph Altavas2
1. Physiotherapy Program, Faculty of Vocational Study, Universitas Kristen Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
2. Institute for Physical Therapy Advancement, Florida, United States of America
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Received: 26th March, 2025 / Accepted: 4th June, 2025 / Published : 11th September, 2025
Background: Injuries are a common problem among runners. Physiotherapists work with runners to assess body biomechanics, muscle strength, and flexibility, and develop rehabilitation programs tailored to individual needs. Manual therapy, strengthening exercises, and neuromuscular techniques are some of the interventions often used to address dysfunction and improve impaired movement patterns. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to provide information on manual therapy techniques and the value they have on runner's injuries. Method: This study used the narrative review method to evaluate the application of manual therapy in the management of runners' injuries. The narrative review method was chosen because there are still very few research results on the topic of manual therapy in runners' injuries. Results: From all the studies that can be collected, it states that manual therapy can be applied to runner's injuries in acute to chronic conditions. The application of manual therapy interventions was various, ranging from joint and soft tissue mobilization, stretching, manipulation and muscle energy techniques. Manual therapy interventions including dry needling or instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) can help the rehabilitation process in runner injuries. Conclusions: Manual therapy can be utilized in the early phase of rehabilitation of runner's injuries, both in acute and sub-acute conditions. The application of manual therapy techniques is tailored to the specific needs of each runner's injury condition. The use of manual therapy is highly recommended and has a beneficial effect when combined with exercise therapy.
Runner, Injury, Manual Therapy, Sports, Rehabilitation, Physiotherapy.
