SERVICES / PHYSICAL THERAPY FOR RUNNERS

Physical Therapy for Runners

Los Angeles rehab and gait work to get you back on the road.

Runner's knee, an Achilles flare-up, a nagging hip that won't quit — most running injuries aren't about the spot that hurts. They're about how load moves through your stride and how much your body can absorb. That's what we fix.

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Why runners keep getting the same injury

Most running injuries are load-management problems wearing a diagnosis. Too much, too soon; a stride that dumps force into one joint; a body that hasn't built the capacity for the mileage you're asking of it. Treat only the painful tissue and the problem comes back the next time you ramp up.

The work here connects the injury to the actual cause — training load, strength, and mechanics — so the fix holds past the next build week.

Common running injuries treated

Runner's knee (patellofemoral pain) and IT band syndrome. Achilles tendinopathy and calf issues. Plantar fasciitis and foot pain. Shin splints and bone-stress concerns. Hip and glute pain, hamstring strains, and the recurring “tightness” that never fully resolves.

Gait analysis and the full-body view

Running is a full-body event. A thorough assessment looks at your gait, your hip and ankle mechanics, and how load travels from foot strike up the chain — paired with an orthopedic exam and a look at your training history. We're after the driver, not just the symptom.

Getting back to running — without starting over

Hands-on care settles symptoms quickly. From there it's progressive loading — foot, calf, hip, and the specific tissue that's limiting you — plus a structured return-to-run plan so you rebuild mileage on a timeline that sticks. You'll know the milestones and roughly how long it takes, so you can plan your training and your races.

What makes this different

Dr. Alex Chau is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and board-certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) who works with runners as athletes, not patients. Every visit is a full 60 minutes, 1-on-1, with direct messaging access between sessions. Cash-based care means longer sessions and a plan built around your running — with a superbill for out-of-network reimbursement.

FREQUENTLY ASKED

Questions, answered.

Should I stop running completely while I recover?

Rarely. For most runners, complete rest isn't the answer — it just detrains you. Most plans keep you running in the volume and intensity you can tolerate while we address what's driving the injury and rebuild capacity.

Do you do running gait analysis?

Yes. Gait and movement analysis is part of the assessment — we look at how you run and how load travels through your body, not just the painful tissue, so the fix addresses the actual cause.

I have a race coming up — can you help me get to the start line?

Often, yes, depending on the injury and the timeline. The first visit gives you an honest read on what's realistic and a plan built around your race calendar.

Do I need a referral?

No — California direct access means you can start without one. The practice is cash-based, with a superbill for out-of-network reimbursement.

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