Running Injury Clinics in Canada

Usually not. Most sports physiotherapists prefer a modified training approach — reducing volume, intensity, or surface — rather than complete rest. Complete rest often delays recovery and deconditions the body. Your physio will prescribe a return-to-run progression based on your injury and fitness level.

Plantar fasciitis and IT band syndrome are the most common reasons runners seek physiotherapy in Canada. Shin splints (medial tibial stress syndrome) are the third most common. All three respond well to physiotherapy when treated early.

Start with a physiotherapist for most running injuries — they can assess, diagnose, and treat most overuse injuries directly without a referral. See a sports medicine doctor if you suspect a stress fracture (requires imaging), need a cortisone injection, or have recurring injuries that physio alone hasn't resolved.

Mild overuse injuries like early-stage shin splints: 2–4 weeks. Moderate injuries like IT band syndrome or plantar fasciitis: 6–12 weeks of consistent treatment. Stress fractures: 6–12 weeks of modified activity plus 4–6 weeks return-to-run. Starting treatment early significantly reduces recovery time.