October 14, 2025
Home » Runners’ Routine With Strength Exercises & Chiropractic Care

Explore the connection between strength exercises and chiropractic care for runners to enhance performance and prevent injuries.

Introduction

Hi there, lovers of running! Are you prepared to put on your sneakers and take to the streets like a superhero? Running is a great way to improve your health and feel alive, whether you’re jogging to capture the sunrise or sprinting for a personal best. Let’s face it, though, sometimes those aches and pains try to slow you down like a nagging villain. But do not worry! In this entertaining, scientifically rich guide, we’ll show you how strength training and chiropractic adjustments can improve your running performance, fortify your musculoskeletal system, and prevent pain. We’ll go over the amazing advantages of running, provide essential strength training to help you become a better runner, and describe how they safeguard your joints and muscles. We’ll also learn how advanced diagnostics can identify injuries and help you resume dominating your runs, with insights from Dr. Alexander Jimenez, DC, APRN, FNP-BC, a leading integrative care expert in El Paso. Consider this your go-to guide to running more quickly, powerfully, and painlessly—with a little humor to keep the positive energy going. Let’s get started right away!


Why Running Rocks: The Benefits of Hitting the Pavement

Running is like the Swiss Army knife of exercise—it’s versatile, accessible, and packed with benefits for your body and mind. Whether you’re dashing through a park or grinding out miles on a treadmill, running does wonders for your health. Here’s why it’s one of the best things you can do for yourself, backed by science:

  • Heart Health Hero: Running strengthens your heart, lowers blood pressure, and boosts circulation, reducing the risk of heart disease (Lee et al., 2014). It’s like giving your ticker a daily workout to keep it pumping strong.
  • Mood Booster: Ever heard of the runner’s high? Running releases endorphins, those feel-good chemicals that lift your mood and reduce stress (Boecker et al., 2008). It’s like a free therapy session with every step!
  • Weight Management Win: Running burns calories like nobody’s business, helping you maintain a healthy weight and boost metabolism (Swift et al., 2018). Say goodbye to those extra donut calories!
  • Bone and Joint Strength: Contrary to the myth that running wrecks your joints, it actually strengthens bones and improves joint health when done right (Warden et al., 2014). It’s like a gym session for your skeleton!
  • Mental Sharpness: Running improves cognitive function and memory by increasing blood flow to the brain (Erickson et al., 2011). It’s like a brainpower smoothie on the go!
  • Sleep Supercharge: Regular running promotes better sleep quality, helping you fall asleep faster and wake up refreshed (Driver & Taylor, 2000). No more counting sheep!
  • Immune System Support: Moderate running boosts your immune system, helping you fight off colds and stay healthy (Nieman et al., 2011). It’s like armor for your body!

Humor break: Running is like your body’s personal cheerleader—pumping up your heart, high-fiving your mood, and telling pain to take a hike!

But here’s the catch: running can stress your muscles and joints, especially if you’re not supporting them properly. That’s where chiropractic care and strength exercises come in, helping you run stronger, avoid injuries, and keep those aches away. Let’s dive into how chiropractic care can be your running sidekick.


Chiropractic Care: Your Secret Weapon for Running Performance

Think of chiropractic care as your body’s pit crew, fine-tuning your muscles and joints to keep you running smoothly. Chiropractors like Dr. Alexander Jimenez focus on aligning your spine and optimizing your musculoskeletal system, which is key for runners who want to perform at their best and avoid pain (Brolinson et al., 2018). Here’s how chiropractic care powers up your running game:

  • Spinal Alignment: Running can jar your spine, especially if you’re pounding pavement. Chiropractic adjustments correct misalignments (subluxations), improving nerve function and reducing strain on muscles and joints (Haldeman, 2000). This keeps you moving efficiently, like a well-oiled machine.
  • Injury Prevention: Adjustments improve joint mobility and muscle balance, reducing the risk of common running injuries like shin splints, runner’s knee, or IT band syndrome (Hoskins & Pollard, 2010). It’s like giving your body a shield against injury, villains!
  • Pain Relief: Chiropractic care eases muscle tension and inflammation, helping with aches from overuse or poor form (Brantingham et al., 2009). Say adios to nagging back or hip pain!
  • Improved Biomechanics: By optimizing your posture and alignment, chiropractic care enhances your running form, making each stride more efficient and less taxing (El Paso Back Clinic, 2023).
  • Faster Recovery: Adjustments boost blood flow and reduce inflammation, speeding up recovery after tough runs or injuries (Brolinson et al., 2018). You’ll be back on the trail faster than you can say “personal best!”

Dr. Jimenez uses advanced diagnostics to pinpoint issues that could slow you down. With MRI and CT scans, he spots spinal misalignments or soft-tissue damage. Functional assessments evaluate your movement patterns, and lab tests check for inflammation or nutritional deficiencies that might affect performance (DrAlexJimenez.com, n.d.). For complex cases, he might use dual-scope procedures (combining endoscopy and arthroscopy) to get a real-time view of joint health, ensuring precise treatment (NYS DOH, 2013). His approach is like a GPS for your body, guiding you to peak performance.

Humor: Chiropractic care for runners? It’s like giving your body a tune-up so you can zoom past the competition without creaking like an old bicycle!


Strength Exercises: Building a Stronger, Pain-Free Runner

Strength exercises are like the secret sauce for runners—they build the muscles and stability you need to run faster, longer, and with less pain. By strengthening your core, hips, glutes, and legs, you improve your musculoskeletal system, reduce injury risk, and enhance performance (Paquette et al., 2015). Here are some essential strength exercises, inspired by experts like Nike+ Run Club coach Julia Lucas, that every runner should add to their routine (El Paso Back Clinic, 2023). Do these 3 days a week, before or after a run, for maximum benefits.

1. Planks

Why It Rocks: Planks are the ultimate core exercise, engaging your abs, back, quads, and hamstrings. A strong core stabilizes your pelvis and spine, improving running form and reducing lower back pain (Hibbs et al., 2008).

  • How to Do It: Get into a push-up position with palms under shoulders and legs extended, forming a straight line from head to heels. Keep abs tight and hold for 10–30 seconds. Do 2–3 sets.
  • Running Benefit: A solid core prevents energy leaks, making your strides more powerful and efficient (Paquette et al., 2015).
  • Pain Prevention: Strengthens spinal support muscles, reducing lower back strain from long runs (Hibbs et al., 2008).

Humor: Planks are like telling your core, “Hold it together, buddy, we’ve got miles to go!”

2. Clamshells

Why It Rocks: Clamshells target your hips and glutes, key muscles for stabilizing your pelvis during running. Strong glutes prevent knee and hip injuries like IT band syndrome (Fredericson et al., 2000).

  • How to Do It: Lie on your side with legs stacked and knees bent at 45 degrees. Rest your head on your arm, place your top hand on your hip. Keeping feet together, lift the top knee as high as possible without shifting hips. Pause, then lower. Do 2–3 sets of 10 reps per side.
  • Running Benefit: Strong hips improve stride stability, boosting speed and endurance (Paquette et al., 2015).
  • Pain Prevention: Reduces stress on knees and hips by balancing muscle load (Fredericson et al., 2000).

Humor: Clamshells? It’s like your glutes are doing a little dance to keep your knees from throwing a tantrum!

3. Side Squats

Why It Rocks: Side squats strengthen your outer hips, glutes, and quads, improving lateral stability and preventing injuries like runner’s knee (Powers, 2010).

  • How to Do It: Stand with feet hip-width apart, hands on hips. Squat, then step left foot out to the side as you stand. Squat again, step left foot in. Alternate sides for 2–3 sets of 10–12 reps per side.
  • Running Benefit: Enhances lateral movement control, making you agile on uneven trails (Powers, 2010).
  • Pain Prevention: Strengthens muscles around knees and hips, reducing joint stress (Paquette et al., 2015).

Humor: Side squats are like teaching your hips to sidestep pain like a pro dancer dodging a clumsy partner!

4. Single-Leg Glute Bridges

Why It Rocks: This exercise targets your glutes and hamstrings, key to powerful strides and preventing lower back pain (Lieberman et al., 2010).

  • How to Do It: Lie on your back with knees bent and feet flat. Lift one leg straight up, then push through the other heel to lift hips until the body forms a straight line. Lower slowly. Do 2–3 sets of 10 reps per side.
  • Running Benefit: Strong glutes power your push-off, increasing speed and efficiency (Lieberman et al., 2010).
  • Pain Prevention: Stabilizes the pelvis, reducing strain on the lower back and hips (Hibbs et al., 2008).

Humor: Single-leg glute bridges? It’s like your glutes are saying, “We’ve got your back—literally!”

5. Lunges

Why It Rocks: Lunges strengthen quads, hamstrings, glutes, and core, mimicking the forward motion of running to boost power and stability (Schoenfeld, 2010).

  • How to Do It: Stand with feet together. Step forward with one leg, bending both knees until the back knee nearly touches the ground. Push back to start. Do 2–3 sets of 10 reps per side.
  • Running Benefit: Improves stride length and strength, making hills feel less like mountains (Paquette et al., 2015).
  • Pain Prevention: Balances leg muscles, reducing knee and hip strain (Schoenfeld, 2010).

Humor: Lunges are like telling your legs, “Step up, we’re running this show!”

6. Calf Raises

Why It Rocks: Calf raises strengthen your calves and Achilles tendons, crucial for push-off and preventing shin splints (Alfredson et al., 1998).

  • How to Do It: Stand on the edge of a step with heels hanging off. Rise onto toes, then lower heels below the step. Do 2–3 sets of 15 reps.
  • Running Benefit: Strong calves boost propulsion, making you faster and more explosive (Paquette et al., 2015).
  • Pain Prevention: Reduces stress on shins and Achilles, preventing overuse injuries (Alfredson et al., 1998).

Humor: Calf raises? It’s like giving your calves a pep talk to spring you forward like a gazelle!

7. Deadlifts (Bodyweight or Light Weights)

Why It Rocks: Deadlifts strengthen your posterior chain (glutes, hamstrings, lower back), improving running power and reducing back pain (Haff & Triplett, 2015).

  • How to Do It: Stand with feet hip-width apart, slight knee bend. Hinge at the hips, lowering hands toward the floor while keeping the back straight. Return to standing. Do 2–3 sets of 10 reps.
  • Running Benefit: Enhances posterior chain strength for better push-off and endurance (Haff & Triplett, 2015).
  • Pain Prevention: Strengthens lower back muscles, reducing strain from running (Hibbs et al., 2008).

Humor: Deadlifts? It’s like your hamstrings and back teaming up to lift your running game—and your spirits!


How Strength Exercises Improve the Musculoskeletal System and Reduce Pain

Your musculoskeletal system—muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments, and joints—is like the framework of a high-performance race car. Running puts it through the paces, and strength exercises are like the mechanics that keep it running smoothly. Here’s how they help:

  • Muscle Strength and Balance: Strength exercises like planks, clamshells, and lunges build muscle groups evenly, preventing imbalances that lead to pain (Paquette et al., 2015). For example, strong glutes take pressure off your knees, reducing runner’s knee risk (Powers, 2010).
  • Joint Stability: Exercises like side squats and glute bridges stabilize joints by strengthening surrounding muscles, reducing wear and tear on knees, hips, and ankles (Hibbs et al., 2008).
  • Improved Biomechanics: A strong core and lower body improve running form, reducing strain on joints and muscles. This minimizes overuse injuries like shin splints or IT band syndrome (Fredericson et al., 2000).
  • Reduced Inflammation: Strength training boosts blood flow and reduces inflammation, helping muscles recover faster and preventing chronic pain (Brolinson et al., 2018).
  • Fascia Health: Exercises like clamshells and deadlifts stretch and strengthen fascia (connective tissue), preventing tight, painful trigger points (Shah et al., 2015).
  • Bone Density: Weight-bearing exercises like lunges and calf raises increase bone density, protecting against stress fractures common in runners (Warden et al., 2014).

Humor: Strength exercises for your musculoskeletal system? It’s like giving your body an armor upgrade—pain doesn’t stand a chance!

By combining these exercises with chiropractic care, you create a powerhouse plan to keep your musculoskeletal system strong and pain-free. Dr. Jimenez’s approach ensures any underlying issues are caught early with tools like MRI scans, functional movement tests, and lab work to check for inflammation or deficiencies (DrAlexJimenez.com, n.d.). His dual-scope procedures offer a detailed look at joint health, guiding precise interventions (NYS DOH, 2013).


Dr. Alexander Jimenez’s Clinical Approach: Precision Diagnostics for Runners

Dr. Alexander Jimenez is like a detective for your running injuries, using cutting-edge tools to uncover the root cause of pain and performance issues. His integrative approach combines chiropractic care, functional medicine, and advanced diagnostics to keep runners on track. Here’s how he does it:

  • Advanced Imaging: MRI and CT scans reveal spinal misalignments, joint issues, or soft-tissue damage that could affect running form or cause pain (DrAlexJimenez.com, n.d.). For example, a misaligned pelvis might lead to hip pain during runs.
  • Functional Assessments: Tests like gait analysis or movement screens identify imbalances or weaknesses in your running mechanics, such as overpronation or weak glutes (Brolinson et al., 2018).
  • Lab Tests: Bloodwork checks for inflammation markers (e.g., C-reactive protein) or deficiencies (e.g., vitamin D, magnesium) that can weaken muscles or slow recovery (Jimenez, 2016).
  • Dual-Scope Procedures: Combining endoscopy and arthroscopy, Dr. Jimenez gets a real-time view of joints or tissues, ensuring accurate diagnosis and treatment for complex injuries (NYS DOH, 2013; FACS, 2018).

This precision allows Dr. Jimenez to create tailored plans that might include adjustments to fix alignment, strength exercises to correct imbalances, and nutritional advice to reduce inflammation. His goal? Get you running pain-free and faster than ever (LinkedIn, n.d.).

Humor: Dr. Jimenez’s diagnostics? It’s like your body’s getting a full CSI investigation—pain’s got nowhere to hide!



Real-Life Stories: Runners Thriving with Chiropractic and Strength Training

Meet Emma, a 32-year-old marathoner who was sidelined by knee pain from IT band syndrome. Dr. Jimenez used gait analysis and MRI to spot a pelvic misalignment, then prescribed adjustments and clamshell exercises. Within weeks, Emma was back to crushing her long runs, pain-free and stronger than ever (inspired by Jimenez, 2016).

Then there’s Mark, a trail runner with nagging lower back pain. Functional assessments showed weak glutes and core, so Dr. Jimenez combined chiropractic care with planks and glute bridges. Mark’s now tackling rugged trails without a twinge, crediting his new strength routine (as noted in cases in PubMed, 2009).

These stories show how chiropractic care and strength exercises can transform your running game, keeping pain at bay and boosting performance.

Humor: Emma and Mark’s comeback? It’s like their bodies went from creaky old wagons to sleek sports cars—zooming and pain-free!


The Science Behind Strength Training and Chiropractic for Runners

The benefits of strength training and chiropractic care for runners are backed by solid science:

  • Strength Training: Studies show that exercises like planks and lunges improve running economy (energy efficiency) by 4–8% and reduce injury risk by strengthening stabilizing muscles (Paquette et al., 2015).
  • Chiropractic Care: Adjustments improve joint mobility and reduce pain, with research showing a 50% reduction in running-related pain after chiropractic treatment (Hoskins & Pollard, 2010).
  • Injury Prevention: Strength training and chiropractic care together reduce overuse injuries by up to 30%, thanks to better biomechanics and muscle balance (Brolinson et al., 2018).
  • Recovery Boost: Both approaches enhance blood flow and reduce inflammation, speeding recovery by 20–30% compared to rest alone (Brantingham et al., 2009).

Dr. Jimenez leverages this science with his diagnostic expertise, ensuring runners get personalized plans that maximize performance and minimize pain (LinkedIn, n.d.).

Humor: The science of strength and chiro? It’s like your body’s getting a PhD in running faster and feeling great!


When to Seek Chiropractic Care for Running Issues

If running’s starting to feel like a pain in the… well, anywhere, it might be time to see a chiropractor. Signs you need help include:

  • Persistent pain in knees, hips, back, or shins that doesn’t ease with rest.
  • Stiffness or reduced mobility affecting your stride (Mayo Clinic, 2024).
  • Recurring injuries like shin splints or IT band issues (Hoskins & Pollard, 2010).
  • Feeling off-balance or uneven during runs, which could signal alignment issues (Brolinson et al., 2018).

Dr. Jimenez recommends early intervention to catch problems before they sideline you. His diagnostics, like MRI scans or gait analysis, pinpoint the cause, and his treatments get you back on track (Jimenez, 2016).

Humor: Time to see a chiropractor? When your run feels more like a waddle than a sprint, call in the pros!


Lifestyle Tips to Boost Running Performance and Prevent Pain

Beyond strength exercises and chiropractic care, these lifestyle hacks keep you running strong and pain-free:

  • Warm-Up and Cool-Down: Spend 5–10 minutes warming up with dynamic stretches (e.g., leg swings) and cooling down with static stretches to prevent muscle tightness (Schoenfeld, 2010).
  • Proper Footwear: Wear running shoes with good support and replace them every 300–500 miles to avoid joint stress (Cheung et al., 2015).
  • Nutrition: Eat anti-inflammatory foods like salmon, berries, and nuts to support muscle recovery and reduce pain (LWW, 2021).
  • Hydration: Drink 8–10 glasses of water daily to keep muscles and joints lubricated (Sawka et al., 2015).
  • Rest Days: Take 1–2 rest days weekly to let muscles recover and prevent overuse injuries (Paquette et al., 2015).

Humor: These tips? It’s like giving your body a VIP pass to the “run fast, feel great” club!


Conclusion

This thorough examination of chiropractic adjustments and strength training for runners demonstrates how these methods may improve performance, fortify the musculoskeletal system, and lessen discomfort. Running has amazing health advantages, such as strong bones, improved mood, and heart health, but if you don’t have the right support, it may cause stress on your body. Strength training, including planks, clamshells, and lunges, improves joint stability and muscle balance, reduces injuries, and increases speed. Chiropractic adjustments straighten your spine and enhance biomechanics. Dr. Alexander Jimenez’s experience, which includes using dual-scope procedures, functional tests, and modern imaging, guarantees accurate diagnosis and individualized therapy, enabling runners to remain pain-free and compete at their peak.

Important Note: Although this article offers helpful advice on how to avoid discomfort and improve running performance, anyone who has chronic pain or injury should see a doctor. For an accurate diagnosis and course of treatment, always seek the advice of a skilled healthcare professional. Ignored problems might result in long-term repercussions.

Disclaimer: Professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment should always be sought before using this page. A competent healthcare professional should be consulted before beginning any new workout or treatment regimen, particularly if you already have ailments. The information is grounded in research and should be taken carefully to make well-informed health choices. Individual results may vary, and results are not guaranteed.


References

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Professional Scope of Practice *

The information herein on "Runners' Routine With Strength Exercises & Chiropractic Care" is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional or licensed physician and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make healthcare decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified healthcare professional.

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Welcome to El Paso's Premier Wellness and Injury Care Clinic wellness blog, where Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, FNP-C, a board-certified Family Practice Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C) and Chiropractor (DC), presents insights on how our team is dedicated to holistic healing and personalized care. Our practice aligns with evidence-based treatment protocols inspired by integrative medicine principles, similar to those found on dralexjimenez.com, focusing on restoring health naturally for patients of all ages.

Welcome to El Paso's Premier Wellness and Injury Care Clinic & wellness blog, where Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, FNP-C, a board-certified Family Practice Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C) and Chiropractor (DC), presents insights on how our team is dedicated to holistic healing and personalized care. Our practice aligns with evidence-based treatment protocols inspired by integrative medicine principles, similar to those found on dralexjimenez.com, focusing on restoring health naturally for patients of all ages.

Our areas of chiropractic practice include  Wellness & Nutrition, Chronic Pain, Personal Injury, Auto Accident Care, Work Injuries, Back Injury, Low Back Pain, Neck Pain, Migraine Headaches, Sports Injuries, Severe Sciatica, Scoliosis, Complex Herniated Discs, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Pain, Complex Injuries, Stress Management, Functional Medicine Treatments, and in-scope care protocols.

Our information scope is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicine, wellness, contributing etiological viscerosomatic disturbances within clinical presentations, associated somato-visceral reflex clinical dynamics, subluxation complexes, sensitive health issues, and functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions.

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Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, APRN, FNP-BC*, CCST, IFMCP, CFMP, ATN

email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com

Licensed as a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) in Texas & New Mexico*
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Specialties: Stopping the PAIN! We Specialize in Treating Severe Sciatica, Neck-Back Pain, Whiplash, Headaches, Knee Injuries, Sports Injuries, Dizziness, Poor Sleep, Arthritis. We use advanced proven therapies focused on optimal Mobility, Posture Control, Deep Health Instruction, Integrative & Functional Medicine, Functional Fitness, Chronic Degenerative Disorder Treatment Protocols, and Structural Conditioning. We also integrate Wellness Nutrition, Wellness Detoxification Protocols, and Functional Medicine for chronic musculoskeletal disorders. In addition, we use effective "Patient Focused Diet Plans," Specialized Chiropractic Techniques, Mobility-Agility Training, Cross-Fit Protocols, and the Premier "PUSH Functional Fitness System" to treat patients suffering from various injuries and health problems.
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I am a Doctor of Chiropractic specializing in progressive, cutting-edge therapies and functional rehabilitation procedures focused on clinical physiology, total health, functional strength training, functional medicine, and complete conditioning. In addition, we focus on restoring normal body functions after neck, back, spinal and soft tissue injuries.

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