PHYSIOTHERAPEUTIC PERFORMANCE IN THE TREATMENT OF INJURIES IN AMATEUR RUNNERS

Abstract

The study aimed to analyze the relationship between street running and the occurrence of injuries, highlighting the role of physical therapy in the prevention and treatment of these conditions in amateur and professional runners. This is an integrative, descriptive, and exploratory literature review conducted between February and August 2025 in the Virtual Health Library (VHL). Studies in Portuguese, freely accessible, and published between 2000 and 2025 that directly addressed the topic were included. After applying the eligibility and exclusion criteria, 20 articles comprised the final sample. The results showed that the most common injuries in runners include tibial stress syndrome, Achilles tendinopathy, plantar fasciitis, and patellofemoral syndrome. These conditions are often associated with training errors, biomechanical factors, and lack of professional monitoring. The analysis also highlighted that physical therapy plays an essential role in primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention, providing everything from preventive guidance to rehabilitation and a safe return to sports. The conclusion is that, although street running is an accessible and beneficial practice, a lack of preparation can lead to significant injuries. Therefore, physical therapy is essential to ensure performance, safety, and quality of life for those who practice it.