--- title: Running Physical Therapy in Portland Maine description: "Steady State: Premier Running Physical Therapy in Portland, Maine. Expert care by runners for runners, blending rehab with coaching for lasting recovery." --- [![Steady State Health](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/hs-fs/hubfs/roadmap-landing-page/logo-long-cream.png?width=420&height=105&name=logo-long-cream.png)](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/) - [Services▾](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/services) [Running Physical Therapy](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/services/running-physical-therapy) [Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/services/pelvic-floor-physical-therapy) [Virtual Running Physical Therapy](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/virtual-running-physical-therapy) [Crossfit Rehab](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/services/crossfit) [Dry Needling](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/services/dry-needling) [Equipment Room](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/services/equipment-room) [Normatec Compression Therapy](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/services/normatec-compression-therapy) [Durable Runners Strength Class](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/services/durable-runners-strength-class) - [About▾](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/our-story) [Meet Our Team](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/meet-our-team) [Our Story](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/our-story) [What is Cash Based?](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/what-is-cash-based) [Community Events](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/community-events) [FAQs](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/faqs) - [Resources▾](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/the-active-maine-blog) [Blog](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/the-active-maine-blog) [Running Pace Calculator](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/running-pace-calculator) [Heat Adjusted Pace Calculator](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/heat-adjusted-pace-calculator) [Running Calculators & Tools](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/running-calculators-and-tools) [Youth Athlete Scholarship](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/youth-athlete-financial-scholarship) - [Contact](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/contact) - [We're Hiring](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/careers) - [Book Now](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/contact) Menu [**Book Now**](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/contact) [Contact](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/contact) [We're Hiring](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/careers) Services [Running Physical Therapy](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/services/running-physical-therapy) [Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/services/pelvic-floor-physical-therapy) [Virtual Running Physical Therapy](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/virtual-running-physical-therapy) [Crossfit Rehab](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/services/crossfit) [Dry Needling](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/services/dry-needling) [Equipment Room](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/services/equipment-room) [Normatec Compression Therapy](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/services/normatec-compression-therapy) [Durable Runners Strength Class](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/services/durable-runners-strength-class) About [Meet Our Team](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/meet-our-team) [Our Story](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/our-story) [What is Cash Based?](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/what-is-cash-based) [Community Events](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/community-events) [FAQs](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/faqs) Resources [Blog](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/the-active-maine-blog) [Running Pace Calculator](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/running-pace-calculator) [Heat Adjusted Pace Calculator](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/heat-adjusted-pace-calculator) [Running Calculators & Tools](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/running-calculators-and-tools) [Youth Athlete Scholarship](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/youth-athlete-financial-scholarship) Steady State Health · Portland, Maine # Running Physical Therapy in Portland, Maine: Rehab That Actually Works for Runners [Schedule Appointment](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/services/running-physical-therapy#book) ![A Steady State running physical therapist helping a runner with a running drill.](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/hs-fs/hubfs/CaitB%20Pics%20Aug%2025/CaitBourgaultPhoto-154.jpg?width=1200&name=CaitBourgaultPhoto-154.jpg "A Steady State running physical therapist helping a runner with a running drill.") ## Tired of Being Told to Stop Running? Most runners don’t need to fully rest to get better. But too often, traditional physical therapy clinics default to telling you to take time off - without understanding what actually caused the injury or how to help you recover without losing fitness. At Steady State Health, we take a different approach. Our team of running specialists helps runners across Maine recover stronger - not just symptom-free, but with the tools and training knowledge to run pain-free for the long haul. ![A Steady State physical therapist assessing a runner's knee on the Eastern Prom at sunset.](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/hs-fs/hubfs/CaitB%20Pics%20Aug%2025/ss-pt-assessing-runner-knee-sunset.jpg?width=900&height=600&name=ss-pt-assessing-runner-knee-sunset.jpg) ## What Makes Running Physical Therapy Different at Steady State? There’s a big difference between working with a PT who occasionally sees runners… and one who is a runner. All of our [Doctors of Physical Therapy](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/staff) are: - Lifelong runners themselves - Trained in evidence-based, load-focused rehab - Experienced in helping runners return to training without unnecessary rest Most running injuries are overuse injuries - caused by more load than your body can currently handle. Our job isn’t just to make the pain go away - it’s to build your body’s capacity so you can tolerate more running without breaking down. ## Common Running Injuries We Treat We help runners with everything from mild pain to long-standing, stubborn issues. Some of the most common injuries we treat include: - ### Overuse Injuries - [Achilles tendinopathy](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/the-active-maine-blog/understanding-achilles-tendinopathy-as-a-runner) - Patellofemoral pain - [IT band syndrome](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/the-active-maine-blog/your-it-band-should-be-tight) - [Shin splints](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/the-active-maine-blog/dont-let-shin-splints-derail-your-spring-running-tips-for-prevention-and-recovery) - [Plantar fasciitis](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/the-active-maine-blog/not-all-heel-pain-is-plantar-fasciitis) - Gluteal tendinopathy - [High hamstring pain](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/the-active-maine-blog/hamstring-pain-with-running-how-to-build-a-smarter-rehab-progression) - [Bone stress injuries](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/the-active-maine-blog/freaking-the-fem-out-importance-of-quick-diagnosis-of-femoral-stress-fractures) (e.g., stress reactions, stress fractures) - [Low back pain](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/the-active-maine-blog/chronic-low-back-pain-the-importance-of-movement-mindset) - ### Movement & Biomechanical Issues - Limited ankle mobility - Hip drop - Asymmetry between legs - Poor push-off mechanics - Overpronation - Running gait abnormalities - ### Pelvic Health, Pregnancy & [Postpartum](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/services/postpartum-return-to-run-program) Running Issues - Core or [pelvic floor](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/services/pelvic-floor-physical-therapy)-related running pain - Lower back pain with impact - [Leaking with running](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/the-active-maine-blog/what-is-the-pelvic-floor-and-why-does-it-matter) - [Core weakness](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/the-active-maine-blog/how-to-optimize-core-engagement-with-the-transverse-abdominis) Whether you’re a marathoner, trail runner, or just trying to stay active, we tailor everything to your goals. ## Our Approach to Running Rehab We don’t believe in cookie-cutter PT programs or endless rest. Here’s what sets us apart: - ### [Load-Based Rehab](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/the-active-maine-blog/are-you-really-strength-training-how-rpe-and-rir-can-transform-your-workouts) We use a progressive, strength-based approach to rehab. This means: - You stay active whenever possible (even during the healing process) - Exercises are carefully progressed to meet the impact forces of running - Your program is tailored to your injury, training volume, and future goals - ### Running-Specific Strength & Mobility You’ll build the strength and movement control needed for long-term durability: - Calf, hamstring, foot, quad, glute, adductor, and core strength - Ankle, hip, and spinal mobility to support efficient mechanics - ### [Gait & Movement Analysis](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/services/running-gait-analysis) We’ll assess how you move, identifying any stride inefficiencies or asymmetries. Then we work with you on practical, individualized adjustments (only if needed). - Slow-motion video analysis of your stride - The [Runeasi](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/services/running-gait-analysis) system, which measures dynamic instability, vertical movement and left-to-right asymmetry - ### Training Error Education & [Return to Run](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/the-active-maine-blog/is-my-running-the-right-fitt-for-me) Guidance 70-80% of running injuries come from training errors. We’ll teach you: - How to adjust volume, intensity, and surfaces to train smarter - How to monitor pain vs. soreness - When and how to modify your training - not just stop it - ### [Building an Injury Buffer](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/the-active-maine-blog/the-injury-buffer-why-so-many-runners-are-chronically-injured) Our goal is not just to fix your injury - it’s to raise your body’s capacity so you’re not skating on the edge of injury anymore. We help you: - Rebuild strength beyond where it was pre-injury - Increase your load tolerance - Improve your ability to adapt to stress and recovery fluctuations Our method ## Where most physical therapy stops - we’re just getting started Most care ends the moment your pain does. Your body needs more work beyond the point of becoming pain-free, because relative weaknesses aren’t necessarily painful. 1 2 3 4 WHERE MOST PT STOPS 01 ### Restore Get in control of your symptoms We start with weekly sessions to find the root cause of your pain and what led to it. We take time to fully assess your body and build an in-depth plan, and we keep reassessing as you respond, so the plan evolves with you. Our priority is getting you in control of your symptoms while you keep moving as much as possible. Where most PT stops Why care usually ends here Care here is less individualised, and it doesn't progress into coaching - which is what actually builds your injury buffer. Insurance is much of the reason: it covers you up to the point where you can get through daily, non-active tasks without pain, and stops there. Our clients are trying to be genuinely active. Insurance doesn't account for that, and it doesn't cover proactive care. 02 ### Reload Build back to full training This is often the longest stretch. Rebuilding from low mileage back to your full training takes time. The goal is a sustainable return, at a pace your body can absorb. We rebuild your strength, mobility, and tissue capacity so your body can handle your goals, and you learn to read your symptoms and adjust your plan with confidence. 03 ### Optimize Build your [injury buffer](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/the-active-maine-blog/the-injury-buffer-why-so-many-runners-are-chronically-injured) We work on the long-standing weaknesses and habits that led you here. We build capacity above your old baseline, so the normal ups and downs of training, life stress, and imperfect recovery don't cause another injury. You take on more than you did before, on purpose. 04 ### Run for Life Train with purpose, stay consistent The main goal now is preventing injuries, because injuries are the biggest thing that breaks consistency. Consistent, purposeful training is what builds durability, and it improves your performance when that's your goal. In a down or off period, we find the minimal dose that keeps you ready to return without re-injury. ## Why Runners Trust Steady State Health We help runners who have: - Tried other PT clinics but didn’t improve - Been told they had to stop running - but want a better plan - Felt discouraged by lingering pain or confusing advice We’ll help you not only get back to running, but also understand how to stay healthy for good. ![A group of runners warming up together on the Eastern Prom in Portland, Maine.](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/hs-fs/hubfs/CaitB%20Pics%20Aug%2025/ss-group-warmup-eastern-prom.jpg?width=900&height=600&name=ss-group-warmup-eastern-prom.jpg) ### In their words > "Steady State has given me so much confidence and helped me turn a corner in how I see myself as an athlete. When I first talked to them I was struggling with back spasms and pre race nerves. They want to help first and foremost. They understand running and they are the first physios I talked to that did not roll their eyes when I explained the intensity of my run training. Instead, I was given programs that are true to my ideas of myself as an athlete. > > They stay true to their philosophy around provider dependency and because of this I learned how to take care of myself while lifting heavy and running high mileage. Even with all this great help, the best part of working with Steady State is having someone with so many of the same experiences and passions. Any athlete will surely notice this when working with them." > > Sam Mills, Maine runner > "I was ready to have surgery on my foot this fall. I have been running in pain for over seven years. Steady State has given me the exercises and tools I needed to be pain free and keep me from having bunion and haglunds surgery. I'm so thrilled to be able to continue playing in the mountains without pain or having time away to recover from surgery." > > Kristina Folcik, Run Coach > "I have had such a positive experience working with the team at Steady State. I am an experienced long-distance runner and I have been so impressed with Steady State's custom plans, their knowledge about endurance athletes and long-distance runners, specifically. Working with them 1:1 has been incredibly helpful for me as I rehabbed my hamstrings, and other little injuries that have cropped up over the years. I'm a much stronger athlete now, and I am able to run 100% pain free. I have HIGHLY recommended Steady State to my running friends who are struggling with injury, and they've had similarly positive experiences. > > If you are a runner or a serious endurance athlete, "typical" PT services don't work--they'll give you some silly exercises and tell you to stop doing what you're doing. Steady State will LISTEN to your experience of pain, work to understand your goals, and collaborate on a plan to rehab while maintaining fitness. Plus, they are just about the nicest health care professionals I have ever worked with. I could not recommend them more highly!" > > Rebecca Nisetich, lifelong runner ## Get Back to Running Stronger Don’t wait for your injury to get worse. Most running injuries improve significantly within 1 - 2 visits when you get the right help. We’ll get to the root cause, create a plan that fits your training, and help you run better than before. **Serving Runners Across Southern Maine.** Whether you’re [putting in miles around Back Cove](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/the-active-maine-blog/back-cove-backyard-ultra-2024-recap), building for Beach to Beacon, or training for the Maine Marathon, we help runners throughout Portland, South Portland, Scarborough, and Falmouth recover fully and keep running strong. [Schedule a discovery call](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/services/running-physical-therapy#book) Related ## Other ways we help - [Running Injury Prevention](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/services/running-injury-prevention) - [Running Gait Analysis](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/services/running-gait-analysis) - [Run Coaching](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/services/run-coaching) - [Which PT Do You Need?](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/services/orthopelvic-physical-therapy) Next step ## Ready to finally run pain-free? Start with a Free Discovery Call today. A short call to hear what’s going on, answer your questions, and work out whether we’re the right fit. ![A Steady State physical therapist assessing a runner's calf and ankle by hand.](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/hs-fs/hubfs/230505-BDoscher-SteadyState-114-1.jpg?width=900&name=230505-BDoscher-SteadyState-114-1.jpg "A Steady State physical therapist assessing a runner's calf and ankle by hand.") Rather send a message than pick a time? You can also [contact us here](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/contact). From the blog ## Our posts about running injuries [![](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_7230.jpg?width=640&height=360&name=IMG_7230.jpg)](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/the-active-maine-blog/back-cove-backyard-ultra-2024-recap) Jul 16, 2024, 10:47:03 AM #### [Back Cove Backyard Ultra 2024 Recap](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/the-active-maine-blog/back-cove-backyard-ultra-2024-recap) [Dr. Kelton Cullenberg, PT, DPT](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/the-active-maine-blog/author/dr-kelton-cullenberg-pt-dpt) [![A diagram showing the relationship between Activity Level/Load & Actual Current Capacity, showing when someone would be in pain, pain-free, and have an injury buffer.](https://kajabi-storefronts-production.kajabi-cdn.com/kajabi-storefronts-production/file-uploads/blogs/2147505910/images/06ad888-c1aa-e888-7e41-6d336abd850b_Injury_Buffer_Diagram_Screenshot.png)](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/the-active-maine-blog/the-injury-buffer-why-so-many-runners-are-chronically-injured) Jan 18, 2024, 8:31:35 AM #### [The Injury Buffer: Why So Many Runners are Chronically Injured](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/the-active-maine-blog/the-injury-buffer-why-so-many-runners-are-chronically-injured) [Dr. Kelton Cullenberg, PT, DPT](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/the-active-maine-blog/author/dr-kelton-cullenberg-pt-dpt) [![A runner on a coastal path at sunrise in Portland, Maine](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/hs-fs/hubfs/CaitB%20Pics%20Aug%2025/CaitBourgaultPhoto-44.jpg?width=640&height=360&name=CaitBourgaultPhoto-44.jpg)](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/the-active-maine-blog/is-my-running-the-right-fitt-for-me) Jan 24, 2025, 1:54:16 PM #### [Is My Running the Right FITT for Me?](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/the-active-maine-blog/is-my-running-the-right-fitt-for-me) [Dr. Mike Brown, PT, DPT](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/the-active-maine-blog/author/dr-mike-brown-pt-dpt) Free guide ## The Injured Runner’s Roadmap The framework we use with runners to figure out what is actually causing their pain, and what to immediately do about it. 100% free - we just want to help. [Get the free guide](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/injured-runners-roadmap) [Steady State Health The Injured Runner’s Roadmap Free guide](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/injured-runners-roadmap) ![Steady State Health](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/hs-fs/hubfs/roadmap-landing-page/logo-long-cream.png?width=420&height=105&name=logo-long-cream.png) Performance physical therapy and run coaching. 24 Romasco Ln, Portland, ME 04101 [(207) 200-9409](tel:+12072009409) #### Services - [Running Physical Therapy](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/services/running-physical-therapy) - [Running Injury Prevention](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/services/running-injury-prevention) - [Running Gait Analysis](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/services/running-gait-analysis) - [Run Coaching](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/services/run-coaching) - [Virtual Running Physical Therapy](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/virtual-running-physical-therapy) - [Durable Runners Strength Class](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/services/durable-runners-strength-class) - [Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/services/pelvic-floor-physical-therapy) - [Pelvic PT During Pregnancy](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/services/pelvic-pt-during-pregnancy-the-birth-prep-program) - [Postpartum Return to Run](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/services/postpartum-return-to-run-program) #### More services - [Pelvic Conditions We Treat](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/services/pelvic-floor-conditions-we-treat) - [Crossfit & Hyrox Injury Rehab](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/services/crossfit) - [Sports Physical Therapy](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/services) - [Skiing Physical Therapy](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/services) - [Orthopedic Physical Therapy](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/services) - [ACL Rehab – Return to Sport](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/services) - [Dry Needling](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/services/dry-needling) - [Normatec Compression Therapy](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/services/normatec-compression-therapy) - [Equipment Room](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/services/equipment-room) #### About - [Meet Our Team](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/meet-our-team) - [Our Story](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/our-story) - [What is Cash Based?](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/what-is-cash-based) - [Community Events](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/community-events) - [FAQs](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/faqs) - [We're Hiring](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/careers) - [Contact](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/contact) #### Resources - [Blog](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/the-active-maine-blog) - [Running Pace Calculator](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/running-pace-calculator) - [Heat Adjusted Pace Calculator](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/heat-adjusted-pace-calculator) - [Running Calculators & Tools](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/running-calculators-and-tools) - [Youth Athlete Scholarship](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/youth-athlete-financial-scholarship) - [Privacy Policy](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/privacy-policy) © Steady State Health [Privacy Policy](https://www.steadystatehealth.com/privacy-policy) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@id" : "https://www.steadystatehealth.com/", "@type" : "Physiotherapy", "address" : { "@type" : "PostalAddress", "addressCountry" : "US", "addressLocality" : "Portland", "addressRegion" : "ME", "postalCode" : "04101", "streetAddress" : "24 Romasco Ln" }, "geo" : { "@type" : "GeoCoordinates", "latitude" : 43.6615, "longitude" : -70.2532 }, "image" : "https://www.steadystatehealth.com/images/logo.png", "name" : "Steady State Health", "openingHoursSpecification" : [ { "@type" : "OpeningHoursSpecification", "closes" : "18:00", "dayOfWeek" : [ "Monday", "Tuesday", "Wednesday", "Thursday" ], "opens" : "08:00" }, { "@type" : "OpeningHoursSpecification", "closes" : "17:00", "dayOfWeek" : "Friday", "opens" : "07:00" } ], "sameAs" : [ "https://www.facebook.com/steadystatehealth", "https://www.instagram.com/steadystatehealth" ], "telephone" : "+1-207-200-9409", "url" : "https://www.steadystatehealth.com/" } ```