How Front Runner Physio can help runners

Running-related injuries impact 60-80% of runners each year and strongly impact the goal attainment and lifestyle of runners of all ages and abilities.

At Front Runner Physiotherapy, our team is a pioneering group of experts in running-specific physiotherapy, trusted by the running community for over two decades.

From beginners to Olympians, and juniors to masters, our physiotherapists combine clinical expertise, advanced running analysis, and a deep understanding of running loads and the biopsychosocial factors influencing pain and injury. We provide evidence-based assessment, treatment, rehabilitation, and management strategies for all running-related conditions.

Our approach includes detailed technical assessments, training load optimisation, and targeted strength and movement quality programs to support recovery, enhance performance, and help you achieve your health and fitness goals.

    • Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (Shin Splints) 
      Pain along the inside of the shin bone from repetitive stress, often linked to training errors, footwear, or biomechanics. 

    • Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner’s Knee) 
      Pain around or behind the kneecap, typically aggravated by running downhill, stairs, or prolonged sitting. 

    • Achilles Tendinopathy 
      Pain, stiffness, or thickening in the Achilles tendon from overuse, sudden load increases, or calf muscle imbalances. 

    • Plantar Fasciopathy (Heel Pain) 
      Sharp heel pain, often worse in the morning or after long runs, caused by overload of the plantar fascia tissue. 

    • Iliotibial Band (ITB) Compression Syndrome 
      Outer knee pain from friction of the ITB against the femur, common in long-distance runners and linked to hip control deficits. 

Meet your running experts

  • Man in a black polo shirt with 'Front Runner' logo posing in front of a wall with large metallic 'Run' text and a running figure cutout.

    Rafael Baugh

    MANAGING DIRECTOR

    Global-level athlete and physiotherapist with 20+ years’ experience and over 10,000 gait analyses, an expert in biomechanics. Raf has a unique insight into the biomechanical, physiological and psychological factors at play in running-related injury and performance.

  • Woman standing in front of a wall with large silver letters and a silhouette figure. She is smiling, wearing a black polo shirt that says 'Front Runner' in yellow.

    Abby Dixon

    SPORTS PHYSIOTHERAPIST

    With over 20 years of experience as a physiotherapist, running coach, and ultra-marathon runner herself, Abby brings a wealth of expertise to all who seek her guidance.

  • A man with dark hair, a mustache, and wearing a black shirt with yellow text standing in front of a wall with silver 3D letters and a running figure, in an indoor setting.

    Luke Parker

    SPORTS PHYSIOTHERAPIST

    With a background as an athletics coach as well as being a former high-level track & field athlete himself, Luke brings an array of practical experience and insights into his approach to running and running-related injuries 

  • A woman wearing a black polo shirt with yellow text that reads 'Front Runner' in front of a wall with large, silver, partially obscured text and logo.

    Phoebe Freeman

    SPORTS PHYSIOTHERAPIST

    With a background as an athletics coach and as a former high-level track & field athlete himself, Luke brings an array of practical experience and insights into his approach to running and running-related injuries. 

  • A young man wearing a black polo shirt with a logo that says 'Front Runner' standing in front of a wall with the words 'Road J' and a silhouette of a person running.

    Tom Papathanassiou

    PHYSIOTHERAPIST

    Former captain of Hale School Athletics team, Tom, brings practical insight into running and running-related injuries. 

  • Ella Eastaugh

    PHYSIOTHERAPIST

Our approach

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    Injury Assessment , Treatment & Rehabilitation

    We help you understand the nature of your injury, guide your recovery, and build a plan to return to running stronger and more resilient.

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    Dive into Your Training and Injury History

    We analyse your training load, frequency, and volume to uncover the root causes of injury and tailor strategies that prevent future setbacks.

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    Strength & Conditioning Integration

    Running-specific strength programs target shoulders, core, hips, and legs, building resilience for long training hours and race demands.

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    Roadmap to Achieving your Goals

    Once we understand your current level, we guide your progress with personalised recommendations on running technique, footwear, strength, mobility, and training loads.