Running Right: Why Perfect Running Form is a Myth – Insights from a North Royalton Chiropractor 

Running Right: Why There’s No Such Thing as Perfect Running Form

As a chiropractor in the Cleveland area who works with runners every day, I’ve seen a wide range of running styles, and let me tell you—there’s no such thing as the "perfect" running form. You’ve probably heard countless advice on the ideal way to run, but the truth is, running form varies from person to person. What works for one runner might not work for another, and that’s completely okay. My job isn’t to fit you into a one-size-fits-all mold; it’s to help you find your best form so you can run efficiently and stay injury-free.

The Myth of Perfect Form

When I first started working with runners, I noticed that many of them felt pressured to conform to what they thought was “proper” running form. But here’s the thing: your body is unique. Whether you’re a heel striker or a midfoot striker, tall or short, everyone’s biomechanics are different. Trying to force your body into someone else’s running form can actually do more harm than good.

That’s why I focus on helping runners make small adjustments based on their individual needs rather than striving for some mythical “perfect” form. It’s about finding what works best for your body. I take into account your history of injuries, how your muscles are functioning, and even factors like the type of running shoes you use. All of this plays into your own running mechanics, and by fine-tuning your form, we can reduce the risk of injury without making you feel like you need to overhaul the way you run.

How I Can Help You Run Better

In my office in North Royalton, I focus on optimizing the way your body moves rather than trying to force it into a cookie-cutter idea of perfect. Through chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue therapy, and personalized gait analysis, we can find where you might be compensating or placing extra stress on certain joints. Once we address those issues, we can make minor tweaks that help you run more efficiently. These adjustments don’t completely change how you run—they simply help your body run the way it was meant to.

For example, one runner who was training for the Cleveland Marathon came in with recurring knee pain. She was convinced it was due to her running form, so she tried to force herself to run with a midfoot strike, even though her body naturally wanted to heel strike. After working with her, we discovered the knee pain was actually due to tightness in her hip flexors and glutes, which were throwing off her alignment. By treating those areas, we got rid of her knee pain—without completely changing her running form.

There’s No One Right Way to Run

At the end of the day, there’s no universal “right” way to run. What matters is that you’re moving in a way that’s natural and efficient for your body. That’s why I take a personalized approach to every runner I work with, helping you fine-tune your form based on your body’s strengths and limitations. We work together to prevent injuries, optimize your performance, and most importantly—keep you running in a way that feels right for you.

If you’ve been struggling with running injuries or feel like your form could use some improvement, come see me at Modern Motion Chiropractic in North Royalton. Together, we’ll figure out the best approach for your body and your goals, without forcing you to change who you are as a runner.