Frequently Asked Questions
Physical Therapy FAQ
Do I need a referral to see a physical therapist in North Carolina?
No. North Carolina allows direct access to physical therapy, meaning you can schedule an appointment without a physician referral. Many athletes come to Factor Physio directly when dealing with a running injury or pain during training.
What types of injuries do you treat?
At Factor Physio we commonly treat injuries such as: - Achilles tendinopathy - Runner’s knee (patellofemoral pain) - IT band syndrome - Shin splints - Plantar fasciitis - Hip pain in runners - Hamstring strains Treatment focuses on addressing the underlying causes of injury so athletes can return to training safely.
Do you specialize in runners and endurance athletes?
Yes. Factor Physio specializes in working with runners, triathletes, and endurance athletes. Our approach combines sports physical therapy, strength training, and movement analysis to help athletes recover from injury and improve performance. This approach also allows us to evaluate and treat non-runners and other active adults!
Can physical therapy help prevent running injuries?
Yes. Many running injuries are related to training load, strength imbalances, or movement mechanics. Physical therapy can identify these factors early and help runners build resilience through strength training and movement optimization.
What is a running gait analysis?
A running gait analysis is a detailed evaluation of how you move while running. It examines factors such as stride mechanics, cadence, joint movement, and muscle activation to identify patterns that may contribute to injury or inefficiency.
Who should get a running gait analysis?
A gait analysis can benefit: - Runners dealing with recurring injuries - Athletes returning to running after injury - Runners training for longer races such as half marathons or marathons - Athletes looking to improve running efficiency
Is running gait analysis only for injured runners?
Not at all. Many runners use gait analysis to improve performance, increase efficiency, and better understand their biomechanics.
Coaching FAQ
Who is coaching for?
Coaching is designed for runners and triathletes who want structured training and expert guidance. Programs are tailored to the athlete’s experience level, schedule, and performance goals.
Do you only coach runners and triathletes?
Many coaching clients are runners and triathletes, but coaching is also available for other athletes and active individuals who want structured strength training or performance support. Programs are tailored to the athlete’s goals, training background, and schedule.
Do you offer remote coaching?
Yes. Coaching is available both locally in Raleigh and remotely, allowing athletes across the country to work with Factor Physio.
Can coaching help prevent injuries?
Structured training programs can help manage training load, recovery, and strength development, all of which play a role in reducing injury risk.
Can I work with you just for strength programming?
Yes. Some athletes already have a running, triathlon, or sport-specific training plan but want expert guidance on strength training programming. In these cases, coaching can focus exclusively on strength programming designed to complement the athlete’s existing training. Strength coaching is also available for athletes and active adults who want to improve strength, movement quality, and overall performance even if they are not currently training for endurance events.
Longevity FAQ
Who should get a Movement Physical?
Movement Physicals are helpful for: - Runners and endurance athletes - Active adults starting a new training program - Athletes recovering from injury - Anyone wanting a baseline assessment of their movement health
How is this different from a traditional physical therapy visit?
A Movement Physical is performance-focused rather than injury-focused. It helps identify potential issues before they become injuries and provides guidance on how to improve movement and training resilience.
Will I receive recommendations after the assessment?
Yes. After the assessment, you will receive in-depth individualized recommendations that may include strength, mobility work, training adjustments, or further evaluation if needed.
