Kingstone Runner's Mark Havenhand has reaped the rewards of physiotherapy with Jenny Blizard, and believes his three sessions with the former GB international highlight how important it is that she understands the mentality and physicality of fellow runners.

The 49-year-old popular club runner trains 40 to 60 miles a week over six or seven days, and although he has only been competing for a few years, he has always been a runner - something many athletes can relate to we're sure!

Despite his obvious natural ability and speed - with his Power of 10 highlighting PBs ranging from 2:11 and 4:31 for 800m and 1500m on the track, to 17:11, 35:32 and 2:53.03 for 5k, 10k and the marathon - he proved to be just as susceptible to injury as many athletes too.

Two years ago, Mark took several weeks off training after noticing a niggle in his hamstring and glute following a track race, and although it improved it never went away.

He explained: "It's a niggle that I feel every day in the very top of my hamstring, especially while bending over and stretching - driving can be very uncomfortable too. It gets particularly bad after long runs and racing, where it spreads into my glute and hip, and causes pain and stiffness.

"Over the past two years I have seen several physiotherapists, sports masseurs and a chiropractor, but never really got to the “bottom” of my injury.

"I knew from Jenny's reputation that she wouldn't just try and treat the pain, but would instead go for the root cause."

In his first appointment at Blizard Physiotherapy, he was asked about any injuries and niggles he had had, along with details about his everyday life, such as hobbies and work.

"Jenny then filmed me on the treadmill to look for any issues and causes that could come from my running, before being examined for stiffness and mobility problems - she then clearly explained to me what she had found, and how it could be causing my pain.

"I was immediately impressed by her thoroughness and perception, as well as her enthusiasm to help me understand the issues, and the problems they could cause - Jenny instantly picked up on my very stiff lower back, bad hip and rotational mobility. I hadn’t mentioned my back before, but had had over 20 years of lower back problems.

"She could see from the running video that one of my feet turned outwards as I ran, and that I had quite bad vertical oscillation, probably a side effect of the stiff hips and back."

Mark explained what treatment he received as a result of Jenny's methodical analysis, physically in the clinic, combined with her consequent detailed notes on his history and lifestyle factors.

"She went straight to work loosening my lower back, and then rechecking regularly if my mobility had improved. I left the clinic as if walking on air looking forward to my second session!"

Mark was advised to return for a second session at the clinic, where the treatment developed and he was given some homework to take away with him to aid his understanding of his condition, and how to self-treat between sessions, and long term.

"My second session was just as successful as the first, with Jenny showing a real interest and enthusiasm to get me better. The hamstring issue had eased slightly, as had my lower back.

"After more lower back loosening Jenny examined me for any trigger points which she found in my adductor. I was set some homework of foam-rolling the area daily, and booked to return a week later for trigger-point acupuncture.

It was with nervous anticipation I arrived at the clinic for my third session, but Jenny soon put me at ease. The acupuncture was relatively painless, and I could feel a definite alleviation of my symptoms, my back continues to improve."

Mark is realistic about how long it may take to resolve the issue entirely, but has been impressed with how far he has come so far.

"I don’t expect any miracles with a long term injury such as mine. I do feel, however, that Jenny is making a real headway into addressing my problem.

"She is the perfect balance of physiotherapist and runner, to be able to help me get back to where I’d like to be.

"Her usage of the Maitland Physiotherapy approach of continuous evaluation and assessment of an injury during treatment seems to make great sense, and it’s good to get that feedback and see the results as they happen."