Running Physical Therapy in Flagstaff, AZ

Built for Flagstaff Runners

Running at 7,000 feet puts unique demands on your body. Cadence Performance offers one-on-one running physical therapy for trail runners, road runners, and endurance athletes who want a clear plan to address pain, improve mechanics, and stay consistently in training.

What happens when running injuries go unaddressed

Recurring pain cuts your training short

IT band flare-ups, knee pain, or Achilles issues keep interrupting training blocks and make it impossible to build consistent mileage toward race goals or big mountain days.

Compensations turn into new problems

Running through pain without addressing the root cause changes how you move. Over time, those compensations create secondary issues in your hip, knee, or back that compound the original problem.

You keep guessing at what's wrong

Generic advice to rest, ice, and stretch doesn't explain why the issue happened or how to prevent it from returning. Without a clear plan, you're stuck in the same cycle of injury, rest, and cautious return.

What Makes Us Different

Why Flagstaff runners choose Cadence Performance

You'll work one-on-one with someone who understands trail mechanics, altitude demands, and what it takes to stay healthy through high-mileage blocks. Your reset-restore-reload plan addresses root causes and not just symptoms, so you can run consistently for the long term.

Common Conditions We Treat

Common running conditions we treat in Flagstaff

Running at altitude creates specific stress patterns on joints and soft tissue. These are the conditions Cadence Performance sees most often in Flagstaff runners—many of which respond well to dry needling, Graston, and manual therapy when caught early.

IT Band Syndrome

Runner's Knee (Patellofemoral Pain)

Achilles Tendinopathy

Plantar Fasciitis

Your Path Forward

From Pain to Performance in Three Clear Phases

Reset

We calm pain and irritation, restore basic movement patterns, and give your nervous system the signal that it's safe to move again without guarding or compensation.

Restore

Once pain settles, we improve coordination, control, and movement quality so your body can handle the demands of trails, training, and real-world activities with better efficiency.

Reload

We progressively add load and sport-specific demands back into your training so your body can handle real-world conditions. The goal is durability and confidence, not just getting out of pain temporarily.

What Flagstaff runners say about Cadence Performance

Real feedback from trail runners and endurance athletes who returned to consistent training.

As an avid cyclist, I’ve seen my share of overuse injuries, imbalances, and post-crash recoveries. Since day one (I'm a long time client), Eric has taken the time to understand the demands of cycling and how it affects the body. He didn’t just throw generic exercises at me. He built a personalized plan that actually addressed the root(s) of the issue(s) and helped me get back on the bike stronger and more stable than before. Eric combines a vast knowledge of biomechanics with the ability to explain things clearly. He understands athletes and will push you just enough to make progress without overdoing it. If you’re an athlete in Northern Arizona dealing with injury, burnout, or just looking to improve performance through better movement - this is the place to go.
Kyle Hornbeck
Eric is well regarded in Flagstaff as a best in class PT and an exceptional professional and human. I’m a local in Flag for 30+ years. I run this body hard, doing all of the outdoor things in life. I’ve seen him for many injuries and surgery recoveries over the years. He has always been extremely efficient and effective in addressing the core deficiencies to get this body back healthy and stronger. I’ve referred countless colleagues, friends, and family over the years to him because he is the best. What are you waiting for?
Chris
Eric explained what the PT approach would be and gave me exceptional therapy. He is generous with his time and knowledge. Very happy with the take home exercises and support. Yay for strength, no pain, no surgery in sight.
Annagreta Jacobson
Areas We Serve

Serving Flagstaff and Surrounding Communities

Cadence Performance is located in midtown Flagstaff near Buffalo Park and the Safeway on Cedar Avenue. We work with active adults and athletes from across Flagstaff and nearby areas including Northern Arizona University, Munds Park, Sedona, and surrounding mountain communities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about running PT at Cadence Performance.

Do you take insurance?

Cadence Performance is a cash-based, direct-pay clinic. You pay at the time of service, and many runners choose to submit receipts for possible out-of-network reimbursement. We also accept HSA/FSA cards.

Do I have to stop running during treatment?

In most cases, no. The goal is to keep you running as much as safely possible while we address the underlying issue. You'll get clear guidance on mileage and effort levels, and your plan will progress load strategically as you improve.

How is this different from general physical therapy?

Running physical therapy at Cadence Performance focuses on gait mechanics, running-specific load patterns, and the conditions that affect endurance athletes. You'll work one-on-one with someone who understands how to keep runners training—not just pain-free in daily life.

What should I bring to my first visit?

If you have them, bring your running shoes and any relevant imaging. Come ready to describe your training volume, terrain, and how your symptoms behave during and after runs. Your first session is a full evaluation with a hands-on component.

Can you help with race prep and injury prevention?

Yes. Many runners come in proactively before a big training block or race to address small issues before they become injuries. We can also assess your mechanics, build a strength plan, and help you manage load through high-mileage phases.

Still have questions?

Preparing for a big race or dealing with a nagging running injury? Schedule a phone consult to talk through your situation and learn how running physical therapy can help you train consistently and stay healthy.

Ready to run your best and stay healthy doing it?

Start with a phone consult. We'll talk through your injury, your training goals, and how Cadence Performance can help you run consistently and stay durable.