Sam’s story · ultra & endurance running

“Almost 17 years of being told I would never run again. Without continued work with Meg, I’d not be running and achieving the goals I continue to pursue.”

Sam Cunningham
Sam Cunningham
Ultra & endurance runner

Sam’s journey is one of the most remarkable I’ve been part of. He came to me having already fought hard to get back on his feet — literally. What followed was years of consistent, committed work together that took him from “you’ll never run again” to completing ultra and endurance events most people wouldn’t dare attempt. This is his story, in his words.

Question 01

What were you suffering with when you came to see me?

Sam had spent close to two decades living with the consequences of a serious neurological injury that had devastated his feet, ankles and hips — and left him with a prognosis no runner wants to hear. Seventeen years of being told the trails were behind him. Seventeen years of watching other people run.

By the time he arrived at Elite Pain & Performance, he’d already begun rebuilding through neurology work with Mark at 360 Rehab. The neurological foundation was being laid. But there was a physical layer — structural, fascial, mechanical — that still needed addressing before Sam could truly move freely again.


Question 02

Had you had any previous treatment for this? If so, what was different?

I started treatment with 360 Rehab about 4 years ago after almost 17 years of being told I would never run again. Following the neurology side with Mark, I went on to work with and receive treatment with Meg that consisted of remedial and sports massage, fascia work, mobility and strength work on my feet, ankles and hips.

What made working with Meg different was the depth of the physical work alongside the neurology — not just managing symptoms, but rebuilding the fascial and movement patterns that had compensated and tightened over seventeen years of restricted movement. The two approaches together created something neither could have done alone.


Question 03

What’s changed since we started working together?

I’ve worn and used barefoot shoes and trainers for 6 or 7 years and this alongside the work with Meg has reaped immeasurable rewards in my ultra and endurance running goals. Without continued work with Meg, I’d not be running and achieving goals that I continue to pursue. I couldn’t recommend Meg enough with how she’s changed my life.
The result

“I couldn’t recommend Meg enough with how she’s changed my life.”

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