John Vasudevan, M.D.
Sports Medicine Director & Medical Advisor
John Vasudevan, M.D. is an associate professor at the University of Pennsylvania. He is board-certified in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine. He is a Team Physician for UPenn Athletics and medical director of the Broad Street Run and Philadelphia Distance Run, and previously for the Rock 'n' Roll Half-Marathon and Tri-Rock Triathlon in Philadelphia. He is a director of the running and endurance Sports Medicine Program at Penn Medicine. Dr. Vasudevan provides non-operative management of musculoskeletal conditions affecting athletes and active individuals of all levels, and combines injury rehabilitation with injury prevention. He utilizes a variety of ultrasound-guided procedures and regenerative approaches such as platelet-rich plasma and percutaneous ultrasonic tenotomy. He sees patients at the Penn Medicine and the Philadelphia Veterans Administration hospital. Dr. Vasudevan attended medical school at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health in Madison. After his Transitional Year in Tucson, Arizona, he went to residency in PM&R at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia and onwards to Stanford University for his fellowship in Sports Medicine. He has been in practice at the University of Pennsylvania since 2012.
Here’s What to Do If You Get a Marathon Training Injury
Two sports medicine physicians explain how to determine if you need to adjust your training and racing.
Does Running Build Muscle?
You know running builds endurance. Here’s how it can change your body composition.
How to Treat 15 Common Running Injuries
These tips will help you recover from common injuries so you can get back to doing what you love the most.
7 Benefits You Gain From Running Every Day
Here’s what happens to your body and mind when you make running a daily habit.
How to Improve Your Running Pace, According to Experts
Zone 2 runs form the foundation of any good training plan. Here’s how to keep those runs easy, while still getting faster.
How to Relieve Sartorius Muscle Pain and Prevent Injury
Learn the causes of sartorius pain, how to recognize symptoms, and the best moves for relief.
How to Treat Tight Calves for Better Running
Surprise: Stretching might not be right for you.
Runner’s Knee Doesn’t Have to Stop Your Training—Here’s How to Address It
Doctor- and run coach-approved suggestions for keeping your knees pain-free.
A Beginner's Guide to Zone 2 Running: What It Is, Benefits, and How to Do It
Use this guide to maximize the payoffs of your easy days.
How to Prevent Achilles Tears, Including Exercises
What to know about the common causes of Achilles pain, and seven moves to prevent aches in the first place.
Overpronation vs. Underpronation: Should How You Land Influence Your Shoe Choice?
Here’s what to know about your gait when looking for the perfect running shoe.
The Most Common Causes of Lower Back Pain When Running and How Address It
Use this guide to pinpoint the source of your pain, so you can treat it and get some much-needed relief.
How to Improve Your Fatigue Resistance for Stronger Long-Distance Runs
An expert- and science-backed guide to finishing just as strong as you started.
What Is Running Cadence and How Does It Affect Performance?
Here’s exactly what you need to know about this metric.
Runner's Knee Exercises to Help You Sidestep Injury
The best way to avoid knee problems? Strengthen the muscles that support this important joint.
How to Get Back Into Running After a Long Break
A simple guide to help you return to the sport you love with ease.
Experts Explain What to Know About IT Band Stretches—and the Real Way to Ease Aches
Sidestep IT band pain with these expert-approved strategies.
How Diaphragm Exercises Can Make You a Better Runner
Master your breathing techniques with these core exercises, which can unlock your full running potential.
IT Band Syndrome Explained, Including Symptoms, Prevention, and Treatment
Your knee pain could be attributed to IT band syndrome. Here’s what to know to sidestep the aches.
Everything You Need to Know to Prevent and Treat Shin Splints When Running
You probably need rest if you feel pain, but these fueling and training strategies can also help you sidestep the common injury.
These 10 Expert-Backed Tips Will Help Boost Your Running Recovery
Feel better after a workout—and the next time you head out for more miles—with this advice.
Taking a Break from Running Can Make You Come Back Faster and Fitter
Whatever the reason you need time off, sometimes it leads to big benefits.
8 Ankle-Strengthening Exercises for Runners
These ankle-strengthening exercises will help you build stronger ligaments, tendons, and muscles to prevent injury.
When Is It Too Cold to Run Outside? We Have Your Questions Covered
We ask experts their best tips for knowing when it’s safe to battle chilly temperatures.
The Best Methods for Relieving Tight and Sore Hamstrings
Forget stretching. Turn to these methods instead.
Experiencing Runner’s Hip a.k.a. Pain After a Workout? Here’s What To Do
Learn how to prevent, spot, and treat the aches.
How to Do a Foot Stress Fracture Test
Wondering what’s wrong with your foot? We explain exactly how to test for a stress fracture.
Proper Running Form Is Important—Here’s How to Dial in Your Stride
Use this knowledge to help you run more efficiently.
Are You a Quad-Dominant Runner? Take This Test to Find Out
Here’s how to balance out your lower body and avoid injuries.
5 Ways to Prevent Running Cramps
These tried-and-true tips, backed by science, can keep you running long and strong.
How to Spot and Treat Shin Splints
Plus, how to prevent shin splints from sidelining you in the future.
Pain in Your Butt Cheek While Running? Here’s What to Do About It
Your glutes do a lot of work when you run. Here’s how to keep them strong and pain-free.