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.

7 Moves Doctors Recommend for Plantar Fasciitis
Oct 10, 2025.

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.

How to Fix Muscle Imbalances for Fewer Injuries and Stronger Runs
The best ways to find balance.
Stress Reaction vs Stress Fracture: What’s the Difference?
Learn the signs it’s time to see a doctor.

Everything You Need to Know About Running and Knee Pain
Think running is bad for your joints? Research shows runners have lower rates of knee osteoarthritis than non-runners.

How to Treat Tight Calves for Better Running
Aug 26, 2025.

The Best Post-Run Stretches to Keep You Running Strong and Injury-Free
Can stretching after a run really make a difference? Experts say yes.

11 Expert-Backed Tips to Supercharge Your Running Recovery
Bounce back from one workout and dominate the next.

Should You Stretch Before or After Running?
Find out what experts have to say about the much-debated topic.

The Secret to Achieving the Elusive Runner’s High, According to Research and Experts
Exactly what causes this euphoric feeling that so many mile chasers crave.

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
Sep 25, 2025.

Runner’s Knee Doesn’t Have to Stop Your Training—Here’s How to Address It
An expert- and science-backed guide to finishing just as strong as you started.
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
Forget stretching. Turn to these methods instead.

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.

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.

The Best Methods for Relieving Tight and Sore Hamstrings
You know running builds endurance. Here’s how it can change your body composition.