It seems my angry hamstring is chilling on ice more often than not these days while I continue to ponder exactly what it will take, barring an end to running, to heal it once and for all. In my quest for a solution I have solicited a variety of hamstring treatment opinions that I’d like to share:
Sports Chiro
Theory: A hip imbalance causes my left hamstring to pull, creating extra tension and strain.
Solution: A heavenly and effective, albeit costly, series of active release therapy (ART), massage with Traumeel Arnica Cream, electrical stimulation/ice/heat and kinesiotape. Ice/apply Biofreeze after running.
Pilates Instructor/Trainer/Runner
Theory: This may not be a hamstring issue at all but a flare-up of the sciatic nerve.
Solution: Strengthen the hamstrings with curls, bridging on the stability ball, holding plank position and raising legs one at a time and holding for a minute. Roll around on a tennis ball to loosen up the glutes; sports massage.
Yoga Instructor
Theory: This problem stems from tight, inflexible hips.
Solution: Practice hip-opening postures
Pigeon
Double Pigeon
Gecko
Hubby
Theory: My shoes are causing all the trouble.
Solution: According to him, I need a pair of these.
And finally, me
Theory: Um old age??
Solution: I’m not sure I have the answer yet but I’ve been heeding much of the advice above (although I haven’t ordered the Vibrams as yet and Mother’s Day is over) and also experimenting with the following:
- Shortening my stride length and increasing leg turnover to resist straining the hammys as much.
- Paying special attention to my posture when I run, especially as I fatigue, and trying to maintain a more upright torso, keeping shoulders pressed back and down my spine. I’ve noticed this helps breathing too.
- Doing a longer than normal warmup before speedwork
So there you have it, FWIW, in a somewhat large nutshell. I’d love to hear of any other solutions that are out there so please don’t be shy.
As for my run today, I managed to get up and out at the crack of dawn for some speedwork: 3x1600m today. It was fairly apparent that cardiovascularly I could have done these faster but I didn’t want to antagonize you-know-what. Although rain was threatening, it was another gorgeous almost-summer morning all the same. Gotta love this fleeting season of generous daylight!
