Finally spring had arrived, inspiring my inner runner who hibernates all winter. I strapped on my Sauconies and headed right out for a 3-mile round trip jaunt to the lake. “Talk yourself into it. Don’t talk yourself out of it,” a local sign would play in my head. After 6 weeks of committed running, my right knee ached to the point where I thought it might give out. “These old knees’” my thirty-something self thought. But maybe it wasn’t my knees…. Did I mention that I DID NOT STRETCH AT ALL! Well, I could get away with it 10 years ago but not anymore.
Sometimes when we have pain, the problem can actually be a trigger point above or below the pain site. Or at the spine or pelvis. Running for weeks without stretching had tightened up my glutes and hips to the point where they were pulling my feet out so I walked like a duck (external rotation). This stressed my medial knee ligaments giving me knee pain. So I dusted, off my foam roller, rolled out my yoga mat and made some appointments with our healer ladies at Division Chiropractic & Acupuncture.
During a chiropractic session with Dr. Alicia, she noticed my left leg was longer than the right – no surprise. Two pelvic adjustments later, it was back in line. Then I received electro-acupuncture to improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and restore proper mobility to the muscle fibers in my knee and hips. To complete the Trifecta Treatment (Chiropractic-Acupuncture-Massage), I received a massage with Sherry, who did intensely effective myofascial release and trigger point work on my glutes and hips. Between these three therapies, foam rolling and yoga stretches, I was back on the pavement in just one week. Oh, and now I ALWAYS remember to stretch!
Ignoring the muscle imbalances that can cause duck-walking can contribute to lower back pain, knee pain, ankle injuries and flatter feet. If you have pain from running we can help you! Call us at 773-276-2801 for a free phone consultation with one of our practitioners.
What are some of your favorite self-care techniques to keep your body in balance after running?
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