My body - It it telling me just to stop?

Jonny303

Rite,

rugby season that started with a torn right hamstring (out 4 8 weeks) to my first game back which ended up with boney bruising (another 8-10 weeks out)
had a good 6 weeks on, and now left hammy has just packed it in.

Ive done both hamstrings in previous years quite badly, and i no that at least on one ive basically a hole in ona them where it was never re-habed properly and is a sort of week spot. Ive worked very hard on my flexibility, and on strength, with a mixture of bridgeing and other weight bearing exercises (good mornings ect) n for it 2 go again has just hit me like a tonne of bricks.

Anyone had similar problems and found any good soloutions?

It all seems to stem back to when i was around 15, and a big growth spurt led to me being described my an experienced physio as possibly the tightest hamstrings shed ever seen.

Like i said, i really have worked hard flexibility wise and strength.

Im 20 and 6'2.

Other side question is, if i do go ahead and pack in the rugby, i was considering taking up rowing instead. Anyone experienced hamstring problems with rowing (i no they would be under huge strain, but its not that that seams to give me the trouble, its more of an extended kick or an extended reach when they seem to go)

Might not have made myself too clear here, but any advise for a f###ing pissed off depressd lad is welcome

g5hn710m4xpdwy

I found when rowing to my right I was getting a tight hamstring for a few weeks But that has loosened up well. They are put under pressure and all that but it may be a good alternative to the rugby if the rough/contact is doing the damage?

Jonny303

its not ya see.

4 torn hamstrings and my knee in the last 3 years, none caused from direct contact! mainly caused from a sprint or a kick!

i want something aswel that gives me real incentive from a weights point of view, which im geussing while not under the extact same ideas (presuming a much higher rep rang for rowing compared to what im used to) are still quite essential

brianthebard

the first problem I see in your post is that you never rehabbed properly-you need to go back to the beginning, talk to a good sports therapist and see what they recommend.
The second thing is trying to understand why its been happening. You say that extended reach is what causes the problem but I've been told by a medical professional that most are not caused like this-again you need to talk to a therapist.
A third thing to consider is what you are doing to warm up before a match, perhaps its lots of static stretches which may not be suited to preparing for a match.

Killme00

brianthebard wrote: »

A third thing to consider is what you are doing to warm up before a match, perhaps its lots of static stretches which may not be suited to preparing for a match.

+1

Mobility Stretching has changed my life

Transform

Look man its realllllllly simple - all the feckin stretching in the world is not going to do a dam to sort that hamstring of yours out.

Think of it like this - if you had a piece of rope and you tied a knot in it in the centre of the rope and pull on either end. Does the knot go away? NO!!!! It gets smaller but in the end it will NEVER go away UNLESS you get it massaged with someone who is going to pummel the crap out of it until that knot breaks down.

I teach yoga so i have seen it time and again that all the stretching and strengthening is great but it aint going to eliminate the problem.

Where are you living/based as people here can give you recommendations on who to see with regards to weekly sessions for 4-6 weeks to break that problem down.

Growth spurts have bugger all to do with it as i have clients who bring their kids to workouts (to join in) and most have terrible flexibility because they stretch for 5mins and think thats enough.

Solution - deep tissue massage (ART preferably), foam rolling yourself and then stretching and strengthing.

Colm_OReilly

Speaking of which can anyone recommend a good ART in Dublin?

hardtrainer

It really sounds like you just have a lot of scar tissue built up in your hamstrings from years of injuries and failing to properly address the issues at the time. You should see your physio (or change physio if your own is not helping!) and look for some deep tissue work and ultrasound to break up the scar tissue that is hampering your recovery. All the stretching in the world is not going to help if you have knots and scarring deep in your hamstring and your hamstring ligaments.

Jonny303

brianthebard wrote: »

the first problem I see in your post is that you never rehabbed properly-you need to go back to the beginning, talk to a good sports therapist and see what they recommend.
The second thing is trying to understand why its been happening. You say that extended reach is what causes the problem but I've been told by a medical professional that most are not caused like this-again you need to talk to a therapist.
A third thing to consider is what you are doing to warm up before a match, perhaps its lots of static stretches which may not be suited to preparing for a match.

cheers for the reply.

Yea, first re-hab was c**k. strappd 2 an ultrsound 4 x amout of time n sent on my way. changed physio since then, had so much deep tissue work, hours of teeth clenching while its been worked on.

One slight concern that was made with me was that i somehow wasnt engaging my glutes totally, and this was putting too much stress on the hammers. It sounded odd to me, but took her word for it and worked on this aswel.

always do a dynamic warm up, weather its gym, training or a game.

Transform

other factors are weak core and not engaging glutes properly which is also linked at times to very tight pififormis muscle.

Seriously need to just go to someone thats close to you and get a proper program and treatment. Doing some exercises is just not going to help.

For ART - Doug Leonard 087-9805496, based near beacon hotel/hospital in sandyford.

Reyman

Transform wrote: »

Look man its realllllllly simple - all the feckin stretching in the world is not going to do a dam to sort that hamstring of yours out.

Think of it like this - if you had a piece of rope and you tied a knot in it in the centre of the rope and pull on either end. Does the knot go away? NO!!!! It gets smaller but in the end it will NEVER go away UNLESS you get it massaged with someone who is going to pummel the crap out of it until that knot breaks down.

I teach yoga so i have seen it time and again that all the stretching and strengthening is great but it aint going to eliminate the problem.

Where are you living/based as people here can give you recommendations on who to see with regards to weekly sessions for 4-6 weeks to break that problem down.

Growth spurts have bugger all to do with it as i have clients who bring their kids to workouts (to join in) and most have terrible flexibility because they stretch for 5mins and think thats enough.

Solution - deep tissue massage (ART preferably), foam rolling yourself and then stretching and strengthing.

Good post Transform! I reckon 'kinks' in the muscle after injury are a major part of the problem with rehabilitation. My physio always told me to do self massage until I really felt it and then stretch the area afterwards

duffman08

where can you get the foam rollers??

Reyman

duffman08 wrote: »

where can you get the foam rollers??

Try here:

www.physioneeds.ie

Roper

It's not telling you to stop, just telling you you've been stupid and asking you to put it right please, before it really breaks.

Good advice above, I'd second getting a professional opinion from a real bonified sports physio who works with sportsmen.

TKD SC

Transform wrote: »

For ART - Doug Leonard 087-9805496, based near beacon hotel/hospital in sandyford.

Hi,

What is the main difference between ART and regular physio / an osteopath?

Thanks,

Simon

duffman08

i've searched that physio site and cant seem to find a foam roller on it, has anyone else found one???

Roper

try mcsport.ie

eclectichoney

I have to chime in and say I've been doing foam rolling for about 6 months now and notice I get way less problems with my calf tbh, so I'd recommend taking the time, it's worth it!

brianthebard

Roper wrote: »

try mcsports.ie

At what stage do you stop being a smart arse and start being a troll? Just out of curiousity loike.

Reyman

duffman08 wrote: »

i've searched that physio site and cant seem to find a foam roller on it, has anyone else found one???

If it's not on the site the shop is down in Ringsend. They're very helpful - give them a call: +353.1.6602 808

Roper

The URL in my last post is wrong, there's no s in it. http://www.mcsport.ie/

brianthebard wrote: »

At what stage do you stop being a smart arse and start being a troll? Just out of curiousity loike.

Smart arse eh?

If you have a problem with me not agreeing with you all the time then there's always a report button, or an ignore button, or face to face contact.

brianthebard

It seemed like a smart arse comment, of the type were people stick Mc before a word, like Mchouse. I was wrong, sorry. Doesn't mean you should make threats though.

smashey

Roper and brianthebard,

Chill.

Both of you.

Roper

brianthebard wrote: »

It seemed like a smart arse comment, of the type were people stick Mc before a word, like Mchouse. I was wrong, sorry. Doesn't mean you should make threats though.

Who threatened anyone? I just think it's funny how people think they can basically insult people on the internet by calling them things like smart arse, but probably wouldn't say a word face to face with them. My comment wasn't asking you to come and have a go, just to be polite and don't say anything that you wouldn't say to me face to face, or to anyone else face to face for that matter. As people who've met me will attest, I'm pretty much the exact same when you meet me as I am "online".

Smashey I will "chill", although I think that it was 1999 when I was last asked to do that

smashey

Roper wrote: »

Smashey I will "chill", although I think that it was 1999 when I was last asked to do that

I was thinking more of 1989.

Transform

Transform wrote: »

Solution - deep tissue massage (ART preferably), foam rolling yourself and then stretching and strengthing.

Good idea, what's ART?

Transform

Active release therapy - ART.

Differs from physio in many ways and is better explained here -

http://www.activerelease.com/what_patients.asp

The only problem i have with physios is that they at times have only one or two tools in their tool box to fix your problem whereas i think ART can provide a quicker though at times harder road to recovery.

The quality of you muscles determines the quality of your performance/recovery/progress in all types of training.

Providers in ireland -
http://www.activerelease.com/providerSearch.asp?searchType=city&intCountryId=9&intStateId=105&strCity=

Its not THE way to recovery is just A way. Osteo, physio, acupuncture etc might all work well for others. All i really care about is the quickest way so find what works best for you.

Roper

Heard good things about tight muscles and ART, not so good about joints. Mixed reviews in other words but I'll reserve judgment until I get it done sometime.

Cheers for the info Transform, seems like a nice addition to the pack!

Benny Cake

Jonny303 wrote: »

Rite,

rugby season that started with a torn right hamstring (out 4 8 weeks) to my first game back which ended up with boney bruising (another 8-10 weeks out)
had a good 6 weeks on, and now left hammy has just packed it in.

Ive done both hamstrings in previous years quite badly, and i no that at least on one ive basically a hole in ona them where it was never re-habed properly and is a sort of week spot. Ive worked very hard on my flexibility, and on strength, with a mixture of bridgeing and other weight bearing exercises (good mornings ect) n for it 2 go again has just hit me like a tonne of bricks.

Anyone had similar problems and found any good soloutions?

It all seems to stem back to when i was around 15, and a big growth spurt led to me being described my an experienced physio as possibly the tightest hamstrings shed ever seen.

Like i said, i really have worked hard flexibility wise and strength.

Im 20 and 6'2.

Other side question is, if i do go ahead and pack in the rugby, i was considering taking up rowing instead. Anyone experienced hamstring problems with rowing (i no they would be under huge strain, but its not that that seams to give me the trouble, its more of an extended kick or an extended reach when they seem to go)

Might not have made myself too clear here, but any advise for a f###ing pissed off depressd lad is welcome

Man, I feel your pain..... I'm in a similar boat myself, play GAA/soccer/rugby, last season was a complete disaster, started out doing ligaments in my left ankle, back from that a week and got a stoney bruise in my foot (they hurt like a b*tch by the way!!!) throw in a torn hamstring and a reoccurance of the ankle injury and to say i was depressed is an understatement. Have to say I was at a pretty low ebb since so much of my life revolved around sport....... Anyway during the summer a mate of mine who is a physio reccomended I change my preseason from the usual gym + run the sh*t out of myself routine to a Triathlon type training routine. Since September I have been training like a triathlete and have never felt better, the variation is great and I have found the swimming and cycling provide an aerobic level of fitness that running alone could never give me. I reckon the fact that 2/3 of my training is now "impact free" has helped my body no end. I'm looking forward to the GAA preseason which starts in Feb - hopefully this season is more enjoyable than last years!!

TKD SC

Thanks for that.

Query on ART and whether it may be for particular injury I have:

Have this shoulder problem, whereby it clicks / grinds / pops doing certain movements or other times also. Doesn't stop me doing sports at all, but does tend to wake me up couple nights a week with a pain. Have now had it for 3 years. No real cause as to why I got this.

Been to osteopath, acupuncturist and couple of physios. All promising to fix it but none actually succeeding!

What is it have gone from rotator cuff tendonitis, muscle knots, scapula dysfunction, unstable shoulder. Have done all the exercises I was meant to do. Final word from last physio was to have an MRI to rule out any labral involvement or slap lesion.

Haven't got around to booking the mri yet.

Don't really want to spend more money on treatment as none has worked. Do you think ART would be something that might actually work? Wouldn't like to be told, "yeh I'll def fix you in 4/5 weeks", as has happened me before, only for no improvement to occur. Therefore, would ART work at all in one session? The guy in S'Ford would be handy enough for me from work, so not sure if I should give it a go incase it's something that can be fixed, or just get the MRI.

Any thoughts would be great! PS, not looking for medical advise!

Many thanks,

Simon

Racing Flat

TKD SC wrote: »

Final word from last physio was to have an MRI to rule out any labral involvement or slap lesion.

Haven't got around to booking the mri yet.

Best thing you could do is find out what is wrong. While not definitive the MRI is your best chance of this. If there turns out to be a labral tear, you can then weigh up conservative and surgical options. And having the MRI scan or the results to take the ART person, osteopath or physiotherapist will make things easier for them, ie point them in the right direction in terms of treatment.

BTW not everything can be fixed. For some structural damage, you've just got to make do - improve the remaining intact tissues as much as possible (through exercise) but looking for a 'fix' might not be realistic, depending on the problem. Best of luck.

qt9ukbg60ivjrn

hi Op,

I feel your pain!

just read this whole thread

I've had problem after problem for about 6 years, i seem to manage a good run of maybe 3 months and then something else comes up and I'm out for 8 or 9 months. I'm a fairly athletic person but my body just can't seem to cope with what I do

I've gone to loads of different physio around dublin,

Blackrock clinic
southside physio
beacon hospital clinic

and about 3 other independent places


all saying different things

Arched feet, spinal misalignment, I'm over using my hamstrings, I'm not using my glutes when I run, blah blah blah,

I've spent a ridiculous amount of money on treatment, absolutely ridiculous amount

I've always told myself that sports is the most important thing in life but to my disgustthis feeling is lessening. This is mainly because of the psychological effect of constant injuries. I start off being annoyed, then very depressed, then I just can't stand it anymore so I dont' care

Currently I have a problem with my knee. It started clicking after playing a mess game of football with my friends back in August. Played a week later and the clicking got worse. Waited 6 weeks, ice, blah blah, did a few strengthening excercises and still the problem is getting worse. Went to the pysio, did what I was told bu the problem persisted.

I also have something wrong in the joint in my big toe on the other leg. (It just doesn't ****ing end!)

Went to a consultant, got a cortizone injection in my toe. It cost 300 and something, I also meet him 3 times, each costing 150. Add on an x-ray and an MRI.

The injection wore off after 6 weeks. I haven't gone back to him because he told me at the time of getting the injection that if the problem persists, he'll give it another injection. I konow that that won't help. Honestly I think if the consultant just cut that bastard open he'd know exactly what is wrong but I'm not a doctor so my opinion doesn't count.

Anyway, I haven't moved faster than walking pace since August of last year. I'm in my early 20's and I can't run! Its a depressing thought but it doesn't get me down anymore.

I haven't offered any advice in this whole post because I can't give you any. Just my thoughts

Just wrote this cause it feels good to get stuff out and cause i've never put all this into my mind at once

Someone can go to one place for treatment and come out fine, another can go into the same place and come out still injured. To me it just seems like luck.

I'm not sure if there is anywhere around that gives good solid treatment. This pesimistic view is brought on because of the constantly contradicting advice I've been told by several different 'professionals'.

good luck

TKD SC

Racing Flat wrote: »

Best thing you could do is find out what is wrong. While not definitive the MRI is your best chance of this. If there turns out to be a labral tear, you can then weigh up conservative and surgical options. And having the MRI scan or the results to take the ART person, osteopath or physiotherapist will make things easier for them, ie point them in the right direction in terms of treatment.

BTW not everything can be fixed. For some structural damage, you've just got to make do - improve the remaining intact tissues as much as possible (through exercise) but looking for a 'fix' might not be realistic, depending on the problem. Best of luck.

Thanks for that. Yeh, was thinking this afternoon I must just org that MRI and hopefully will at least know better what is wrong. Personally it feels like a type of impingement, and if I get my hand in and sort of "lift" the acromion (or the part of bone that juts out over shoulder) and move my arm the weird clicking sensation does stop. My shoulder seems to slope down more on that side, so its as if the whole bone structure needs to be lifted up a couple of milimeters or something..

ANyway, thanks for the reply and I'll get that MRI first so. I haven't accepted yet that it can't be fixed, but I hear what you're saying. I think if I knew exactly what was wrong from the mri and knew then it couldn't be fixed, I'd be more accepting about it.

Cheers

Simon