Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Chiropractors & Creepers

Do you know what helps running? Getting professional help for an injury. Since May 18, I have been dealing with this sore hip/butt leg thing, and since I was cheap/stubborn/in denial, I figured I could just run through it or treat it using advice from the always accurate Google and web md. Now in some cases, that might actually work. But this pain wasn't going away (but, thank goodness, not getting any worse). So I finally bit the bullet and made an appointment with a chiropractor.

I chose a chiropractor for a couple of reasons. 1. I had never been to one before and like trying new things 2. This one was really close by and in my network for insurance 3. She was also an athlete so would *hopefully* understand that I wanted to keep training 4. Chiropractors typically cost less than a PT and I have a small deductible on my insurance plan.

So. The chiropractor was much different than I thought. I was expecting a 20 visit treatment plan and getting cracked and adjusted all down my back. Not quite the case... I had to do some lunges, walk on my toes, get my legs moved around, etc. The verdict? I have a crazy tight hip flexor and weak glutes. She gave me a bunch of stretches and strengthening exercises to do, and also adjusted my low back/hips. I've been there three times, and have one last appointment this Friday. So, fingers crossed that with some consistency with the stretching/strengthening, the pain will go away.

My favorite of the exercises:

http://ce-fit.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/1leg-bal-reach.jpg
Single leg squat
Hip flexor stretch


pigeon stretch

Because of the leg/hip/butt thing my running has been sporadic at best. I've been doing about 5 miles a day, 3-5 days per week. The Tuesday Track workouts have all but stopped since my workout buddies have been busy and I've been dealing with this pain. I'm really optimistic that my leg will feel good enough to get some good quality running in by the ten mile in October.

Non running related:

Mr. B and I put in a Pet Peek for Rodgy! He loves staring at the other dogs on their walks. What a little creeper.

Also, our new house is just two blocks away from a delicious, family owned and (best of all) cheap bakery. Mr. B surprised me one morning with some goodies:

I was too excited by the treats to care about taking a good picture.