I try really hard not to whine and complain on my blog. Especially when I am fighting a long-term battle with something. That said, I’ve been in an epic battle with my body over its willingness to run. If you’ve been reading for a while you have probably noticed how little running and racing I’m doing these days. It’s not because of lack of want but because I’m still struggling with injury and pain. Check out this post for a complete background on my running and injury history.
I love lots of different forms of working out and being active but running is the thing that made me really love working out regularly. Although I try to redirect my attention to other activities – yoga, CrossFit, strength training – I am really frustrated that I cannot run the way that I want to. I’ve pretty much come to terms that my marathon days are over but it breaks my heart. I wish more than anything that I could train and run pain-free but it’s just not reality. It’s been over two years since I’ve run the Marine Corps Marathon and I have struggled with pain in my right hip ever since. I don’t understand why it hasn’t improved given my reduction in running and focus on yoga, strength, massage, etc. I feel stronger and more flexible than I’ve ever felt in my life but my hip just seems to get worse and worse. Also, I had my running gate analyzed in-depth during my CrossFit Endurance Seminar and there is no reason from a technique standpoint that I should hurt the way I do.
Yesterday I reached the point where I couldn’t squat without pain not only in my hip but also in my low back. That is not okay. I immediately called my chiropractor and went in to see him. As predicted, my pelvis was misaligned causing the increase in pain in my hip and the pain on the right side of my low back and even up into the right side of my neck. It’s crazy how everything is connected. He got it fixed for now and the pain has been alleviated but it’s not permanent. I have to decide where to go from here.
I’m committing to taking care of this. I’m going to see my chiropractor regularly, do a consult with a physical therapist to get corrective exercises and get serious about mobility work. This is a manageable situation but it will take dedication and patience on my part. I don’t just want to give up on doing everything I love because of this issue.
So in the spirit of “say it, do it,” I’m telling you now that December is going to be all about mobility and rehab. Foam rolling, release work, stretching, strengthening. I’m going to tie it into the blog and do a series of posts about mobility work. We’ll talk about foam rolling, working with things like lacrosse balls and tennis balls for myofascial release, yoga for runners, strength/stability exercises for runners, etc.
Who’s joining me?
i was just going to ask you if you could do a post on foam rolling!! i know its important but im not really sure what to do with those stirofoam things.
Yay! While I am NOT happy you are having so many issues with your hip, I am glad to see some posts related to these things. I tend to suffer from plantar fasciitis in my left foot…and while it is much better than it used to be, (knock on wood), it still flares up from time to time when I increase mileage and/or run hills. Running is awesome..but man, it is hard on the bod.
I’m absolutely in. I had to drop out of the Thunder Road Half last month and am still having pain. So frustrating…I feel your pain! Literally!
I am with you! Funny – I get a ‘knot’ feeling deep in my right hip/glute off and on – and it has been flaring up again in the last week. Time to bust out the tennis ball, but I’m looking forward to more from you on increasing mobility.
P.S. I’ve been wanting to get a foam roller, but with so many types, etc., I’ve been at a loss as to which would be best to begin with so I’ve just been sticking with the ol Wilson tennis ball. 🙂
Have you checked out dry needling? My co-worker (avid runner/marathoner) did it and went from not being able to run more than 5 to running the TR Half this year with a PR. She went to Presbyterian Rehabilitation Center in Huntersville – 704-316-5500. Good luck!
Whew, I definitely feel your pain girl. I went through the same thing only my injury was both my IT bands for about 6 months. I honestly tried everything I could think of and it just wasn’t getting better. It’s so frustrating because when you really want to run and you can’t you kind of go a little stir crazy…or at least I did! Finally after months and months and frustration it went away in both knees! Sometimes things just work themselves out, but I think that’s a great idea to go to the Dr. and PT to work on different solutions and try to get better! I really hope your hip gets better so you can run!
I’m with you Jen! I need to see a chiropractor about my hips as well. I find they are believably tight/sore during the winter and not during the warmer months so I’m ready to do lots of foam rolling.
Oh man, I’m sorry to hear this, Jen! I know how frustrating injuries can be when you want to GO! Have you tried seeing a sports/athletic PT? They may have a different insight into what’s causing it….on the bright side, at least it is getting into winter, so the bad weather may lessen your desire to get outdoors.
I’m a fairly new reader so I apologize if this has been ruled out…have you had an MRI taken on your hip? Has torn/damage cartiledge in your hip been ruled out?
I second this – I had excruciating hip pain last year which I thought was a hip flexor strain. I stopped running, really focused on yoga with lots of pigeon pose. My chiro treated me with active release/massage/Graston techniques but it did t help. Finally I got an MRI and it revealed a labral tear in my right hip, which is the cartilage lining the hip socket. This injury never heals on its own, and is only fixed with surgery – BUT after resting for a month of NO activity the inflammation went down and I was able to start PT focusing on strengthening my glutes/outer hips/core to hopefully help alleviate pressure on my hip socket. When I was allowed to start running again, I worked on changing my stride to be a total midfoot strike which also lessens the impact on the hip. It’s been a long road, but all my hard work paid off and I’ve managed to avoid surgery AND run my 5th marathon post diagnosis. There’s always a chance it gets worse and ill end up having the surgery, but for now I’m glad I could avoid it!
I would definitely look into an MRI, and who knows maybe its nothing but its always good to know.
I third this!!!
One of my best girlfriends is a remarkable long-time triathlete and marathoner and began experiencing pain in her hip in January. She went to a chiropractor and physical therapist for manipulation, ART, strenghening exercises and massage but was still in pain 6 months later. She finally went to an orthopedic specialist who ordered x-rays and an MRI that revealed torn ligaments and a stress fracture. She won’t need surgery, but she definitely wouldn’t have healed without the proper diagnoses and prescribed rest.
Personally, I was just diagnosed with a torn meniscus and distal femur fracture after finally seeing an orthopedist. I lived and exercised with pain, weakness and decreased mobility for years and years (and had to give up running two years ago) and was misdiagnosed with patella-femoral and ITB syndromes by chiropractors, PTs and non-ortho MDs several times. Guess what, shoe inserts, stretching and foam rolling didn’t help or cure my pain and tightness, and in fact my continued exercising and foam rolling only made the problem worse. My meniscal tear requires surgery, and my femur is rotated, lengthened, mis-shaped and wreaking havoc on my knee join and tibia. Now that I have a proper diagnosis thanks to x-rays and an MRI, I can finally proceed with curative treatment and a pain-free future. It will require downtime, but better now than when I’m 50 or 60 with injury-induced knee arthritis and brittle, non-operable bones.
As the others said, your pain may not be indicative of anything more serious than what you’re already treating, but PLEASE see an orthopedist and get imaging studies done. There’s no legitimate reason you should continue to experience pain and tightness, and although chiropractors and PTs are great for some things (my best friend is a PT), they can only treat with educated guesses based on symptoms, not hard facts (images).
You have just captured the story of the last 15+ years for me. I fell in love with running in high school and have battled injuries (mostly stress fractures) ever since. I ran my last marathon in 2006 and ever since, it seems I haven’t been able to go more than a few months at a time without some major debilitating injury sidelining me for several months at minimum. During those brief interludes of running, I’m able to run and run well, which makes it all the more frustrating to have to stop again. (For example, I’ve been battling a wicked case of plantar fasciitis since June and was able to run a 20:41 5K in November based almost entirely on CrossFit training and virtually no running, but now I’m on the DL again.) 🙁 Despite all the setbacks and urging from my doctors to take up cycling or some other sport, I keep coming back to running. Even though it seems to break my heart every time. It’s a part of who I AM, and I haven’t been able to let that go.
seeing a PT could really help. especially when it seems you have exhausted all other options (and tried everything). do not say your marathon days are over! NEVER say never!
i’m running my last marathon for awhile this sat. after that, i’m focusing on ST and reduced mileage. i need a break 🙂
I’m really looking forward to more posts on mobility! I’m only running 25-30 miles/week, and I have this intermittent hamstring or hip or IT band pain (same leg – seems to travel!). If I keep it sloooooow, then it’s okay, but I want to be faster and I miss my intervals! But yoga tonight and daily foam-rolling and stretching. Well, I’m trying for daily.
Count me in. This time of year, I really try to cut down on running and do more yoga and strength training. I’m really injury prone, too. Running isn’t an option for me unless I’m committed to the regimen you describe – the foam roller and the soft ball are a must. 🙂 I’m looking forward to your posts about it!
I love your foam rolling post and I have sent it to a couple friends. I have also noticed a nagging pain in my hip flexor and I have drastically cut back my running in the past two weeks with hopes it will subside. I will definitely take the challenge to stretch, foam roll, and strength train to prevent/heal injury. Great call to action!
Jen, I am in! I feel your pain for sure. I started training for my first marathon in July. In August, I began feeling a lot of IT band pain. A week of rest cured the pain in my IT band but the pain progressed over to my right knee in September. And it hasn’t subsided since. Needless to say, I did not get to run that marathon. I have been in PT for over a month and am not seeing much progress. And to add insult to injury (literally?), I woke up with an ankle sprain OUT OF NOWHERE on Saturday and now have a swollen ankle. I am with you for extra stretching, foam rolling, and anything else that will get me back running soon. Get better!
You should try dry needling. I am a 10-time marathon runner and had to give up running for almost a year because of IT band issues. I got dry needling at Presbyterian Hospital Huntersville rehab and I was able to run three half marathons this fall injury-free with a good finish time! Good luck.
I’m in! I loved your foam rolling posts, and I’ve been thinking of asking you for a good post-run stretching routine as I find I’ve become super lazy about it and just never know if I’m stretching everything I should be anyway. No injuries for me, but I definitely feel like I’m at a point where focusing on stretching will improve my running. Sounds like your timing on this one couldn’t be better for lots of readers!
I struggle with the SAME issue. Almost didn’t run the NYC Marathon last year bc I had to take off a month from running. But I saw my chiropractor 4 days before, and RAN it. Yoga has really been helping my hip. I think I have incredibly tight hip flexors and weak obliques and L3. I’m with you!
I am in! I MUST get my few aches and pains worked out this month! I start training for Boston in January and have some lofty racing goals for 2013.
Sounds awesome! Yoga has helped me so much with running, but I definitely neglect the foam rolling, and additional stretching required after long runs. Good for you for recognizing the problem and doing something about it. Looking forward to these upcoming posts!
My desire to run has been completely lacking since the marathon and I’m not going to force myself to run if I don’t feel like it, bc then it will feel like a chore. I know the desire will come back one day (I think??) but until then I’m loving yoga and strength training!
This will be so helpful for me! I am going to be starting my first half marathon training in a few weeks.
Count me in! I’ve been dealing with a nagging foot injury since October that put a halt to my half-marathon training. So, I’ve gotten reacquainted with my yoga mat practicing at home 🙂
not being able to run is one of the most frustrating things to deal with. its upsetting when your body doesn’t work they way you want it to. and i absolutely love running. its my favorite form of exercise and stress relief. i feel so empowered when i can run long distances and beat my PR. my right ankle has given me trouble for many years and most of the time i just fight through the pain and keep going; but i know this can’t be good! looking forward to your upcoming posts. i recently signed up for two different yoga classes so i’m hoping that will help.
I am in! I have the same exact issue, except it’s my left hip. I LOVE running and I refuse to stop even though I get hip pain. I also have knee aches that lead to runners knee… but I try to believe that they will go away eventually. I could use some mobility work, for sure. I am training for Boston marathon and hoping I stay healthy. Although, I have a feeling after this marathon, I am going to have to stick to shorter distances.
I hear you on the injury front. I have piriformis syndrome in my left hip that I haven’t been able to heal for almost two years! PT didn’t help at all and even three months off of running! And now, I sprained my ankle. Yeesh.
Looking forward to the posts Jen!
My husband is a chiropractor and I know he would recommend regular adjustments for you. He has a massage therapist in his office that uses Pfrimmer massage. It’s a deep tissue technique that uses a cross-fiber treatment. I have struggled with knee, hip and low back pain related to previous knee surgeries. PT, adjustments and massage are what allow me to run today. Be patient with yourself and your body and try to enjoy the runs your body will allow.
Also wanted you to know that my husband has used your foam rolling videos for some of his patients. I know it takes more time for you to put that together but it is MUCH appreciated and often used.
I am in!! I went to the chiropractor on Monday. I have struggled with hip pain in my left hip for about 6 years. I drastically reduced my running and go to yoga six times a week. It still hurts. I am tired of it being a constant. I can’t wait to follow your lead!
I’m a long time local reader of your blog although I’ve never posted. I wholeheartedly agree that this December will be all about rehab and recovery. I fractured my hip this summer while training for a marathon and my body just hasn’t been the same since. After a stint on crutches and months of limited mobility, I’m back to running, although slowly and creakily. However, this opportunity (yes, i will call it an opportunity! not an injury) has helped me re-dedicate myself to my yoga practice as well as focus on other aspects of my life with a renewed dedication. Good luck with your rehab and hopefully we can all bring in the new year healthy and happy!
Girl. I have had a femoral neck stress fracture AND a hip stress reaction (different hips) in my short 3 years of running. I’ve gone to my chiropractor regularly for 8 years or so, but it wasn’t until I added Rolfing that I got any relief. Rolfing has been a miracle for me. I also have alignment issues due to a car accident 25 years ago, and Rolfing gets into the fascia and truly makes a long term difference (versus chiro which has to be done every week or so for me to stay straight, literally). I went from being unable to run 1 mile on the treadmill to running 63 miles in November, my highest monthly total ever. I’m running my 2nd half in january. I cannot recommend this to you enough. It’s expensive, but for me it has been worth every penny, because it truly is a long term solution–a real realignment of your body.
I hear ya sister! I’m in the same boat. I have a sever stress fracture on my tibia and am sidelined from running for 6 to 9 months. I was training for my 3rd marathon in January (Charleston SC!) and was dx with injury 2 months ago. It has been so hard! I have taken up pool running (google it!) Jennifer Aniston does it too and it’s been great! I also do yoga, spinning and barre. Although I miss running so much, I am thankful that my body is allowing me to do other things. Feel for you and thinking of you. I, too, ran Marine Corps in 2010 and actually saw you in the race, which is how I found you. We, runners, must stick together! xoxo
You may want to also see someone who has an advanced degree in Kinesiology and Human Performance and Recreation (Exercise Science) and also does athletic training. A friend’s husband has been training for a marathon and did dry needles and a host of other things for 6 months – none of which worked. He finally visited an athletic trainer at the local college, and has been feeling much better.
The timing of this post could not have been better! I started running in the 8th grade to train for our community Turkey Trot. I had never been very athletic before, so I wanted to surprise my family by actually RUNNING the race! Once I got over the initial “OMG I’m going to DIE” feeling, I was hooked! However, a few years later, while conditioning for track in high school, I developed a stress fracture in my right hip and had to stop running. 5 years later, I can walk without much pain, but I don’t know if I’ll ever run again.
In the mean time, I discovered a love for cycling, swimming, resistance training (esp. Body Pump!), yoga, and Pilates and worked out injury-free until this past summer, when I strained my right rotator cuff and also developed tendonitis in my knees. Now, as I recover from these injuries and also deal with some other health issues, my workout routine has been reduced to Pilates 3x/week and a little bit of deep water running. (To the commenter above, I’m so glad to know Jennifer Aniston also does this…I always feel a little silly with a floaty wrapped around my waist! 😉 )
I’m trying to stay positive, but some days I just want to ask the universe, “Why me?” So as much as I hate to know that you are struggling with injury as well, I would love to learn more about stretching, foam rolling, and other things I can do while injured to keep me sane and restore my body back to health. Count me in!
Jen-
I am so on board for this segment! I finished my first marathon a few weeks ago and am having lingering knee and hip pain. So frustrating when your mind and heart are saying GO but your knee is saying NO!
All the best throughout your healing process!
Oh, I feel your pain!!! I have not been able to run the amount I wanted since a nasty bout with achilles tendonitis when i was in college. I ended up having the scar tissue cleaned out enough to run, but if I run more than 3 days/ week or 5 miles at a stretch it acts up. I’ve done everything as far as treatment, rehab, etc, but bottom line — my achilles just wasn’t made for high mileage.
I’ve made peace with it (i’m now in my 40s with 3 kids), but it still bugs me sometimes. Especially since when you are a parent it is hard to find time to exercise and running is so efficient!! So I end up doing a yoga podcast a few days a week before work in the mornings.
Anyway – good luck. I know how hard it is to be limited!
Sounds like a rehab plan! I will be waiting for your post on yoga for runners!
Reading the above responses helps as I too rehab from knee and IT band issues. I can’t seem to train for more than a half marathon without some injury which is usually on my right side. I’ve done all of the precautionary techniques with slow increases in weekly distance and speed. I’m coming to grips with never running a marathon (life does go on it seems). But since this is the only place where I can complain about my running and injury issues, I’m looking forward to rehab and mobility tips. I am wondering if any of your readers has a similar experience with an issue I have after long, hard runs. This happens almost after every half that I run, especially if I’m running at a faster pace. I experience pain right above both and across my hips. After my last race I was almost in tears from the pain 6 hours later. There were no stress fractures but someone mentioned psoas. Anyone familiar with this?
Jen, I’m new to the Charlotte area, and I’m looking for a good chiropractor! I have never been to one, but have decided that I need to go…I have a degenerative herniated disc from an accident I was in a few years ago, and I have pretty much constant pain that I manage with exercise and yoga. I think a chiropractor could help as well! Could you recommend the one you go to?
I’m really looking forward to your posts on this topic!
Wow. It’s really shocking how many of us are going through this. I’ve loved running since middle school and have been fighting an unknown injury in my left hip that has limited me to running only one day a week so I’ve had to improvise. I miss the feel of a good run so much but I’ve also committed to finding out what it is,..I’m on my second doctor and rounds of MRIs….and healing it correctly. I am so in! Go girl.
Let me start by saying I do really enjoy your blog! 🙂 I rarely comment on any blog but this is something I’m really passionate about (I am in my final year of physical therapy graduate school).
I am really glad you are going to see a physical therapist. I would also caution in believing everything chiropractic says. Mainstream chiropractic is based on subluxation theory which has never been proven and science/evidence-based research indicates is false. You are right in saying how everything is connected, even the way your foot hits the ground can alter the mechanics of your hip and the mechanics of the rest of your body. That said an ‘adjustment’ is unlikely to give you any long lasting results (this is my problem with chiropractors, they are going to tell you that you need to come in for multiple adjustments they have no scientific evidence to back up). The alignment of the hip is influenced by many factors including muscle strength, biomechanics and flexibility- doing an ‘adjustment’ will not change any of those factors (PT’s are trained in joint mobilization and manipulation, it is generally indicated to improve joint mobility). However by strengthening and improving flexibility in the specific muscles that are tight and/or weakened someone has a much better chance of having long term improvement. Unfortunately, sometimes no matter what we do our bodies and injuries seem to enjoy antagonizing us. The fact that you’ve stayed so active in other activities is really inspiring!
I apologize if I’ve offended anyone with my opinions on chiropractic, it was not my intention- I’ve been increasingly frustrated by their lack of evidence-based practice and all of the pseudoscience I’ve seen propagated by the profession as a whole.
I am in! My box doesn’t even have foam rollers (okay they have one), we use PVC pipe… ahhh, brutal but totally worth it. Good luck with your rehab and running! As long as you keep eating Peanut Butter I say the blog name can stay 😉
While I’m really sorry that you have to deal with this. I’m very thankful that you are willing to take a negative and share your journey of rehabbing it and sharing it with us. I look to learn as I have an IT Band problem that likes to flare up now and then. I dealt seriously with it 2 years ago and thankfully it hasn’t been back.
The last two months I’ve taken a break from running and instead focused on working with trainer 2xweek and going to fitness classes. I realized recently that I just don’t hurt like I did when I was running consistently. I usually felt aches in my knees. Some people say it’s just a fact of running but I can’t just accept pain! Looking to getting back into running more this month as my training sessions are coming to an end. Looking forward to following along with your mobility posts!
Hi Jen,
First love your blog. You motivate me all the time! I was going through the same thing. Low back pain and hip pain. I have a really active job so i just thought it was aches and pains from my field. I struggled with it for four years! Long story short, I tore the labrum in my right hip. I had it repaired and I am currently on the road to recovery. I am doing MAT, Pilates and these days just walking. And ofcourse I live for my foam roller! I am determined to get back to maybe not where I was but as close as I can! I really want to try Yoga. I love all your posts from recipes, fitness, Sullie to life struggles. I’m right there with you!!!!
I’m excited about this new focus! I’m training for my first marathon and have recently hit a point where several little injuries are popping up. I’m trying to focus on foam rolling and stretching…but it really just isn’t fun or a priority for me. If it is a focus here it will be on my mind more, and I can make it more of a focus at home. Looking forward to it!
ME! I hurt my hamstring a year ago because of a tight left hip flexor and was in PT until it was no longer covered by insurance. I need to be better about foam rolling each night, stretching, and doing my strength exercises both morning and night (and drinking a ton of water)! I’m abroad now so these are my only tools for continued recovery, but it’s pretty frustrating that it’s been a year already and I still have aches and pains.
In! I struggle with flexibility issues and would love to see posts on flexibility, strength training and stretching! I never know if I’m stretching correctly -and sometimes I just don’t take the time to do it. Your foam rolling tutorials have been so helpful too!
I am absolutely more than looking forward to your posts on your recovery from nagging/lingering injuries and pain. I used to consider myself a runner and have always had a deep love/hate with it. However, due to chronic hip issues that included two stress fractures and a constant deep tightness that borders on painful, it’s more of a love – as in I’d LOVE to be able to run again. Definitely let us know how you do with your mobility and long-term pain management!
I am right there with you. I am going to a PT next week and my coach has mobility work built into my training plan. I hope you get some good news! I know how devastating it can be to be forcibly removed from something you enjoy.
You might try finding a therapist who is trained in active release therapy (PT or chiro usually). I found that this treatment was effective in treating long term injuries that failed to respond to any other type of treatment. Your injuries, invisible and difficult to diagnose, are just what this therapeutic mode addresses.
Also, nominated you for the Leibster Award on my blog! xo
Earlier this year I transitioned from regular shoes to running in vibrams. After the initial adjustment phase I am now running pain/injury free!
I am very excited about this! I also struggle with pain in my hips.
I’m in too! The foam roller lives in the middle of my living room along with his friends, the stick and PVC pipe for when you need just a bit more than foam!
I wish you luck in your healing efforts. One thing no one has mentioned that I think is extremely pertinent is a lack of regular rest days. Resting our bodies is SO important. It is the single most important day in your workout week. Without it, our bodies never have a chance to heal from all the tearing down that we do on every other day. I love exercising too, but I ALWAYS take a rest day. Fridays are my day to come home from work, skip the gym/running/whatever, and go have cocktails w/ friends. It is my reward for every other day of the week that I’ve worked out. It is a great treat and my body loves me for it. We all know, but it’s so hard to follow: over training is one of the most common reasons for chronic pain/injury. Everyone who reads this blog is probably at risk – as evidenced by the many comments on this post. Our bodies are not meant to be regularly pushed to their limits without letting them recuperate. Let’s use our knowledge and take care of ourselves!
I am dealing with serious right hip pain at the moment as well…pain shoots into my back and hip flexor. I am trying to convince myself reasons why I should’t see a doc (I am training for a half and am 99% sure he’ll tell me to back off training) I too think my problem is possibly coming from misalignment, so I look forward to reading your posts about this. Thank you!