Nagging Injuries

chopnatshow

In December I turned 51.  Last September 9th I completed my first Ironman distance race, IMWI.  I completed the race in spite of my first case of plantar faciitis.  To my great surprise, I stopped running for 6 to 7 weeks during the peak of the training block over the summer / fall and still finished the race-- though it took me a long time.  

I am attempting the OS, and I am bugged by nagging minor injuries.  I don't weight train often.  When I do, I use light weight and high reps.  Some weeks ago I injured my right shoulder.  My chiropractor says it is a shoulder impingement.  No big deal.  Yesterday I was running on the treadmill and felt a dull, then sharp pain in my left calf muscle.  I don't love stretching, but have been doing calf stretches after every run, and even days when I don't run.  

Are minor injuries part of the normal aging process?  Any suggestions on how to prevent them?

Brenda Ross

Hi Frank, I would suggest going to a sports coach or physio to get a full assessment to see if you have any muscle imbalances, and then get a program put together to strengthen those areas and then being consistent at the exercises and stretching regime. I know that is not what you want to hear, but that is what I would do.

DanJacquemin

Hi Frank -- yes, sounds like stretching time. Also, don't underestimate the power of the rest day. Recovery is as, if not more important, than the actual training.



I'm sorry your ankle/shoulder is bugging you, and hope it gets better, but when I read your post the first thing that popped into my mind was this bit by Lewis C.K. -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WzEhoyXpqzQ ... "it's just what you do now" :-D ... and you are an athlete so hopefully your MD has a plan to make it better!

Carl

Agree with the above or see a good occupational/physical therapist and let them figure out where the imbalances are and really focus on them. Yoga had assisted me with my stretching more then anything.



I purchased the Yoga for Athletes CD and try to do it 3-4 times a week.



Regarding your shoulder impingement-did he do X-rays to be sure there is no spur? Often a spur can form over time coming off the acromion process causing pain and often tearing the rotator cuffs over time. 



 

Brenda Ross

Carl, not sure is he know what the acromion process is. Come on, you can do better than that. Provide a pic.

chopnatshow

Thanks Brenda, Dan and Carl. Seeing my chiropractor and PT today. Likely will get deep tissue message and dry needled. Though my shoulder is feeling better since I first noticed the injury, I'll ask about the X-ray.

Frank