Hamstring pain referred from back
I have been having problems with my hamstring. They originally diagnosed as tendonosis...but now after MRI, the tendon actually looks the same as it was just over a year ago when I didn't have the pain.
Wonder if it could be pain referred from the back? So far no imaging on back...but PT tests have ruled it out....now I wonder.
Anyone experience it?
0
Comments
Also, even though an MRI is a good test, there could be some issues with the hamstring tendons without much or any real observable change on the MRI. What kind of results did you get with some PT or other type therapy to the hammys?
Very frustrating process. Good luck
I’ve been dealing with a high hamstring strain for the last month. The timing really sucked as I qualified for the ITU World Triathlon Sprint Championship, which was held in Edmonton a couple of weeks ago – I participated and jog-limped through the 5K. It was great to be there but I would have preferred to compete.
Leading up to that race, my Sports Medicine doctor made the High Hamstring Tendinopathy diagnosis and he said it needed 6-8 weeks to heal. But I only had 2 … so, in an attempt to make this injury less intrusive, I was aggressive with any and all potential “treatments.” This included working with a Physical Therapist, Chiropractor and Acupuncturist at the same time! Each had their own approach and all helped in some manner or another. They each offered specific treatments based on their perspective but alas, there was no miracle cure.
What was most interesting was that with each professional shared a common question: ‘What was the root cause?’ None “blamed” the hamstring itself or the workouts … and looking at my training log, there was nothing out of the ordinary. The PT suggested an imbalance in muscle strength – stronger quads and a weaker core. The Chiropractor made adjustment to the opposite side hip for alignment. The Acupuncturist suggested the IT band was way too tight on the opposite side and directed some of the treatment there. I guess all are possibilities but none really resonated with me. But who knows?
And at this point, who cares? I’ve decided not to worry about whether my injury is a high hamstring strain or tendonitis, or a series of micro tears, because at a high level, my approach would be the same regardless. I will be focusing on more overall core and muscle strength balance going forward.
Specific to the hamstring, my Rehab plan is based on input from the professionals and some references I found on-line. Now that the pain has subsided (it took 7 days for me), I’ve started the process. I really like and am using this article as a guideline and reference:
http://runnersconnect.net/running-i...-the-butt/
and this one:
http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/sport-injuries/thigh-pain/hamstring-strain/rehabilitation-hamstring-strain
One other important item to note that I found to strengthen the hamstring:
The Hamstrings (like the biceps) respond best to accentuated *eccentric* training – opposite of a muscle contraction. I didn’t know this. The article says that it is primarily due to their fiber makeup as well as isolation function as flexors. The best exercise is to use the 2/1 technique on the lying leg curl. This means lifting the load “explosively” (without pain) with TWO legs, and lowering it under control with ONE leg only. Reference:
http://www.t-nation.com/free_online...g_training
Good luck, Jim
It's in one leg only, on the left so sounds like something like stenosis is not the problem.
What have I done to date:
1. Ultrasound and MRI scans of the hip - MRI showed mild tendonosis and a small tear in the hamstring. I had an MRI 1.5 years ago of the hip (for unrelated issues), and doctor noted that the image looked exactly the same as then when I didn't have the pain. So, as you say, even if you have unusual scan...it could be normal for you. I wonder here if we are really at the issue which is why I asked about back.
2. Physio therapy - two different doctors.
3. PRP injection - forced rest after then
4. No running for the last month (missed A race as a result)
5. Eccentric exercises for the last month
6. Core stability - specific focus in last 4 months
7. Chiropractor for last 6 months - using FAT tool, alignment, and ART
8. Latest physio now doing dry needling and core.
So, feel like I have been through the loop of different options. Everything above has been around the tendonosis and it's still as painful as it was in April of this year when I started to go to the doctors.
Jim - thanks for the links...will have a look around and see what they say.
Robert - didn't realise you still had the problem! Oh my.....and a great result at IMMT so impressed that you did it, and were not actually at 100%. Would be interested to see what they say about your spine....and as you say, probably nothing as you should know considering your profession.
In the end, really at a loss here....will keep searching but feedback welcome.
Thanks Robert....something to think about. Will see what the MRI tells us in a week or so.
Hello Robert, you did suspect it was not the back..but it sounds like the physic feels differently..did I read that correctly with sciatic scarring? What is the next course of action / plan?
Hello Roberto - first off, congrats on the HIM...fantastic result!
Quick update on the MRI...official result in today. "L5-S1: Bulging disc with broad-based central disc protrusion contacting
the traversing bilateral S1 nerve roots. Neural foramen are patent."
I await discussion with the doctor to understand if this is an issue....or not!
Any thoughts out there....let me know.
Dawn