Hamstring flare- goodbye Nov OS and hoping for Jan OS

Robert Sabo

Took October off to concentrate 100% on PT great progress with core glutes and eccentric ham strengthening.  Pain was improving and flexibility much better.  I started Nov OS with signif decreased paces and zones but the hammy couldn't take it.  I have stopped running and will bike now only as a warm up.  My PT's opinion which I'm feeling is probsbly right is this sciatic nerve sheath scarring or irritation by the inflamed tendonus insertion at the ischial tuberosity (sit bone).  We had good results, temporarily with nerve glides.  I am going to see an ultrasound specialist next week for dynamic U/S and possible injection or hydodissection to try to free up the nerve.  Black Friday should be fun.

Brad Marcus

That's frustrating! It comes at a good time of year, if that helps. Make sure to get it all better before you try again. Speedy recovery!

Coach Patrick

Rob, bummer! Good call on taking care of yourself though...I am sending you al the positive vibes in the world!!!

Brenda Ross

Might want to consider seeing a chiro as well. One that deals with corrective care can see if their is something going on with your spine. I am getting great results with my chiro treatments for my left leg issues. I`m with Coach P. Sending you healing vibes.

Jan Schorpion

Robert, keep us updated on how the recovery goes after the injection. As a sports physical therapist, I am currently seeing 2 female runners with a similar injury. Proximal hamstring tendinopathy, right at the ischial tuberosity, likely scarring of the nerve and the tendon. Have done deep tissue massage, myofascial release, eccentric strengthening, stretching, I am doing Iontophoresis with one of them because they do not want to get a U/S guided injection, although the doc has been recommending it to them for several months now. Both of them are now able to run again, but it is at times when they are not running that the pain is worst, especially with sitting. Would like to know how your hamstring responds to the injection. 

Robert Sabo

Ultrasound of Hamstring at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philly today. Thickening consistent with tendonosis and no pressure on the sciatic nerve. Aggresive dry needling of the tendon under ultrasound until the tendon became soft and more pliable. It will need about 6 weeks to repair itself so no running or biking. February OS?
I can do PT, core, and swim. Hope I can stay sane.

Robert Sabo

The procedure was officially PNT. Percutaneous Needle Tenotomy. Two days later and the inflammation is just starting to go down. I hope I can survive 6- 8 weeks without runninig or biking.

Ralph Butler

Rob how is this going?  I am having high hamstring issues as well and thought I had rehabbed it myself till my last 2 runs.  Had some dry needling the other day but think Im going to seek further care.

Ronslack

Hey Rob, I just pulled my hamstring on Sunday during a marathon. It was quite unexpected considering training ect.. Went well. Just a big POP at 17. Seen the doc today and he recommend 3-4 weeks and see if it heals. But with extrem training (boston &Texas) around the corner how and where do I find a balance to loose as little fitness as possible??? Or do I re-evaluate my season. In short just looking for incite from one gone through same injury. I'm in run jail.

Robert Sabo

I am very experienced in dealing with a hamstring issue, in my case tendinopathy. Unfortunately not completely succesful. The needling I had was a tendonotomy and afterwards my PT and I have been treating like a new tear and the hamstring has let me know when I was ready for more. My strength is coming back and my flexibility has been slow but has almost returned. Slight ITB with runners knee type inflammation so I have had to stop squats and be careful biking and pushing off the wall while swimming. Finally ran a couple times last week similar idea to Patricks WIKI for return after layoff from injury. But had to hold off this week due to the knee. My goal is to start Go fast or jump right into to IM plan in 3 weeks. We will see how it goes. My advice is to let it heal. Don't run unless your pain free with other activities. 6 weeks is the usual heal time for a tear. I would see a sports minded PT now.

Ronslack

Thanks, I just started my swim block from coach R, small amount of pain swimming "good thing" but need to adjust push off wall, big surprise at times when I forget squats are out of the question right now, would like to see if I can do light watts on bike just to keep some fitness?? Find out Sunday, fitness is what I'm worried about loosing. Trying to out reach everywhere " knowledge can heal faster" I see a PT Monday, will keep you posted. Thanks again. Trying to keep spirts up. Boston isn't looking good, Texas will see.

Dawn Cass

Hello Rob - good to hear from you again....and sorry to hear that the hammy is giving you problems. I recall us talking a lot last year in regards to this. Interested to hear how you are doing a month after the last post.

As to my end, interested in opinions from the group. I basically had to bail on IM Madison last year because of the hammy. They finally figured it out in November that the semimembranosis tendon has started to fray off the bone which is what is causing the pain. I have now been through 3 PRP injections and have been on rest and rehab since October (and stopped with EN until this month.) In the last weeks I have started to run and cycle...tough after sitting around for so long. Pain is better...but not gone.

Am thinking about shock wave therapy however don't know anything about it...thoughts?

Apart from that the surgeon says I am a surgery candidate however only I can decide if I want to go that route.

Any thoughts out there, appreciate it!