Aches and Pains?

[crazycanuck]

Hey Robyn,

I'm popping in just to say you're not old

Also, no matter how frustrating the aches and pains are, you're still out there doing it. I know i'm not much help in providing a solution but I thought i might provide a bit of support...

Do some xc skiing for me too k...

C

[Mr. Bloom]

Have you considered seeing a chiropractor - one specialized in sports injuries?

[SouthernBelle]

Robin, Know exactly how you feel. When I last rode more than a short hop, my left knee hurt. Nothing was different in my setup. I think it was attributable to lack of riding this time of year, plus my bad habit of sitting with my left leg underneath me. Plus I think we are to the age where we are not a bendable as we used to be, and need to account for that. Stretching, etc. Course I was never very flexible as a lot of people are.

[HillSlugger]

Each new sport uses slightly different groups of muscles. New sport=new aches. If you know this going is you should be able to work up slowly to avoid pain and injury. Don't overdo it to start.

[Crankin]

Mr. Silver,

I went to a chiropractor a couple of years ago when I was having back issues. All he did was take my $, so I stopped. The lbs owner solved the problem this year when he quickly realized I had a leg length discrepancy. Putting a shim under my cleat solved that problem, after years of pain.
I know that every sport uses different muscles and I just don't do the other things enough to get the muscle memory. I have always been this way, but it's getting worse as I age. Some days I see all the aches and pains as my "warrior's badge" but other days it really annoys me.
My solution for the moment is to up the stretching, ice the knee, and wear my knee support for a couple of days. I really want to go skiing tomorrow, since it will be nice out, but if I do, I will go very slowly. One of my colleagues used to be a PT, so I will discuss with her on Monday. I'm more of a believer in PT than chiro. and my son had a very successful outcome with a PT after some problems when he was racing.
I'm just jealous of everyone who seem to have no ill effects from all of this activity!

[Mr. Bloom]

Mr. Silver,

I went to a chiropractor a couple of years ago when I was having back issues. All he did was take my $, so I stopped. The lbs owner solved the problem this year when he quickly realized I had a leg length discrepancy. Putting a shim under my cleat solved that problem, after years of pain.

I respect your experience. Indulge me just a bit:

10 years ago, my sciatica emerged. MD gave drugs with temporary relief (and emotional side effects).

In desperation, went to chiropractor. He took an xray of my spine while standing. Showed the spinal misalignment, the twisted my hips and made one leg shorter than the other (sound familiar???).

He gave me a plan: 3 visits/week for three months. $35/visit UNINSURED at a time that we barely had two nickels to rub together. Fortunately, my insurance covers it these days...'cause I'm a believer...but back then, it was a huge leap of faith financially.

After 2 months, I was in doubt, but continued. After three months, the pain was gone and the xray revealed straight hips and spine. Until recently, I've been sciatica free for 10 years.

The body is a kinetic masterpiece...nothing but cause and effect...finding the source is the cure...Judging by the activities you pursue, you're not old (or at least not old acting ), so I suspect the answer is embedded in your body's kinetics.

But, I'm no expert... although I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express two years ago

[Wahine]

Robyn - I have a few bits o' info for you. First off, your issue does sound like a kinetic chain problem, but unlike Mr. Silver, I would recommend PT before Chiro. I believe there are many good Chiros out there, don't get me wrong. But I believe there are also many very good PTs that can take care of this problem. Unfortunately, I often see people after they've been through several treatments with poor outcomes. I can honestly say that I see this happen more often with Chiro treatment than PT. I also tend to hear stories of Chiro treatment that does not foster the patient's ability to independently manage their condition. Finally, Chiros tend to use manipulation a lot. As we get older the probability of a serious side effect from a manipulation becomes more of an issue.

Now, specifically regarding this issue. If you have a leg length discrepency, do you have a insert for your short leg that you can use in your cross country boot? This might help. Also, frequent slipping back on the weight bearing ski when you're doing your kick will increase stress on the area you described. You should make sure that you are waxed well to prevent this, assuming you are using waxed skis.

I'd also like to suggest some stretches. They may be same as what you are already doing. In particular, hip stretches are very important for both the pain in your knee and your hip.

http://www.easyvigour.net.nz/fitness...xorstretch.htm

http://www.easyvigour.net.nz/fitness/h_TFL_StrLy.htm

http://www.rice.edu/~jenky/sports/piri.2.html

I combine these with the usual quad stretches and calf stretches.

I usually recommend holding a stretch for 20 to 30 seconds, repeat 3 to 4 times each side, twice/day until the symptoms are gone then you can slowly taper down to a maintainance schedule of 3 times/week.

Regular yoga classes or Pilates may be very helpful to you.

I hope this helps.