hamstring/knee pain- any ideas

[Gidiup]

Ever since I did my first Century, as part of the MS150 ride, I've had issues with my IT band. I know how it happened. At first, I had my seat too low and then I raised it too high. The night after doing the Century, my knee was tight, swollen and somewhat painful. But, the next day I continued and rode another 60 miles. I also feel pain behind my knee. Luckily, I work with PTs. One PT showed me a stretch to do twice a day (morning and evening) and after I ride. I lay on the floor, on the opposite side.(my left side) Grab my right ankle, like I'm doing a quad stretch laying down. Be sure to keep your leg in line. Place my left heel on the outside of my affected knee and sort of push down with that heel, stretching the IT band. I also ice it after a stretch. It feels ok, but it's not 100%. Of course, biking aggravates it. But I can't stop biking!!!

Starfish,
Do you find the massage therapy helpful?

[ikkin]

thanks all for your help! i'm pretty sure it's not my IT band, but i'm thinking of just finding a really good fitter and hoping that helps. it's just weird that it ONLY affects me during biking, and it ONLY happens on my left side. anyway, stay tuned. and thanks again!

[VeloVT]

thanks all for your help! i'm pretty sure it's not my IT band, but i'm thinking of just finding a really good fitter and hoping that helps. it's just weird that it ONLY affects me during biking, and it ONLY happens on my left side. anyway, stay tuned. and thanks again!

Not that I'm any authority on the subject (take my word for it, I'm not ), but it doesn't sound like ITBS from your description of where it hurts. Be thankful for this (ITBS really sucks -- I can say this from experience), and good luck trying to sort it out!

[Bklynmom]

Here's hoping it's the bike and not the knee.

A bike fit by a professional fitter, not just the bike shop guy. My 48 year old knees will be forever grateful to Felix who really fit my bike. They measure your reach, cleat position, seat height - length of the stem etc. Should take at least an hour.

Good luck.

Lisa

[Starfish]

Starfish, Do you find the massage therapy helpful?

Oh my gosh, yes. In so many ways. It is about finding the right therapist. I have had a LOT of massage over the years, from many wonderful therapists. But, I have to say, I think I have now found the PERFECT therpapist for me.

For whatever reason, she just does ALL the right things for my particular needs. I am a very verbal client...saying what I need or dislike, so she gets instant feedback from me. She says that helps a lot.

But, she just really knows all the things that help me the most. She helped me immensely as I was training for Shasta and really pushing myself with hard rides leading up to my event. She also is an endurance athlete, so she understands, and she gave me a lot of great tips for recovery and so forth.