And important reminder (warning, long)

[Selkie]

In two words, weak glutes. Months later, plantar fasciitis and hallics longus tendonitis.

Right after I got hurt, I had a disaster of a PT experience about which I posted here and will not rehash. When I finally started feeling better, I thought I'd try another PT. I got a great recommendation for a place that caters to runners & triathletes. They don't accept insurance, but luckily, my plan will pay a decent amt for out-of-network providers. I end up being out of pocket a bit more than double my regular copay, after the insurance provider reimburses me. It's worth the money---the PT spends an entire hour with me and only me. And the PT is very experienced, listens, and did more than just treat the injury.

I'll spare you a lot of the details, which, quite frankly, I find fascinating, but my foot issue is due some major muscles in my right leg not firing (glutes, in particular). My poor calf and foot muscles took up the slack, and when I started logging decent mileage, PF and the toe tendonitis resulted. I"m not sure how this happened because I have always included strength/weight training into my regimen. I think that I might have incorporated some Chi running techniques incorrectly and my leg stopped working (my fault, of course, nothing against Chi running). I've been working on relearning how to fire my glutes and am doing a exercises to strengthen them. To put it mildly, it has not been easy, and I have to be very mindful of using those muscles, even on the bike & in the pool. I also learned how to walk correctly.

In addition, the entire right side of my torso was in severe muscle spasm, which made my "functional scoliosis" much worse. After some very effective deep muscle massage, I am now an inch taller (much to my husband's chagrin). My spine is just about straight.

I have two more sessions to go and after that, I'll continue to visit the massage therapist there every 4-6 weeks to keep my spine in line.

Ironically, the new issue of Running Times has an article about glutes not firing & resulting injuries. If you are a runner, it might be worth reading.

I decided that I'm not going to run again. I'm happy with that decision.

[indysteel]

Oh, how I feel for you. I was diagnosed two years ago with Dumb Butt Syndrome aka Gluteal Amnesia after a year of really bad hip pain. It sucks. The good news is that with consistent exercises, you should get your butt back so to speak. I have to wonder how many other cyclists and runners suffer from this.

ETA: Thanks for the head's up on the Running Time's article. I'll have to read that.

[Cycling Sister]

Selkie,

Lack of muscle firing and muscle imbalances can contribute to functional scoliosis, muscle compensation and chronic pain if left untreated. As a massage therapist, I treat the effects of it all the time. Unfortunately, not all PTs and massage therapists are trained in dealing with neurological issues that can develop from lack of proper firing, pelvic stabilization, somatic and movement therapies. You were fortunate to find a PT who was trained in muscle firing testing and treatment.

[ny biker]

So how do you know if your glutes aren't firing?

[Selkie]

The Running Times article has a self-test that you can do to see if your glutes are firing. For me, I could tell by the difference in muscle tone/strength or lack thereof between my right and left glutes. I didn't connect the dots between it and the foot issue, however. High hamstring tendonitis was also a symptom of it (completely resolved itself now, thank goodness).