y400 wrote : " I was already on prescrition anti inflammatory indomethacin for my knee. "
This drug likely contributed to your hamstring injury. Many anti-inflammatories increase the risk of muscle injuries due to the fact that they inhibit protein synthesis. Pain killers such as ibuprofin are the same. There have been a couple of good studies posted on the Supertraining list.
High doses of proteolytic enzymes such as bromelain are just as effective as prescription anti-inflammatories, without the risk of side effects.
It’s a possibility- but the more likely issue was the knee which would likely affect normal mechanics and/or hip height- known, strong risk factors for ham injuries.
Just a personal anecdote, I had a chronic achilles insertion injury a couple of years ago. I could run on it, but I had to put up with pain. I tried lots of things to take the pain away (long term rest, acupuncture, physio, massage, you name it) but the only thing that worked was 2 x 50mg diclofenac tablets (an anti-inflammatory). I took this medication on the advice of a sports medicine physician off and on for 6 months. During the time I was on this drug, I strained my hamstring twice, both adductors once and quadricep once. I was convinced that the diclofenac contributed to these injuries, so did some research on it. Sure enough, I found documented evidence that diclofenac, as well as several other anti-inflammatories break down collagen fibers, inhibit both proteoglycan and protein synthesis and blunt the release of prostoglandins and therefore blood flow to tissues. When I squat down now, my knees and ankles click and crunch loudly. They never did before taking the anti-inflammatories over that long period. The good news is that one prolotherapy treatment last year totally eliminated my 4 year long achilles insertion pain. I was very sceptical of prolotherapy, but I’ve been amazed by the results I’ve had. Unfortunately, I still have crunchy knees and clicky ankles, but fortunately, they don’t hurt. Does anyone have any ideas how I can get rid of these joint noises?
MSM may help Neo,
I’ve been taking it for the past 6 months and notice a big reduction in morning aches, particluarly in my ankles where I had alot of pain previously.
Richard Hand posted about it previously if you check the search option.
Start with a low doseage and work up.
I’m actually easing off it now to see how I am without it.
Using anti-inflamms to mask an achilles problem is really the root cause. You must solve the underlying problem as well as treating the symptoms. Usually, achilles problems stem from a chronic tightness in the calf muscles. These muscles are designed to absorb (share) part of the landing shock. If the muscles are chronically tight, almost all the shock is transferred to the achilles, causing a severe overload. The inability to handle landing shock sends inappropriate loads on to the hamstrings, increasing the likelyhood of injury- and the use of ever-more and stronger anti-inflamms, till the ultimate injury takes place- achilles rupture! Bottom line- get competent therapy, which MUST include manual therapy on the muscles.
DICLOFENAC in tablet form? About 5 years ago in Canada, I used it topically (mixed with egg albumin… so as long as you don’t have allergies to eggs!) with moderate success, but then again, I had reduced my running volume. And when that happened, my weight sessions went up! Funny how rest can affect the body… there are only so many miles in the gas tank.
whew just got back from getting my first session of ART ever. I guess I was all screwed up. Saw instant results after he did it, but now I’m a little sore, is this normal? I thought he did a great job evaluating my running and watching my mechanics. I’m going two more times before my meet next saturday, hopefully I’ll see some difference.
no23, Thanks for the advice about the MSM, I’ve tried it before, but probably didn’t stick with it for long enough. What brand are you using?
fjlee, good to know that you responded to the topical diclofenac. Personally, topical diclofenac and all other topical anti-inflams have never helped me with any of my injuries.
Getting back to biomechanics, as was stated above, hamstring problems are often a symptom of something else, i.e. tight glutes/periformis, hip flexors. In the DVD I noticed Charlie did not emphasize hamstring stretches that much, focusing instead on the hips.
I recently purchased a tape of Ann Frederick’s presentation at SWIS a couple years ago and she stated that she doesn’t emphasize hamstring stretching very much, believing instead that most hamstring problems are symptomatic of other tight mucle groups in the hips.
whew just got back from getting my first session of ART ever. I guess I was all screwed up. Saw instant results after he did it, but now I’m a little sore, is this normal?
Thats what I want to know? Myofascal release, the ling system (1700’s movement through injury aka physical rehab). Sometime tells me mike leahy’s break through theory isnt so breakthrough.
Another point, for those who might have read the book Anatomy Trains (which is about the fascial system, highly recommended). Tightness in the posterior chain can also be caused by tight plantar fascia in the arch of the foot.
I forget - but I’ll find out tonight for you - it’s not an expensive brand or anything either.
I do know it takes a long time to build up in the body - maybe even weeks - only if you can afford it I’d reccomend trying it to see how you respond.
That is a good book. The author is out in “left field” with some of his ideas. I remember Dr. Leaf saying the book was good for the pictures, but most of the info in it was inaccurate.