Training for anything isn’t always a smooth journey. We sometimes set our sights on a goal and even with the best intended preparation, it doesn’t always go to plan. Sometimes things get in the way from our training plan, other commitments, inclement weather conditions and occasionally an injury.

I was off one sunny Sunday morning for a long run, just making the most of a free morning.The plan was to enjoy a 25-30km route with no agenda other than to be out for a few hours to build up some endurance / time on the legs. 

Not far from home I tripped over a tree root. I managed to save myself from going head first but felt a pull at the top of the back of my left leg which made me pull up sharply. I was able to walk it off and decided to continue with my plans, shortening my stride so I couldn’t feel it pulling. In hindsight that may not have been the best idea, but I was able to continue without feeling it so I did.

I didn’t get a significant reaction following the outing, no obvious bruising or swelling, just a tightness that meant getting up from any period of sitting I could feel the back of my leg.  I couldn’t bend down to take my shoes off without bending my knee and there was a dull ache deep in my buttock cheek, directly over the hamstring origin.

This persisted over the next few weeks, I was able to continue training as nothing seemed to make the symptoms worse, it just didn’t get any better.  In addition, sitting for any periods of time, especially driving was really bothering me. I just wanted to move. Even short journeys of 10-15 minutes I was shifting about in my seat and getting out stiffly.

Time to do something specific to try and get things back on track.

I got it assessed by Finn in clinic who diagnosed a hamstring tendinopathy.  Basically a grumbly tendon from being overstretched. These are typically resistant to resolving and need a persistent approach to gradually load the tendon.

I started off with a graduated loading programme within range, isometric holds, non-aggravating regaining range exercises and gradually built up over time to loading the tendon at end range increasing to high loads at long muscle-tendon lengths. 

This was over several months and although things are now pretty low key, I continue to work on this area specifically when I do weights because things easily tighten up again and get grumbly if I don’t.

Images are some of the eccentric exercises
I did from the Aspetar Hamstring Protocol

At risk of blaming my age, I have noticed that the niggles I’ve had have been more resistant to resolving and needed a much more consistent approach to managing them.

Tendinopathies in particular can take months to completely resolve, depending on why its happened.  Addressing the robustness of the tendon to ensure its ready for what it is you’re expecting it to cope with is essential.

Lesson learnt by me; consistency, patience, and to stay positive maintaining health and well-being with non-aggravating activities. It really helped to have a clear diagnosis and plan to work with too.

               If you’re struggling with something, get in touch, we’re happy to work with you if we can.

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