First run with consecutive miles (3) ran last night without knee pain! I rolled, stretched, and iced afterwards; I will get to 100%!!
What do I attribute my recovery to? Not using the muscle? NO WAY JOSE! I don’t believe that not using something that is injured will fix it, I have been doing yoga, boot camps, walk/runs, elliptical, swim, strength training, and spinning. Have I avoided things that irritate the knee (e.g. Running consecutive miles)? Yes, I’m not crazy. I’m just saying that the benefits of getting regular exercise (e.g., endorphins, strength, confidence, etc.) far surpasses the drawbacks of using an irritated muscle.
Of course, this is my own opinion, I am not a doctor so ask yours what’s best for you.
So then what was it? Well, my thought is it’s a combination of things I did (it never really is just one thing is it?) first and foremost I saw the most change after going to the chiropractor, I’ll tell you more about that in a minute. I also made sure to do my rolling/stretching, icing (both knees after every work out for 15 minutes), and limiting consecutive miles of running. I have also been really tuning into my knee during excersices, if I feel something weird I either stop and stretch or give it a minute (sometimes it’s a phantom feeling that goes away in a few minutes).
Back to the chiropractor; I’m currently going to Doctor Micah Hamilton at South Orange County Chiropractic. We’ve reduced my frequency because of my progress, yes you read that correctly, PROGRESS!!! So something that they did that none of my doctors in Seattle did was take an X-ray of my hips, turns out one of them was almost out of its socket. The first adjustment was a little scary and I ached like an old lady that night (I couldn’t even do Zumba), but it was definitely easier the next time. I kind of crave it now, and I feel like I’m having to ween off (in a good way).
Thanks for all your support along the way!! It’s definitely been a work in progress, and seeings as we constantly have to stretch, roll, ice, and strengthen I guess it’s a lifetime commitment. I’m just happy that for the most part, I’m pain free 🙂
Be well.
The Art of Running in the Rain 