Pinching Hip

[John Cunningham]

I have become aware through GST of a very tight left hip. 

The things I know :

• My left leg is longer than my right. 
• My most comfortable standing position is  supporting straight right leg and left leg bent at hip and knee. Two straight legs make me uncomfortable in the left hip. 
• When lying on my back I find it painful in the front of the hip to straighten my left leg.
• My left leg flares out under pressure, I noticed this when I tried deadlifting a while back, Its like I am trying to move it out of the way.
• I can comfortably get my right knee to my chest/chin. I can only get my left knee 3 hand widths away.
• Inward rotation is almost non existent, "swivel hips" barely moves beyond upright.
• I cannot touch my right elbow to my left knee.
• Tying shoelace on left foot is very uncomfortable, have to strain with my back (not good).
• Leg mobility sideways and backwards  is also restricted. 
• The discomfort can described as a pinching sensation.
• My left glute is weaker and physically smaller than my right glute.

I have been trying lots of hip compression, For example modified pigeon pose and squatting among others.

My hip can be quite achey after the compression exercises/poses and I get pain relief from foam rolling the front and outside of my thigh.

 

So it seems a little better but any progress seems very slow and am wondering if anyone has any further idea's as I feel that any improvements in mobility and GST are being held back due to this hip.

 

[Eva Pelegrin]

Jon, 

How long has this been going on? Have you ever worked with a local PT/expert?   

Short answer: it's complicated.

I would recommend getting a formal evaluation and treatment plan. Many people I work with have a host of issues similar to what you mentioned, including recreational athletes who train hard core and get by until they can't and then they come to see me.  

You're describing close angle pain. It could be capsular, muscular or a combination. Marked lack of internal rotation is a huge red flag. A leg-length discrepancy typically alters gait mechanics, which de-facto shifts the lumbo-pelvic muscular balance and overtime perpetuates weakness and tightness. 

What I'm trying to say is that each case is a bit like a puzzle and each piece is interconnected. The issue is rarely one thing (that a single exercise can correct) or the site of pain, which is why it's critical to find an expert who can assess you and figure out your compensatory mechanisms at play, and then help you restore healthy joint function.

Sorry, I can't be more specific. My intention is only to help you frame the issue so you can start treating it in an intelligent way rather than piece-meal. 

[John Cunningham]

Thanks Eva

Its difficult to say how long it has been going on for, I'm 52 now and it's only in the last 3-4 years that I have been doing any kind of mobility training. I am currently training F1 and H1. I have T1 but that's on hold for now.

Previously fitness for me was running and playing soccer which didn't bring any awareness of the issue. Stretching and mobility seemed like a bit of a waste of time.

I talked to a couple of people at the GB Seminar in the UK last year and have also seen a resistance stretch teacher who was quite perceptive but still didn't manage to make a meaningful diagnosis.

I have been diagnosed with mild scoliosis so I don't know if that can affect it.

I think I will go to my GP and see if I can get a referral to an expert.

It's taken me long enough to be able to define the issue so far.

[John Cunningham]

I would also love to do the Stretch courses but I feel need to sort this out or at least start making progress before undertaking anything else.

 

[Eva Pelegrin]

Hi John, 

Thanks for the additional details. You're right. First things first. I see where you're coming from. Soccer, not stretching and and scoliosis all contributing factors...

Below are a few recommendations for my colleagues in London. We all have studies with the same Jedi masters. The only difference is they are way smarter than I am. Seriously, these are osteopaths or physiotherapist who know their stuff. Check out your insurance, their location, etc. No matter who you choose, you’ll be in good hands. 

James and Daniel, I know them personally. We did our Fellowship in Applied Functional Science together in 2009. 

James Dodd – osteopath, Back to Back, The Earlsfield Osteopath (432 Garratt Lane)
Daniel Rollins – osteopath, clinics in Kew, Hammersmith and St John's Wood
Matthew Eugene Martin – oesteopath, Hammersmith (fb friend with Wesley Tan) Also does A.R.T. and Graston.
Lewis Jennar – osteopath, near Bond Street
Chris Wilkes – osteopath, Thirst 4 Function

I look forward to hearing from you in a few months. All the best!

[John Cunningham]

Eva

Great stuff. Thanks very much...now to examine the fine print in the work insurance !!

There are all easy enough to get to.

Thanks again