My ass - Part 2

Almost a year ago, I wrote a blog about my ass (actually, it was about my left hip and hamstring area, but it's more amusing to title a blog "my ass" than "my hip"...). The problem then was a nagging pain in the back of my left leg, brought on in a fierce way by running. Admittedly, the pain has been an issue ever since the summer of 2003, but the left side has burned with a particular vengeance since about October 2004.

Like Elvis and Jim Morrison, the pain still lives.

I have tried and am continuing to try to make this go away. Mine is not a story of laziness or defeatism. While in the UK I went to medicare-paid physiotherapy for over 3 months (in an 18th Century infirmary that smelled of urine, no less). Eyebrows were raised, exercises were prescribed, vertebrae were manipulated, and heads were scratched. When I returned to Canada I went to a massage therapist for awhile, where I was told "these are possibly the tightest hamstrings I have ever seen". Accupuncture was suggested. I did that a few times, and I must admit it was very relaxing and regenerative. But heal me it did not. Yoga has also been nice, but I've learned that stretching a chronically injured muscle does not heal it!

I returned to my physician, who said I must either: (a) go to the UBC Allan McGavin Sports Medicine clinic; or (b) commit myself to a life of indolence and sloth (an injury such as mine isn't a problem if you live a life of sloth).

I'm now seeing a physiotherapist (Thomas the Wise) and a massage therapist (Laszlo the Brutal) at the downtown clinic location. It appears my core muscles are horribly weak and my hip flexors are way too strong, which is kind of what I thought. Too much Grouse-grinding! The physio provides an ounce of prevention and the massage provides a pound of cure. I can already tell things are getting better. It is about time.

Hurray for extended health benefits!