T-165 Days

Yesterdays hip flexor injury is no better today. After researching the issue a bit, the best response is to rest it. This is a problem that can become chronic if not allowed to fully heal. I'm bummed.

The hip flexors are a group of skeletal muscles that act to flex or bend the femur (thigh bone) onto the lumbo-pelvic complex, i.e., pull the knee upward. A strain is generally defined as damage to the hip flexor muscle due to over-stretching or tearing the muscle tissue. The symptoms may vary from mild to severe depending on the severity of the damage. The hip flexors looks like this:

To avoid this injury going forward, there are specific stretching techniques for this area. Below is an effective stretch which is commonly used for the muscles at the front of the hip including the flexors. The other Quadricep muscles (top of the thigh) can be included if you reach back and lift the foot off the floor.

Stretching Technique

• Kneel with one knee on the floor and the other foot in front with the knee bent
• Push your hips forwards and keep the back upright
• Hold for between 10 and 30 seconds

I'm hoping a little rest will get me through this quickly.

Information on this and many other sports injuries, including rehabilitation techniques, can be found here:
http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/