Sunday, January 2, 2011

Tips for treating sore hips

I recently started experiencing a slight pain in my left hip, especially after running on the treadmill. So, I went online to research treatment for hip pain. Here are some of recommendations I found:

1. Rest
Take a few days off to avoid aggravating the injury and to allow the muscles and ligaments a chance to heal.

2. Ice packs / Anti-inflammatory gels / Deep massages
These can help to increase the healing process

3. Shorten your running strike
Taking shorter strikes will help your leg muscles to relax, which in turn can actually improve your speed and help to conserve energy during a longer run.

4. Change the running surface
If you always run on the sidewalk, try running on a treadmill, a track, asphalt, or grass. Obviously, the surfaces you have available will vary depending on weather and/or traffic conditions.  The point is to change it up and reduce the same, constant stress on your joints.

5. Change shoes
Running in a pair of old or wore out shoes can lead to numerous injuries from shin splints to back or joint pain. Most sites recommend replacing your running shoes every 350 miles for hard-core runners and up to 500 for casual runners.

6. Stretching / Yoga / Pilates 
Long, slow stretching will help you to build your core muscles, such as your abs, back, hips, shoulders and neck. It helps to loosen up tight muscles and ligaments as well as allowing all areas of the body to relax and unwind.

After doing a few yoga exercises, my hips were feeling significantly better.  I will continue to do more stretching before and after my workouts.

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