General Discussion Triathlon Talk » If I'm Republican,then why do I feel I'm always leaning left? Rss Feed  
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2008-10-04 7:33 PM

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Elite
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Subject: If I'm Republican,then why do I feel I'm always leaning left?

No, not a political thread, if ya want that, go to COJ.  Just a catchy title.

 So here's the thing. I am feeling wickedly crooked on the trainer, to the point that I feel  like my floor is slanted. I will get a level to check it and my bike on the trainer, but thats the least of my worries.

Yesterday, "running" in the pool, I noticed how much I felt my left hip creeping forward and then out to the side, my right leg runs nice and straight. Hmmm

 Then, today, I notice how I felt more pressure in my right elbow on the aerobar, but was collapsing to the left.  Definitely had to pull up in my stomach to get myself to straighten, but that took a lot of effort!

 I don't know what to do. I know from riding horses I am helplessly crooked, to the point that my stirrups are different lengths.  My left hip has mild dysfunction (it gets "caught" and doesn't rotate correctly).  I do have a PT and an ART doc (who is also a chiropractor) but I just feel like I'm not making progress.  Lately I feel so crooked even though they will say my alignment isn't far off.

 What to do? I know this is the root of all the reasons why I keep having injuries, and Iwant to work on the cause, not the symptoms.

Thanks!

 



2008-10-04 8:00 PM
in reply to: #1718472

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Cycling Guru
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Subject: RE: If I'm Republican,then why do I feel I'm always leaning left?

See a chiropractor about potential body misalignment?

I know LurenSU02 has gone through a lot of PT and such for issues with her body being out of whack.  Maybe give her a PM or something?



Edited by Daremo 2008-10-04 8:00 PM
2008-10-04 8:19 PM
in reply to: #1718472

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Master
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Subject: RE: If I'm Republican,then why do I feel I'm always leaning left?
atleast you are an ambi-turner and you CAN turn left!
2008-10-04 8:26 PM
in reply to: #1718472

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Pro
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Subject: RE: If I'm Republican,then why do I feel I'm always leaning left?
I have scoliosis and the curve in my spine rotates my pelvis so that my left leg is shorter than my right leg. I know all this because I kept getting injured every time I would ramp up running volume. I am working with a chiropractor, an orthopedic, and a neuromuscular massage therapist. I got orthotics (custom ones done by a pedorthic group) 3 weeks ago. I am starting to ramp up my running volume. I will let you know if they work. The ortho thought that I only needed orthotics in my running shoes and not in my bike shoes because the bike saddle should provide enough stability for my hips. I keep getting chiro adjustments weekly, and schedule massages as needed. If you see an orthopedic doc about your crooked state, he or she can write a prescription for orthotics, if he/she think they might work for you. Also, a professional bike fit (not just some look over in an LBS) can help even out your set-up for your body. Good luck. You are not alone.

Pam
2008-10-04 8:39 PM
in reply to: #1718547

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Subject: RE: If I'm Republican,then why do I feel I'm always leaning left?

barqhead - 2008-10-04 8:26 PM I have scoliosis and the curve in my spine rotates my pelvis so that my left leg is shorter than my right leg. I know all this because I kept getting injured every time I would ramp up running volume. I am working with a chiropractor, an orthopedic, and a neuromuscular massage therapist. I got orthotics (custom ones done by a pedorthic group) 3 weeks ago. I am starting to ramp up my running volume. I will let you know if they work. The ortho thought that I only needed orthotics in my running shoes and not in my bike shoes because the bike saddle should provide enough stability for my hips. I keep getting chiro adjustments weekly, and schedule massages as needed. If you see an orthopedic doc about your crooked state, he or she can write a prescription for orthotics, if he/she think they might work for you. Also, a professional bike fit (not just some look over in an LBS) can help even out your set-up for your body. Good luck. You are not alone. Pam

 

Yes, I do have orthotics already....my arches are there but are flexible from years of riding horses. Its this hip that doesn't always allow my back to function properly...I just wonder about my CHOICE of pt and chiro.  How do you know if its working? I've been fitted many times on this bike, will be getting a new one soon, so I'm going to wait on this one.

 Just am hesitant to see another new chiro.  I wish someone would tell me just to not ride horses for awhile and that would fix it, or that I just need to work on the muscle imbalances that have developed, now that I have awareness, I will just have to work to overcome them....

sigh.....

2008-10-04 10:56 PM
in reply to: #1718472

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Subject: RE: If I'm Republican,then why do I feel I'm always leaning left?

Have you ever been measured to see if one leg is longer than the other?  Seriously, some people have this.  No offense to the chiro recommendations, but I grew up next to one of the largest chiro colleges in the country, Life College in Marietta, GA, and the running joke was those who could not get into UGA, Georgia Tech, Emory, or Kennesaw University went to Life.  Misalignment I may be able to concede, but I had Life graduates (people I went to HS with) telling me chronic illnesses could be "cured" by chiro.  I'd be more inclined to massage, PT, and even Eastern remedies such as acupuncture would be able to help you more.

Disclaimer:  I have a pejorative view.

 

 



2008-10-05 7:42 AM
in reply to: #1718751

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Elite
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Subject: RE: If I'm Republican,then why do I feel I'm always leaning left?
kagoscuba - 2008-10-04 10:56 PM

Have you ever been measured to see if one leg is longer than the other?  Seriously, some people have this.  No offense to the chiro recommendations, but I grew up next to one of the largest chiro colleges in the country, Life College in Marietta, GA, and the running joke was those who could not get into UGA, Georgia Tech, Emory, or Kennesaw University went to Life.  Misalignment I may be able to concede, but I had Life graduates (people I went to HS with) telling me chronic illnesses could be "cured" by chiro.  I'd be more inclined to massage, PT, and even Eastern remedies such as acupuncture would be able to help you more.

Disclaimer:  I have a pejorative view.

 

 

 

Thats why I don't really want to rely on one.  Plus my friend who is a doctor regularly teased me for it.  No, legs work out to being even once I can get my back fully aligned.   Just wondering if there is anyone else who'd recommend a specific clinic...maybe within two hours of DC...looking for some long term help here.

2008-10-05 9:41 AM
in reply to: #1718472

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Subject: RE: If I'm Republican,then why do I feel I'm always leaning left?
You would probably be a good candidate for structural integration. I would suggest a consult with a Rolfer. Just to warn you, though, it's a big time commitment and quite $$$$ (you might be able to do a few one-off sessions, but you can get a new bike for the cost of the full SI series). It also won't be covered by health insurance. Let me know if you want more info. I don't really know anyone down in your area, though.
2008-10-05 5:58 PM
in reply to: #1719017

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Elite
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Subject: RE: If I'm Republican,then why do I feel I'm always leaning left?

LaurenSU02 - 2008-10-05 9:41 AM You would probably be a good candidate for structural integration. I would suggest a consult with a Rolfer. Just to warn you, though, it's a big time commitment and quite $$$$ (you might be able to do a few one-off sessions, but you can get a new bike for the cost of the full SI series). It also won't be covered by health insurance. Let me know if you want more info. I don't really know anyone down in your area, though.

 

fire away!  let me know, I do want to consider all options! I think this is something I"ve always had....even when riding horses, I've always had a weaker and according to my instructor,  "useless" left leg.  if it means getting better, then I'll forgo a year of racing!

2008-10-06 12:05 AM
in reply to: #1718472

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Master
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Subject: RE: If I'm Republican,then why do I feel I'm always leaning left?
Have you looked at the strength of your core muscles? What exercises are you doing to specifically strengthen specifically your abs, but also each part of your back? If your muscles have developed unevenly, it will take a HUGE effort - both mental and physical - to realign them.

I don't know nuthin' 'bout nuthin', but it might be a place to investigate while your other options are coming along.
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General Discussion Triathlon Talk » If I'm Republican,then why do I feel I'm always leaning left? Rss Feed