My gait started to feel slightly off on Monday. I wasn’t sure if it was from the weekend kilometres, tight muscles or something else. Maybe the icespikes?
On a mid-week run, I felt noticeably unbalanced – almost like I was dragging my right leg behind my body. I tried rolling out everything and mobility exercises but nothing seemed to do the trick. One night I had this radiating pain along the muscles in my right hamstring and hip.
I booked an appointment with my chiropractor for Saturday. Since I’ve been going to a chiropractor for several years now, I can easily recognize when it is time for a tune up.
Maintenance visit
Generally I go to the chiropractor once every six weeks. I get him to adjust my hips and my neck. My last visit was in November so I was definitely due for a check up. I always ensure I get a massage and a chiropractor visit a week or so before and after any races.
During this visit, he could tell my hips were slightly out of alignment and my back was stuck. I don’t feel any back pain so I was surprised to here this. I thought it was all in my hips. Thankfully it didn’t take long for the readjustment. I could feel the release once he worked his magic. I got my neck adjusted as well.
It was a really good appointment. The chiro was able to calm down my fears. I always assume the worst when I have pain – like I suddenly needed a hip replacement or amputation.
I’m still trying to figure out what might have caused the misalignment. I suspect it could be related to using icespikes on the pathways. Regardless, I’m feeling significantly better now after the session.
There’s nothing like a good tune up at the chiropractor’s office to get you back on your feet and running. It’s also a good wake up call to ensure I am getting in those mobility and yoga sessions in while I ramp up my mileage in the coming weeks and months.
Is chiropractic care apart of your running maintenance? How often do you book a session ? I would love to hear from you in the comments below.