HUGE Medical Breakthrough!!!

Usually if I just give it the "Evil Eye" 
long enough, it just feels better

I self-diagnose injuries on the Internet.  Don't judge me ... y'all do it too!  Mainly because in the year 2011, information of all types is more easily accessible than ever.  Of course weeding through all the misinformation can be a little challenging too.  But also, I'm a guy ... and I'm NOT going to the doctor unless I literally have to carry the body part into the hospital with me.  Occasionally I'll have a little ache or pain from running that I can't figure out myself.  In fact, last week I told Michael that I was "considering" going to a sports doctor type person to figure out the consistent pain I experience during the fall & winter months behind my left knee.

The pain is NOT knee pain, it's connective tissue pain ... really more between the top of the calf and the "inside/bottom" of the knee.  It's the tendon that connects one of the hamstring muscles to the inside of the leg ... I think anyway.  And I don't really seem to notice it other than when the temps start dropping below 50 degrees outside.  It's not horrible ... just nagging.  But it bothers me every year.  This year it started about 3 weeks ago.

But late last week I think I may have found the solution.  So, of course ... I WILL NOT BE GOING TO THE DOCTOR anytime soon!!! I'm a HUGE BELIEVER that most aches and pains from running can be fixed with a process ...

Jack recommended a puppy massage!

1. Isolate the pain & determine what muscles support the affected area
2. Strengthen the supportive muscles around that area
3. Stretch, stretch, and re-stretch the areas
(DISCLAIMER ... I am know I am an idiot, and obviously not a doctor!  I am completely aware of this fact.  OF COURSE if you are suffering any type of serious pain, you SHOULD go to a doctor and get it checked it out.  I don't go because I AM AN IDIOT!!!) 

YES ... I understand that I'm not a doctor and really don't know squat about it ... save it ... I get it!  But I can tell you that I have ran almost 10,000 miles over the past 5-6 years, and THIS process has kept me relatively injury free and feeling pretty healthy.  Of course I'm not talking about serious pain or an obvious injury ... I'm just referring to those little aches that are indicators we are doing something wrong during training, or a certain muscle group is a little  underdeveloped.

For this specific pain I've been dealing with, spending a little more time rolling and focusing on the Biceps Femoris Muscle seemed to remedy the problem.  When I used the roller pad on this area alone, the pain behind the knee seemed to be instantly relieved.  It seems that when the supportive muscles to a specific tendon are relieved of their tension, many times the tendon pain goes away.  It was a great find!  I think I'll probably be nominated for a Medical Grammy - or whatever award they get - for discovering this!!!

All I'm sayin' is this stupid pain has bothered me quite a bit over the years, and I'm really excited that I finally found some natural relief for it.  And hopefully this will be one of the things that make running more enjoyable in the winter months!  Have a good one ... Dr. J-Dub out!
... be great today!