ART Appointment #1

Last night I had the first of what looks like will be many Active Release (ART) appointments. I am seeing a Chiropractor that was recommended by my new primary care physician, as well as a few others. After talking for a good 20 minutes about my history regarding ITB issues, shin splits, and my recent stress fracture, we spent another 10-20 minutes with him just looking at me standing, walking, squatting, lunging, etc. He was very thorough and I felt in good hands (literally!) before we started the therapy.

He noticed that my right leg (same leg with old ITB issues, re-occurring shin pain and my stress fracture) rotates inward, and that when my arch is better supported, this is corrected. He recommended either orthotics or motion control running shoes. I have tried orthotics in the past and have never taken to them (always seem to inflame something in my legs), however he suggested to ease into wearing them, first wearing them just around the house for an hour-ish, then a few miles at a time until my feet/legs were used to them. Makes sense. I am due for new running shoes soon, so I may try out the motion control shoe option first.

Then we got down to business. I warned him that I am a huge wimp when it comes to pain, but overall, the session was not too bad. My ITB is a bit sore to the touch today, but hopefully this is normal, and I will be sure to ask him about that at my next appointment Wednesday. H

After more examination, he said that a few very clear muscle imbalances (lower back, glutes) are probably the culprit of many of my issues in the right leg, and that there are a variety of specific exercises he can show me over the coming weeks to help remedy this. He said that ART works well to fix the problem, but if we don't address the underlying reasons as to WHY the problems are there, I will be back in his office when I up my miles to train for the fall marathon.

So I am hopeful that this is going to be a positive experience, and also really proud of myself for doing what I need to get my legs healthy (and keep them healthy) as I move forward from this injury.