Ham string pain
I do 4 hours per week of PEDALING FOR PARKINSON . My ham strings hurt all the time. The instructor said it's due in part to PD. My neurologist said to take Tylenol. He said pain due to exercising. Who is right? I do not take PD meds. Anyone experience pain in ham strings?
Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Parkinson's Disease Support Group.
Hello Marie @mariemarie
I appreciate your question, as I too have a hamstring problem and also have PD. When I was having PT for a knee problem, I noticed that I was having a lot of leg problems and talked to the physical therapist about it. She said that one hamstring was longer than the other and eliminated some of the exercises she had given me (which were irritating the hamstring) so that I could do the rest of the exercises without so much pain. I never thought to ask if this was PD related or not.
I wonder if any of our other PD members have had a hamstring problem and whether they know if it is related to PD.
@chrisj2491 @denie57 @johnjames @trouble4343 @ggopher @aperob @caryp43 @burgle @macbeth @knightkris @mariemarie @pjsammy @techi @sandycerem @bobbieingeorgia @gulfer @mojo1965 @brittalisse @ruby7dnj
Have any of you had any hamstring problems?
Teresa
MY HUSBAND HAS PD AND HIS LEGS ARE VERY SWOLLEN---ONE FOOT AND LEG WORSE THAN THE OTHER.
I MENTIONED IT TO HIS DOC, BUT SHE IGNORED IT. WE ARE STILL AWAITING P.T. AFTER SEVERAL MONTHS. SEEMS LIKE WE HAVE THE WORST HEALTH INSURANCE AND/OR THE WORST DOC AT THE UNIV OF CA. SAN DIEGO.
I WILL TRY TO MAKE A CHANGE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
I HOPE READERS CHECK THEIR INSURANCE CAREFULLY.
I'M GLAD YOUR P.T. IS ABLE TO HELP YOU. THANKS MUCH FOR SHARING. I WISH YOU WELL.
Teresa, thanks. Did your hamstring issue go away?
Thanks Sandy. Prior to pedaling for PD, i completed the BIG program. Medicare pays for it. Are you familiar with this program?
@mariemarie
Since the hamstring issue is caused by the hamstrings being of different lengths, I doubt it will go away. I keep the pain at bay, by avoiding the types of exercises that aggravate it. I'm sure, though, that the cause of the hamstring problem varies and therefore the cures vary as well. I've found that PTs are really quite knowledgeable in helping you to get the most out of your physical strength without hurting from the strain. (Maybe adjusting your seat lower when you peddle or decreasing the tension?)
Have you talked with your PT about how you might adjust your exercise to avoid the strain on your hamstring? If not, do so.
Teresa
Teresa, the bike seat is at lowest level. The resistance is at 1. Maybe i should go back to 0 resistance. Ill talk with therapist.
Thanks for responses.
Hi @mariemarie It has been a while since you mentioned your hamstring pain. Has there been any resolution for it? How is everything else going for you?
Hi @sandycerem I noticed your last post and I was wondering how is your husband doing with his leg problems. You mentioned finding another insurance program with more benefits. Have you been successful in that search?
Teresa
Teresa ... thanks for asking. No problem with ham string in last several days. Neurologist said try ibuprofen. That didn't work. He then wrote prescription for valium. That didn't work. He sent me to physical therapy. The therapist said most likely the bike seat is too low, I take Pedaling for Parkinsons classes three times a week. So went to class and raised the seat 3 1/2 inches. I continue going to PT for 3 more visits. Therapist said my ham strings were very tight. So hopefully the cause was the seat.
BTW y fitness center started a beginner tai chi class. is this good for PD folks.
Hope you are doing well.
@mariemarie
Great to hear from you! I'm glad that your hamstring problem is better now. Isn't it interesting how such a simple adjustment can make such a big difference?
I'm also in physical therapy right now and my hamstring problem is doing much better with the PT exercises.
Regarding Tai Chi - yes it's great for PD - studies have found that it makes a big difference for folks with PC. It improves balance, range of motion and just relaxing. I've done a couple of types of Tai Chi, the one I'm doing now is basically just movements for the hands - great for me because I have carpal tunnel bilaterally.
Are you going to try the Tia Chi class? If so, please report back and let us know what you think of it.
Teresa
Yes...I'll report back if I go to tai chi. Is it floor exercises or standing? Glad your ham strings are getting better.