A few days back, I received this interesting question from an email subscriber with a constantly “RE-OCCURRING” calf injury.
It’s a problem that lots of people aged 40+ and who like to run, suffer from.
(Free Tips for runner here: www.paulgoughphysio.com/sports-injury)
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“Paul … I am really beginning to wonder if anything can actually be done (about my calf).
All of the advice I’ve taken from my GP, from friends and even what bits on the Internet I’ve read tells me that ever so many runners suffer from repeated calf and Achilles injuries, almost as if it’s “normal” …
And I was made to feel by my GP that if it’s not always severe or if I can can still get up and do something like take a walk to work, then I should shut up and just accept it.
I’m a 43-year-old lady, an office worker from Hartlepool and desperately NOT ready to give up running with the club guys from the Harriers, anytime soon.
I have turned my back on medication years ago, and besides, whenever I stop running my calf pain disappears anyway.
And that’s confusing me and every one I’ve asked.
I desperately don’t want to go back down to speak to my GP – I want to be able to run without the fear of my calf injury returning every time I get 10-12 mins into a run or existing inside a life that is trapped by regularly breaking down, with yet more frustration.
I’ve tried exercises – I really have.
A couple of Pilates classes at the local gym too, but those didn’t seem to do me much good.
I lost some weight on the advice of my GP and even bought a book on Amazon about the ways that I could manage this problem all by myself.
So far, I’m not doing it very well, am I ?
Some friends of mine say that I should just give up and accept it, but I’m not wanting to do that.
I’m getting seriously worried about my long term health too, I’ve noticed I’m becoming more “ratty” and feel stressed out much more easily… probably because I’m not able to exercise as much and that can’t be good for my health in general, can it?
I’m now even worried that my weight will pile back on too – which I know will make all my problems even worse.
I feel really stuck!!!
And not sure what to do because although I’m keen on trying Physio with you, I went to see someone once who said she was a Physio, but it didn’t do too much to help me.
Is it just me???!!!
And a friend of mine who is much younger than I am also tried physio with the NHS and only got some exercises.
So if physio couldn’t help someone younger than me, what chance have I got?
So what I’m trying to say paul is, although I like the sound of what you’re offering, I’m actually very sceptical and still not 100% sure about coming to see another physio… is there anything you can say or do that will help me ?
Thanks for listening, keep up the nice emails.”
– Janine, G. 43, Hartlepool
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…This email got a LONG response from me and here’s a sneak preview of what I wrote back:
… Here’s what I think maybe causing Janine’s problem:
A problem called a “Phantom Calf Strain” exists…
Not many Physios know about it and this is often THE reason for hamstrings or calf muscles which NEVER seem to heal.
No matter how much massage, rest, stretching or which exercises you happen on doing, NO progress is made.
Why?
Because the problem is NOT the calf or hamstring that the runner thinks… it’s actually a problem with their lower back.
And something is trapping a nerve, which sends painful signals to the calf or hamstring muscle and causes it too tighten or cramp.
Keeps happening too.
But when the runner stops… the painful signals often stop too.
(Making it VERY confusing…)
And it’s a HUGE signal that the runners *lower back* is WEAK.
Meaning too much stress on discs and joints, meaning discs squashed and nerves pinched and pain signals flying down the leg (…into the calf).
The ONLY solution is to work on the lower back.
AND NOT the calf muscle at all.
I’ve seen it many times before and it’s a source of huge frustration that can cost a runner YEARS of being left behind and out of trainers.
But…
I know just what to do about it.
And if you think something like a “phantom muscle strain” is happening to you, then lets talk about it:
Arrange A Free Call Back From The Sports Injury Specialist
Start by filling out this form ^ which lets me know you are serious and that you would like me to block out some time in my diary to talk to you, for free.
I’ll ask you just TWO questions that will confirm in 30 seconds or less, if what you’re suffering from is more serious than a muscle strain like you currently believe.
Just fill out the form that will appear when you press the link…
Arrange A Free Call Back From The Sports Injury Specialist
And I’ll stop your worries and concerns in less than 30 seconds.
After I’ve done that, I’ll show you exactly what you need to be doing to stop it from ever happening again.
Lets get you FIT and raring to go again
Please start here:
Arrange A Free Call Back From The Sports Injury Specialist
Talk soon,
Paul,
Specialist Physio Clinics : Darlington – Durham – Guisborough – Hartlepool
Tel: 01429 866771
Find A Time For A “Call Back”
P.S On the Complimentary Call…
…You’ll get a feel for WHY we’re so different and you’ll see for your self HOW, if you’re suffering with ANY sports or muscle type injury and want to end it WITHOUT any more frustration or trips to the GP, we’re likely to be your BEST option…
Start here when you fill out the simple form that will appear:
Arrange A Free Call Back From The Sports Injury Specialist
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(Free Tips for runner here: www.paulgoughphysio.com/sports-injury)
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You might know Paul as an expert Columnist who writes weekly health articles for TWO of the North East's biggest daily Newspapers, The Northern Echo And The Hartlepool Mail, he is a regular Speaker at Industry Seminars around the globe and a Radio Personality, often heard on the BBC. Paul has been an expert guest on dozens of Radio shows and regularly interviewed in newspapers, magazines and trade journals all over the world, including the Guardian.
Paul’s background included working extensively in the Premier League with a Top Professional Football Team, and since quitting his job in Professional Football in 2007, his Physio Practice has become the fastest growing in the UK and biggest in the North East. So successful, that companies like BUPA, ASDA, The Vela Group And Coast & Country, repeatedly retain his Physio company's services to keep healthy their own staff and workforce. Paul Gough Physio Rooms is now a large multi-physio, multi clinic speciality practice in Darlington, Durham, Guisborough and Hartlepool.
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