Sports Massage

The purpose of this group is to offer therapists a place to share information regarding massage to athletes.

Self Treatment - a hard thing to do

Need some assistance:  I am a triathlete who is training for my first marathon in December.  In the past 6 weeks I have had an issue with my left knee feeling like it makes a loop during the mid-swing portion of the gait cycle (The period between maximum knee flexion and the forward movement of the tibia (shin bone) to a vertical position).  This loop is from the neutral position then lateral.  I notice it more on long runs (14 - 18miles).  There is discomfort to pain just proximal to the lateral epicondyle of the femur.  Have any of you had clients that presented this type of knee issue?  I am wondering if I am having a muscle tighten mid-run and pull laterally at the knee or is a muscle fatiguing and allowing the knee to become lax?    It is frustrating to not be able to 'Fix' yourself, so your input will be greatly appreciated.
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    Earl Wenk

    Hi David,

    I work with many track & marathon athletes & some refer to this as a "leg whip." It may be caused by overactivity in the lateral hamstring (especially the short head of biceps femoris) and the lateral gastrocnemius. The TFL-ITB may also be involved, causing the tightness at the lateral epicondyle. I would suggest working these structures to release the tightness and then working on some running drills to correct the incorrect movement pattern during the swing phase.

    Hope this helps!
    Earl