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severe hip pain and climbing (whine whine whine)

Original Post
Eric Chabot · · Salt Lake City, UT · Joined Jul 2011 · Points: 45

For the last couple of years I've had off and on severe pain in my right hip related to climbing. It's gotten to the point that after a day of bouldering last weekend I could barely walk, and activities of daily living became a struggle.

It feels like my hip joint needs to pop, like cracking a really big knuckle, and when it does, this sometimes brings relief.

I am not certain as to the cause of these symptoms, but I suspect (have been advised by dr) that it is related to iliopsoas (hip flexor) tightness. When I bike a lot, it goes away, but usually comes back after long trips in the car or other periods of sitting around. Haven't been to a doc or PT in a while, had one look at it a while ago. since I can usually manage it with lots of ibuprofen and bike rides, although a couple years ago I did get the hips x rayed and all the bones were looking good.

Lately things have been worse than isual and it's taking me longer to get better. Not sure if any others are experiencing this, or if anyone has been able to get over it. It's been really frustrating for me, and I am taking some time away from climbing to take care of it which really sucks. Anyone out there ever experienced this?

Side question... Any good sports med or pt practitioners in SLC Utah that might be able to treat hip issues or deal with this type of climbing injury?

I am 6'2", 190 lbs and climb 5.11 sport and 5.10 trad, and v4ish. Thanks for reading my whiny post.

Steve Williams · · The state of confusion · Joined Jul 2005 · Points: 235

You should go see your doctor. . . then an orthopedic specialist. . .

Mtn Ape XL · · Utah · Joined Apr 2010 · Points: 131

go to the Youtubes and look up videos on Myofascial Hip Flexors and Myofacscial things in general....watch them...go to the WalMarts and buy a foam roller and a softball...use the softball on your hamstingss and the foam roller for everything else...had the same problem for many years and now it is gone as long as I roll out 2-3 times a week

Paul Merchant · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jul 2010 · Points: 10

Some issues like this one can be caused by muscle inbalances. You may have injured the muscles around the hip in the past and a larger set of muscles are still compensating for it. Over time this can cause pain. I would suggest you check out this website. - muscleactivation.com/ If you search for a specialist in the SLC area you will find six of them. I have a friend in the Chattanooga area who has saved a lot of people from surgery. Hope this helps.

Mr. Wonderful · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Apr 2014 · Points: 10

Listen to Harry and Paul. I have the same problem and have effectively dealt with it as Harry described plus some exercises for muscle imbalance. Takes time and diligence tho.

Kiri Namtvedt · · Minneapolis, MN · Joined Nov 2007 · Points: 30

I also have been dealing with hip/ass pain related to climbing! I second those who mention muscle imbalances; I was so sure I had problems in my hip joints but x-rays showed the joints to be fine. Physical therapy gave me a lot of stretches and exercises to strengthen the muscles that get deactivated by excessive sitting (which is the scourge of modern life!). I still have bad days occasionally, but stretches and exercises have done wonders for me, and I keep intending to become a more devoted practitioner of yoga.

JohnnyG · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Nov 2009 · Points: 10

are you in SLC or thetford? I'm from just across the CT river from Thetford and Dr. Glass (chiropractor) in Sharon VT worked wonders for my hip pain from climbing. Many others (PT's PA's and chiropractors) were confused by my situation. However, he might be on sabbatical in CA now. Also Dr Kristine Karlson at DHMC was extremely helpful in diagnosis and treatment.

highaltitudeflatulentexpulsion · · Colorado · Joined Oct 2012 · Points: 35

I occasionally and for the last 15 years get severe SI joint pain.

Tons of trips to the MD, DO, and PT, nothing helped much. Even shots of cortisone only provided temporary relief. I basically gutted it out and took loads of ibuprofin. I found laying on lumpy surfaces to pop it sometimes.

I've had great luck with Chiropractors. From the cash and crack to the xray and fancy type, they all get me moving better than anything else I've tried.

All isn't perfect. Climbing is fine. Hiking is usually fine. I can bike. I have stopped running and don't ever expect to again. It works for me.

Aerili · · Los Alamos, NM · Joined Mar 2007 · Points: 1,875

Not much to input other than to say I have been exposed to the Muscle Activation Technique mentioned - I took a training seminar from the guy who developed it about 10 years ago. I was pretty interested in it but did not have the ultimate desire to pony up the money and pursue the training (costly and time consuming) so not sure how truly effective it could be. But if there is a local therapist, I would see what they might offer. I think the original developer had some interesting ideas and I saw some impressive before and after videos of major biomechanical changes in those he had treated (although that does not say anything about their pain or long term outcomes).

If you decide to get the opinion of a PT, I would look for either a McKenzie or Mulligan practitioner. Actually, one technique may be better than the other for your hip but I don't know those details.

Also, just wanted to say you are not being whiny. Props to you for asking for assistance with treatment options (particularly being that you are a man and thus programmed to believe you should not seek help for any pain that isn't excruciating). ;)

Eric Chabot · · Salt Lake City, UT · Joined Jul 2011 · Points: 45

Thanks for the advice and suggestions everyone. Things are looking up.

@Johnny G I've made the move to SLC on a semi-permanent basis. I miss rumney though.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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