Quads or Hamstrings

[keswicksimon]

I've been for a sports massage with the same pracitioner for quite a few years and most recently she commented that I should have some gait analysis done. She said this because massaging my legs reveals that I seem to be overusing my hamstrings compared to my quads. I think I do plenty of stretching and yoga too and that my hamstrings are certainly not over shortened.
Any suggestions as to what the problem is?
[PS I am into my 6th month of BG training]

[Mike T]

? lots of biking - well known to shorten hamstrings.

[keswicksimon]

Not at all. It isn't that they're short, they just need more working on to clear out the crap during a massage compared to quads and ITB

[Mike T]

Not a concept I am familiar with - ignorance on my part - perhaps she just prefers massaging the back of your legs ...

[Grouse]

Migt be a good idea. Get her to have a look at yer doors while she's there.

[Mike T]

Presumably she feels there is a bigger difference between your hams and quads than she sees in the average person she massages - but how many BG aspirants has she massaged? Presumably she has noticed such differences in others - did they eventually develop injuries - is this her concern? Quiz her.

[keswicksimon]

Thanks Mike. You raise some good questions.
It's a pity we're off to Malta for 9 days now. I'll get back to her when I'm back.
Thanks

[Gaz]

I've been for a sports massage with the same pracitioner for quite a few years and most recently she commented that I should have some gait analysis done. She said this because massaging my legs reveals that I seem to be overusing my hamstrings compared to my quads. I think I do plenty of stretching and yoga too and that my hamstrings are certainly not over shortened.
Any suggestions as to what the problem is?
[PS I am into my 6th month of BG training]

I suppose the question of 'so what?' must be asked. What is the inmplication to you, do you have any signs or symtoms / pain etc?

[Rob Furness]

I would expect someone doing lots of hill climbing in training would have worked their Hams quite a lot. Running uphill shortens your stride and reduces the range of motion your hamstrings go through which can cause them to fatigue quicker. That could explain the overworked hamstrings.

As already mentioned, I wouldn't worry if you don't have any problems

[mikeyp]

Agree with other posts Are you getting injuries? If not dont worry, or see a sports physio if youre still concerned although i dont doubt youre masseur is good physios are more highly trained in muscular skeletal problems.