tight leg muscles, help!

intrigame23

The muscles in my legs frequently get so tight it hurts to walk. I've been to physical therapy to be treated for IT Band syndrome. Helped a little, still couldn't walk without pain after seeing them for 2 months. but figuring out how to stretch the groin/inner thighs/adductors got me back to walking with almost no pain.

Now, my hip flexors are constantly sore, sometimes making it hard to walk up or down stairs. My hamstrings are so tight my knees hurt when I bend down or over. Been doing hamstring stretches and hip flexors stretches, foam rolling, using a tennis ball and massage stick all over my legs 3 or 4 times a week with minimal results. WTF? I don't want to go back to PT, they don't listen when I say what's hurting me because they have to follow 'what the doctor said' in his referral. Should I go anyway?

TayaCurragh

Is there another PT you could go to? I'm not a medical professional but they really should listen to you as you know your own limits.

I had a problem with my legs, but my problem was tight calves. They warned me not to overstrech them as the muscles could rupture, so personally I don't think I would ignore it.

mbaker566

i would look for a new pt.

Vladimirnapkin

Are you taking statins? (Cholesterol lowering drugs) If so, talk to your doctor about this. General muscle pain in the big muscles is a red flag.

intrigame23

No statins. Will make an appointment with PCP and ask to be sent to another PT. Thanks, guys!

Cherimoose

intrigame23 wrote: »

Been doing hamstring stretches and hip flexors stretches, foam rolling, using a tennis ball and massage stick all over my legs 3 or 4 times a week with minimal results. WTF?

The effects of stretching don't last long, so i'd do them a lot more frequently. Try stretching them every 2 hours and post an update.

4Pop

Self myofascial release

intrigame23

Finally got to the doc. Iliopsoas injury and tendonitis-- PT starting next week. Fingers crossed it's a better experience than the last place I went to...

lorrpb

Be clear with the doctor what are all the issues you want help with from PT. In US PT can treat only what doctor referral says. If you have a new issue not on the referral, PT cannot treat it. This is a licensure and scope of practice issue.

aokoye

lorrpb wrote: »

Be clear with the doctor what are all the issues you want help with from PT. In US PT can treat only what doctor referral says. If you have a new issue not on the referral, PT cannot treat it. This is a licensure and scope of practice issue.

Agreed, it's also an insurance issue.

VUA21

There is this thing in medicine called "a second opinion". If your doctor isn't listening to you, find another doctor.

intrigame23

For anyone that may seek help for a similar problem in the future:

PT said the issue/cause for what felt like tightness was actually overstretching of weak muscles, setting me up for injury and overworking other muscles. Who woulda thunk! So, after just a few times doing strengthening exercises my legs feel much better, like I'm free to move and less pulling in my hips.

happytree923

lorrpb wrote: »

Be clear with the doctor what are all the issues you want help with from PT. In US PT can treat only what doctor referral says. If you have a new issue not on the referral, PT cannot treat it. This is a licensure and scope of practice issue.

It's not a licensure issue for the most part. You can go to a physical therapist without a referral in most states, the catch is you will almost certainly run into insurance issues. Like many treatments in the American healthcare system, you probably can have all the PT your heart desires (depending on your state) as long as you can pay cash.