I have a fairly regular yoga practice (2-3 times a week) but my hamstrings are just tight. THEY. ARE. TIGHT. I have some lower back pain, and I think having more flexible hamstrings might help.
So any exercises or stretches to help my hamstrings lengthen and relax would be FABULOUS!
2 Answers
Andre Studer, CMT, PTA, RMT & Health Coach
Health Coach
Medical Massage could help your hamstrings flexibility. Drink plenty of water through out the day, in which I always suggest at least 2 Liters. I am a Sports Massage Specialist and following a great lymphatic drain and releasing potential trigger points cold help as well. A foam roller is just mediocre work compared to what a skilled CMT would do. All these will help lengthen your tight muscles and relax your nervous system. www.HWHMobileMassage.com
Brilliant Movement is an holistic approach to managing chronic pain and anxiety.
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I predict that there are some "missing pieces" in the organization of your movement. Your brain and nervous system control your movement experience. To have feelings of freedom from pain and increase your flexibility you need more information/options about what you ARE doing/moving and what you are NOT doing/moving.
For starters I would STOP trying to stretch your hamstrings since you have probably been doing that and it sounds like it is not working for you. In fact, stretching to a point of pain is just teaching your brain that it hurts to stretch and that pain is sending a signal to your brain to protect your hamstring. This protecting signal will reinforce the tightening. A dangerous cycle!!!!
I have exercises/lessons that would probably help you but I'm not sure how to relay those to you in this format :)
I would recommend finding practitioners of NeuroMovement® or the Feldenkrais Method. Check if they might have class in your area. I have on-line offerings.
