splits and hip pain

[Tevin]

I stretch daily, and from the past couple of months, I've been doing split stretches. Im far from doing full 180 btw!

Ever since Ive started doing the split stretches, Ive been getting pains, at the rear of my hips around the buttocks, whenever I've been sitting for long periods. Especially when Im driving or on a computer, (like now!)

Is this a common problem when one starts to do the splits, and is temporary? Or does it mean I could be doing the stretches wrong?

[JoaNor]

Originally Posted by Tevin

I stretch daily, and from the past couple of months, I've been doing split stretches. Im far from doing full 180 btw!

Ever since Ive started doing the split stretches, Ive been getting pains, at the rear of my hips around the buttocks, whenever I've been sitting for long periods. Especially when Im driving or on a computer, (like now!)

Is this a common problem when one starts to do the splits, and is temporary? Or does it mean I could be doing the stretches wrong?

It's temporary... If you stretch for too long, your muscles get used to being stretched, so when you then sit down and your hip and but muscles are contracted, the muscles "Lock" because they are not used to being contracted for long periods...

My advice: Stretch for shorter periods, but more often.

[Chapel]

Unlike with weight lifting, you can't really get more flexibility by pushing yourself just a little harder. There is a possibility that you are simply stretching too far which will hurt your flexibility in the long run. If you are feeling a stretch, but not pain, then you are doing it right.

Now, in the case of your hips. If the pain is muscular then there is a distinct chance that it is simply some stabilizer muscles getting worked that you really haven't worked before. That is good. However, if you feel the pain in your joint, that is bad. The easiest way to tell is to compare the pain to how your muscles feel after a weight session or a group of speed drills.

Best of luck with your stretching, don't rush yourself to a full split.

[Tevin]

Thanks guys for the advice.

The pain is in the muscle area, not a joint so it may not be that serious and only temporary

I tend to hold the stretch for around 20 seconds. I do that for the entire body. As for split stretches I do them last, after I have fully warmed up, walked at a fast pace for around 5 mins and stretched all body parts. I put my leg on a filing cabinet to pull the hamstring and groin, the angle is around 145 degree. I always stop before I get any pain.

I then as stated do the splits. I was doing them standing with legs spread across, knees facing forwards. I wear slippers which slide easily on the wooden floor. I bend in front of a couch, using it as a support and to lower my self up and down, around 30 reps. I heard that, this method puts more pressure on the hips. Could that be the cause of the problem?

In view of the pain, Ive adopted another stretch, that is sitting with the knees facing upwards and lean forward and pull legs apart