Training & Nutrition - Quad tightens up after hard efforts

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phoshizzo
05-16-08, 03:20 PM
I have an appointment to go see the doc, but I wanted to run this by you guys/gals and get your opinion.

A few weeks ago, I did a race w/ an uphill finish. After sprinting to the finish line, my left quad got really tight and I have to spin around using mostly my right leg to loosen it up. The next day it felt fine and didn't feel much soreness.

Since the race, my left quad now tightens up after hard training efforts such as sprinting or out of the saddle climbing. The harder I push it, the tighter it gets. Riding a tempo doesn't seem to bother me, only when going hard.

I figured some rest would do my quad some good, so I took a week of completely and spun very easy for the following week w/ rides under 2hrs and HR below 130. Going into the third week, I did a couple of sprints to test out the quad and I felt it starting to feel strained, so I stopped the sprints.

I going to see the doc on this one, but I wanted to check and see what you think could be the problem. Personally, I think I strained it, but not totally sure thats the problem. I also what to find out what the docs opinion is on recovery and how long.


Tom Stormcrowe
05-16-08, 06:26 PM
Lactic acid buildup, maybe?

Doing better post effort cooldown and stretching might help a bit, as will deep tissue massage.

The_Spaniard
05-16-08, 06:34 PM
im guessing the doc will probably send you to a physical therapist. im guessin you either, strained, pulled, or tore some muscle. i strained a muscle a couple months back took me about 2 weeks of rest till i was able to excersize, but before i started regular workouts i hit the gym to strengthen the muscle, i started very slow and progressed from there. it worked out well, see what the doctor says and take his advice on what you have to do to heal up.


phoshizzo
05-16-08, 07:04 PM
im guessing the doc will probably send you to a physical therapist. im guessin you either, strained, pulled, or tore some muscle. i strained a muscle a couple months back took me about 2 weeks of rest till i was able to excersize, but before i started regular workouts i hit the gym to strengthen the muscle, i started very slow and progressed from there. it worked out well, see what the doctor says and take his advice on what you have to do to heal up.


Good guess. I just got back from the doc and she was able to pin-point a knot/inflammation in the left quad. She's guessing a small muscle tear or strain. She sending me to a physical therapist for further examinations. Told me to take a few Advil per day and take it easy on the bike.

The_Spaniard
05-16-08, 07:39 PM
Good guess. I just got back from the doc and she was able to pin-point a knot/inflammation in the left quad. She's guessing a small muscle tear or strain. She sending me to a physical therapist for further examinations. Told me to take a few Advil per day and take it easy on the bike.

nice i got lucky with my guess haha. also i made the mistake of saying he/his for the doctor, i didnt mean to predispose all doctors to being male, lots of doctors are female also heh.