Expert: Dianne M. Buxton - 1/28/2011

Question
Hello,

I have had a pain where the left sit bone (ischial tuberosity) is for 6 months, and have been consulting a sports physician for it. Because of the pain, I am not able to put my left leg on the barre, not have I been able to stretch fully. I can lift my leg but cannot unfold it beyond hip level.       

After several physiotherapy sessions, my physician recommended that I go for an MRI scan as he suspected that I could have an avulsed hamstring tendon. But the MRI showed no tears or any impingement and there was no evidence of any physiological problem.

My physician is puzzled and he suspects that the pain comes with compression (sitting) and stretching. He is referring me to his colleague for a second opinion.

What could be a probable cause and do you think I should work through the pain & stretch to regain  flexibility in my left leg?   

Thanks very much!
Tsu-Min

Answer
Hi Tsu-Min. I found this: http://somatics.com/hamstrings-and-knees.htm

at this post: http://en.allexperts.com/q/Pain-Management-1322/2010/6/Ischial-Tuberosity-Pain-S...
from doing a search on ischial tuberosity pain.

My first thought was to ice, two three times a day... and also tension coming from the IT band. You can release this using a soft sports ball, rolling it down the side of the thigh, against a wall, or lying on the floor. Gentle pressure, held, then released, is better than repeated quick presses into the area.

Try the above exercise. It would not impress dancers, at first glance, but this therapist has another method (I haven't used it) which may very well be the way you will lose this pain. In fact, the other exercises he recommends look interesting too.

If you have time in the future, I would love to hear if this worked for you.

All the best, Dianne