Expert: Dr. Paul Newhart - 11/1/2007

Question
When I was in junior high I grew almost 5 inches in one year and soon after I experienced problems with my coordination. The doctors said that I would grow out of it and through repetitive drills and stretching while playing football I would be fine. NOT THE CASE!! I went to a physical therapist my freshman year because I was experiencing severe back pain at practice. He told me that that my pelvis had rocked forward because my hamstrings were too tight and on the first day of treatment He put my knee to my face resulting in alot of pain so I didn't go back. A MISTAKE I TRULLY REGRET. As time went on I just lived with the fact that I was awkward in my movements and overcompensated with strength which further immobilized me. I'm currently a student at Southeaster Louisiana University where I threw the shotput for two years, but not without the frustration of wondering why I couldn't mimic the movements of my fellow teammates no matter how hard I worked. Again I overcompensated with strenth and stretched my hamstrings ALOT with no avail. Finally I couldn't take it anymore and tried to accept the fact that I am going to live with this forever and gave up track, but I just can't accept it. I continue to stretch my hamstrings but it realy doesn't help that much, and when I stretch, it just feels like I'm stretching my calves with a little bit of hamstring action, and when I look in the mirror when I reach for my toes to stretch my hamstrings, my lower back basically stays in position while the rest of my back bends. If theres any advice or techniques you can give me I would be greatfull. Thank You for your time.
Sincerely: Brad  

Answer
I would find a good chiropractor to address these issues.  First, tight Hamstrings will rock the Pelvis backward, not forward.  Pushing your knee to your chest accents this backwards motion.  It sounds to me as if you may have dysfunction in the Psoas and Iliopsoas muscles.  These can lock the lumbar spine and decrease its' motion.  X-rays would be of benefit to see if there is also a mechanical explanation for the problem.  Keep me informed, and good luck!