I'm missing something..

Picklepie started this discussion · 1/12/2012

Hi there, I am missing a muscle group somewhere and was hoping one of you lovely Veeners could help me figure out what that is. My issue is a bent knee, not bad, but enough to bother me ;). Anything I try to do in a knee-pit facing head position (like cocoon) ends up with a slightly bent knee. http://i1060.photobucket.com/albums/t450/picklepie2/Doncurry6.jpg (Here is a direct link, it won't work if I try to put it right on the thread, sorry ) I feel like it is the hamstring that is too tight, but I am not sure. Is there a specific muscle group keeping me from straightening that leg? Could it be the hip flexor itself? Thank you so much for your help/advice :) <3 Sarah

6 replies

jade s · 1/12/2012
I have the same problem, but I have really bad knees. I'm not ure if this will help you, but it's something that Alethea Austin taught us in her workshop specifically for this problem. While sitting in our straddle, she had us take our right arm to the left leg (leaned over so you can grab your foot), flex the foot, and GENTLY press down on your knee with your other hand and hold (it was probably for a count of 8 or something) repeat on the other side... Even with my old, damaged knees, I can see the difference. Hope that helps!
aliceBheartless · 1/12/2012
I wouldn't think that it would be a hamstring flexibility issue unless you are noticing your hamstrings holding you back in other straight leg positions. Afterall, one doesn't use their hamstrings to straighten their leg, that would be a function more of the quads in that agonist/antagonist muscle group, right? I would assume that with that back bend your hip flexors need to be really flexible and maybe that could be the issue? Where do you feel the tightness or resistance in your muscles when you work towards straightening the knee? I am really interested to hear what others say!
amy · 1/12/2012
straightening that should be quads my lovely =) marlo had a tip that helped me a lot-- instead of trying to get the foot to head, think of tyring to reach for the floor (or wall) with your toes. not sure if you do that already, but i can't think of another reason why you're not exntending through the leg...
Picklepie · 1/12/2012
Thank you everybody! Amy- That definitely sounds like my issue :) I get really discombobulated in this position and I think I am pulling down toward the head rather then out toward the wall. I realized while on the foam roller today that my quads and ITB are awful tight (Thank you holidays!) Jade S - I remember that stretch from Alethea's workshop! Totally awkward but feels AWESOME thank you for the reminder it has been a long time since I did that one! <3
Madfelice · 1/13/2012
I sometimes have the same problem, and I found that lifting up through the lower core muscles in my abs pretty much fixes it. It is caused for me because I scrunch up my abs in the mistaken effort to get my knees further back than they really need to be. For me fixing the problem is about getting my hips in the right place, it may be totally different for you though.
amy · 1/13/2012
Oh another thing I just thought of it sometimes walking my hands a little further up my shin makes it easier to straighten it more... :)