Research Corner - Q&A Calf Tightness by Dianne Woodruff | Date Released : 03 Feb 2003 0 comments Print Close Question: My new client had a lumbar laminectomy about 16 years ago, prior to which (and following) he had acute postural problems (e.g., "walking on toes," excessive pronation of feet), which have been much improved by physio and sports massage. He continues to see a physio, chiropractor and sports masseur for ongoing treatment and does triathlon as a hobby (is a keen swimmer and cyclist). However, he still has limited flexibility and pain, most notably in the calf region (the gastroc/soleus junction), and his hamstrings are being overly recruited to substitute for an absence of glute strength. He has no joint pain (knee/ankle) and hasn't had any achilles tendon problems in conjunction with the calf issue. We did an assessment last night, and following this, I feel he should be focusing initially on improving neuromuscular stabilization and core stabilization, but I'm unclear what to do about his calves and why these are so tight. He has sharp pain simply from standing still longer than five to 10 minutes and discomfort from doing stabilization exercises (e.g., hop with stabilization). His key objective is to be able to start running again. Can you help?! Answer: In response to your questions, I have a couple of my own. Is your client’s gait normal? Is there a firm heel strike and roll through the foot to toe-off? The propulsion that comes from the plantarflexors is crucial in good running and walking patterns. Has your client been investigated and/or treated for compartment syndrome? I suspect your client has a myofascial restriction in the gastroc/soleus group. It could be compressing the tissue and causing his pain. His pain could be a sign of compartment syndrome, but if it is early enough, he could avoid the surgery and instead have hands-on treatment using myofascial release (for more on this, please click here or search the Content Library under keyword "Self Myofascial Release.") Regarding lack of glute strength, do this test: in prone lying, when lifting the whole leg into hip extension (ASIS remains on the mat), your client should have full recruitment of hamstrings and gluteus maximus (simultaneously). If the recruitment is poor, I suggest you test all of the hip flexors for tightness and stretch any that show less than normal ROM (i.e., rectus femoris, tensor fasciae latae and iliopsoas group). Their tightness could be inhibiting use of the gluteus maximus. Back to top About the author: Dianne Woodruff Dianne L. Woodruff holds a PhD in Somatic Education and specializes in body movement and exercise solutions. Her two-volume video series, 3-D WORKOUT, teaches people to use their bodies correctly and restores function lost from sedentary life and work. A Certified Movement Analyst, she wrote her dissertation on Bartenieff Fundamentals of Movement. She has taught in US universities for 30 years, following a career as a professional modern dancer. She developed the anatomy curriculum for Stott Pilates. A Registered Movement Therapist (ISMETA) and a CranioSacral practitioner, Dianne is the owner of Body-in-Motion in Oakville, Ontario, just west of Toronto. Full Author Details Related content Content from Dianne Woodruff Standing Calf Raise Machine Chuck Wolf | Articles Calf Raises Tony Reynolds | Articles SMR and Varicose Veins Ian O'Dwyer | Articles Tight Hamstrings and Calves Lenny Parracino | Articles Excessive Hip Rotation Dianne Woodruff | Articles Hip Flexion Dianne Woodruff | Articles Pregnancy Flexibility Training Dianne Woodruff | Articles Pubic Symphysis Strength Dianne Woodruff | Articles Hip Abduction Dianne Woodruff | Articles Hip Extension and Back Pain Dianne Woodruff | Articles Movement Patterns Dianne Woodruff | Articles Stretching - Muscle Shakes Dianne Woodruff | Articles Calf Tightness Dianne Woodruff | Articles Abdominal Stability and Mobility Dianne Woodruff | Articles Programming for Breast Cancer Group Exercise Dianne Woodruff | Articles Postural and Phasic Muscles Dianne Woodruff | Articles Please login to leave a comment Comments (0) Back to top