Advice pls - rollering (is that a word?)

[Jogunlikely]

That Q was rhetorical

Out on today's run I felt a tightness develop in my left calf. I stopped to give it a stretch and finished the run with no obvious ill effects. I have had a go with my large roller, not easy so swapped to a tennis ball.

There is a definite tender spot. Should I keep at it with the tennis ball until it stops feeling tender or have another roll later?

I've not really done this roller stuff before so any pointers would be great.

Ps I have stretched out on return today but not been as diligent as I should have been the last few runs. 😞😞😞 lesson learnt!

Pps I have my first event on Sat so would like to have it ok for then x

[backintime Graduate10]

I know it's a hard question to answer but is it a knot or a strain ? If it's a knot I would have a nice soak and massage it with my thumb, if it's a strain I would leave it alone and do the ice thing

[Jogunlikely in reply to backintime]

It just feels tight in one spot so I'll say it's a knot

[backintime Graduate10 in reply to Jogunlikely]

Personally (I'm not a doctor or a physio) I soak and massage until I fight that spot that makes me jump in the air and keep gentle pushes on it ( I have never done it to my calf though, just my back /shoulder

[nif100]

OUCH.... Silly question but do you wear high heels for your job? Used to find they played havoc with my calves when I went to flatter running shoes...It is the dilemma whether or not you have a tight muscle or a strained something. I think would be the way to go and rest a day or so don't do a me and try and run with it and then make it worse and then hence more days without running. The pain gremlins are certainly on the rounds at the moment.....take care

[Jogunlikely in reply to nif100]

Thats a good call nif. Since starting my new job in May I've been wearing heels (flats or no shoes on last job) i best go shop shopping I hate shopping 😬

[SeeJillRun 60minGraduate]

There’s loads of videos on YouTube on using a foam roller n they’re great if it’s general muscle tightness but that sounds like a knot. Google trigger point therapy, I’ve found it really helpful for muscle tension. Hope it feels better soon 🤞

[Irishprincess Graduate10]

You can also self massage your calves. Use a little oil and get in there, but gently. Stretch after a massage/roller session not before.

[Jogunlikely in reply to Irishprincess]

Thank you, good to know