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Post by chocaholic on Apr 10, 2012 11:59:25 GMT
I am finding that whatever I do , I am sitting heavier on one side of my saddle .
Horse/ saddle both been checked so its definately me .
Can anyone in the NorthWest recommend a good physio/chiro/etc?
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Post by vikki85 on Apr 10, 2012 12:22:12 GMT
Funnily enough I'm going to see a McTimoney Chiropractor in North Wales tonight - not sure where in the North West you are though so she might be a bit far for you. Her name is Janette Keeley and she has seen me before - I used to sit more heavily on one side too. It transpired that my left hip was 4cm higher than my right, and she put me right. She also does horses and rides herself so is a good one for understanding rider's bodies. She's in Ruthin, North Wales. If you want her number let me know  |
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Post by sageandonion on Apr 10, 2012 16:30:07 GMT
Gym and much cheaper. Body Balance classes, will sort you out in about 5 sessions and improve your riding generally no end.
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Post by nia2311 on Apr 10, 2012 16:50:54 GMT
Gym and much cheaper. Body Balance classes, will sort you out in about 5 sessions and improve your riding generally no end. Not necessarily. Some people (like me) have wonky conformation and would be placed right at the bottom in a breed class..... I have one leg significantly longer than the other, as well as knock knees and I walk on my instep. I suffered immense knee and back pain as a young teenager, but was told to shut up and get on with things. It transpires that I should have seen a podiatrist and had corrective insoles in my shoes, and manipulation to correct the knock knees. As a result of being left until I was fully grown, without my specially fitted insoles with one heel raise, my left hip is about 3 inches lower than my right, leading to a twisting of the hip when I walk, stiffness, pain and also lower back pain. The conformational issue cannot be corrected now, considering my bones and ligaments are all set in their adult position. I am undergoing physiotherapy to address the different muscle tone on the right and left hand side of my lower back and hips, caused by the wonkiness. I have been advised against using a gym by my physiotherapist, especially against running machines, as they will put an unnecessary strain on my hip and lower back. She considers riding to be a suitable sport, but in small doses and has told me to make very sure I am balanced and not over using one side of my hips/back. My instructor is aware of my conformational problem, and advises me accordingly. I advise you to seek referral to a state registered physiotherapist and podiatrist, which you can get through your GP. Be careful going privately - ensure the practitioner is state registered as many "amateurs" masquerade as fully qualified practitioners. A podiatrist can assess if there is a problem with your posture etc and recommend orthotics to improve any problems, whilst a physio can advise on correct and suitable exercises to correct any different in muscle structure and tone on one side or the other. If you do wish to join a gym, take advice from a qualified gym instructor and have an assessment before launching into using equipment, as you can do a lot more harm than good if you do the wrong thing. |
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sarahp
Happy to help
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Post by sarahp on Apr 10, 2012 17:06:49 GMT
I'm another who wouldn't pass a vetting nia through congenital malformations although not as bad as you sound, and am now hugely helped by orthotics too. I used to ride with one hip forward, due to the joint being rotated out - I walk with one foot turned out although not as much now as I did. That bit was helped by an osteopath, but it needed an orthopaedic surgeon's referral to a podiatrist to deal with the by then arthritic ankle joints by fitting individually made orthotics, as well as physio.
My husband was recommended pilates classes for his bad back, and we both go. It's very gentle, designed to preserve flexibility and strengthen the body core muscles and does us both good, but I doubt if it would correct the sort of thing nia and I struggled with for years, that requires individual specialist diagnosis and treatment. Physios are great, I'm a huge fan.
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Post by vikki85 on Apr 10, 2012 18:59:48 GMT
Nia2311 you sound like a cross-breed between me and my best friend! We just got back from the chiropractor and have been 'diagnosed' with most of the problems you've described between us, but not on so serious a scale.
I'm feeling much more level now already, I'd definitely recommend seeing a professional of some sort OP.
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Post by chocaholic on Apr 11, 2012 11:50:51 GMT
vikki85 - thank you and I may take you up on that offer if i cant find someone nearer .
Wonky conformation( love the description ) is definately the problem with me , have always had it but its only recently affected the way I ride, so hopefully I can be adjusted .
Thanks to all of you for your advice
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Post by nia2311 on Apr 11, 2012 15:23:53 GMT
If it has only recently affected your riding, do get to a physio, as you may have done something to a muscle somewhere without realising, and you are now compensating for that. I am sure a good physio can help you. Also, do get to a podiatrist if your conformational issues are not in check - I recently got new orthotics and they have improved him hip pain no end
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Post by cheryl on Apr 12, 2012 13:03:25 GMT
I have suddenly become crooked without noticing!! I sit more to the left no matter how hard I try I never feel straight!!
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Post by fanfarefan on Apr 12, 2012 13:32:08 GMT
A CROOKED HORSE !!!!!!!
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Post by cheryl on Apr 12, 2012 14:06:51 GMT
Mine isn't crooked horse problem because I'm like that on any horse. I discovered yesterday that the lengths from my hip to knee are different!
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Post by nia2311 on Apr 12, 2012 14:11:19 GMT
Mine isn't crooked horse problem because I'm like that on any horse. I discovered yesterday that the lengths from my hip to knee are different! There we go - its that wonky conformation again ;D I do wonder how well us humans would score for conformation?! We get all excited about our horse not having cow hocks etc and we ourselves are all wonky!!!  |
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sarahp
Happy to help
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Post by sarahp on Apr 12, 2012 14:38:09 GMT
Well I'll happily admit I have rubbish conformation for a rider!
Being serious, a crooked rider can make the horse crooked and vice versa, and don't forget the saddle, it took me ages to click that I'd made mine crooked because I was, which then affected the horse's back.
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Post by deucoch on Apr 12, 2012 16:48:11 GMT
I too have become crooked due to a bad hip.
I used to lean to the right as my left was tight. I see an osteopath ever few months to help keep my pelvis straight and i definitely am much better since seeing her.
It can happen without you knowing though and can be something as simple as a bad habit, saddle etc, i was worse in a show saddle as me left hip too tight to drop into natural position. Physio would be my first point of call.
I've had Janette out to a pony and she was good.
Any tips for a tight hamstring? My left one is supertight due to walking wonky.
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Post by dawnie on Apr 21, 2012 22:38:09 GMT
Glad to know I am not alone with the wonky confo. I am sick of feeling like a crooked pig when I am riding. I know I am due another visit to the Chiropractor.
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Post by cheryl on Apr 22, 2012 19:50:14 GMT
Mine isn't crooked horse problem because I'm like that on any horse. I discovered yesterday that the lengths from my hip to knee are different! There we go - its that wonky conformation again ;D I do wonder how well us humans would score for conformation?! We get all excited about our horse not having cow hocks etc and we ourselves are all wonky!!! I would dread to think what mine would be! I think i would be a bit pigeon toed too! haha |
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Post by chocaholic on Apr 23, 2012 12:31:05 GMT
Good to know I am not alone
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