Tight Hip Flexors Part 3 (Myofascial Release)
This little discussion on tight dominant hip flexors has ended up becoming five posts. It's a very complicated issue as the hip flexors are major players in the body and in aerial arts. Take at look at the two previous posts.
Tight Hip Flexors Part 2 (Stretching)
Also
Auxillary Stretches for Hip Flexors
We have dicussed how the hip flexors work and why they work. Flexion, my friends! So you can lift up into a perfect straddle back inverison or chopper. We have also addressed common problems in form or strength that might be causing tight hip flexors and especially common in aerial arts, the dominant tight hip flexor. Below is a quick recap.
How the Tight Hip Flexor Happens
1. Overuse, repeat movement patterns
2. Weak glutes or weak core
3. Tight or stronger core on one side
4. Favoring a dominant side (this can be related to how you stand)
What Body Responses Happen with Tight Hip Flexors
1. Pain in the tight hip flexor(s)
2. Pain in the pelvis and hips due to misaligned sides
3. Weak non-dominant hip flexor
4. Pain in the inner thigh and knee (adductors taking on flexion when the hip flexor is too tight)
5. Pulling on the QL and subsequently the rhomboids and traps, pulling the shoulder girdle out of whack.
6. Tight calves
Here is a big problem; aerialists, dancers and polers tend to be flexible and strong. A basic stretch session may not be enough to undo tightness. The reality is, it's hard to release a locked spot in the body by yourself. Give yourself the gift of body work. Go to a highly skilled physical therapist who is actually going to do body work, dry needling and muscle activation on your hip flexor, not just give you some stretches. Another solution is to get massages frequently, find a massage therapist who understands exactly what to do with tight hip flexors. If I am in a heavy training phase, I go every two weeks, it is worth the money. The way to maintain in between massages is through self-myofascial release, facilitated stretching and maintenance on weak spots.
Self Myofascial Release for the Hip Flexors
Foam Roller Release
Begin prone with the foam roller just under the pelvic crest. Slowly roll down over the hip flexor area moving into the quad. You can focus on the hip flexors or go all the way down the quad stopping before the knee. Begin back at the pelvic crest, keeping the