Need help. I’m not very flexible as is but I’m having a real problem with my hip flexors. They are extremely tight and are the limiting factor when trying waist height round kicks and any side kicks (which I’ve never tried to perfect but am looking more into them now). Most of the time, you would think you would need more groin stretching but instead its the outside of my hips that hurt.
I’ve done a lot of full power muay thai kicks in the past and think I might have overworked that part of my body. Was never really into stretching but realize I have to make it more of my routine.
I’ve started to try to strech this are by sitting in chairs with one leg crossed over the other (like ordinary people do) and that is very difficult for me. Is there anything else I can do to to stretch that area or does it sound more like a joint issue, not connective tissue. Thanks.
I have this same problem. I have a sharp pain in the hips when I try to kick without rotating my pelvis away from the kick. So, if I try a side kick, I actually have to turn my hips away from the target. Same goes for roundhouse kicks.
Surely when you side kick that area is contracted? Therfore it sounds more like you need to practice side kicks and holding your leg out in that position to make the muscles stronger so it no longer hurts.
I think the pain comes from my joint, not the muscles. I have tight hips, and when I kick without rotating my hips, I have a sharp “pinching” pain in the joint.
I think I need to make an appointment with a sports physician to see if it’s something I can overcome.
ghthomason - I feel exactly the same way. Even when stretching, the limiting factor is the outside hip, not the groin. Was hoping someone had already made that trip to the doctor and had some advice. I’ve looked into Glucosamine and other “joint suppliments” but haven’t really tried any of them as of yet. Might have to make an appointment also. Doesn’t limit me in everyday life though so its hard to get motivated to see a doc about it.