Running Injury - Gluteus Maximus - learnings

Hi Folks. this is a re-post of what I had emailed on the chennairunners mail list. Addln info : Phone number for Dr. Kannan Puzhazhendi's clinic at YMCA Nandanam = 044-32911774
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Folks.. I am now on the road to recovery after straining my right glute muscle while on a long-fast run in the last week of December. I have taken guidance from quite a few of you in the group to tide over this injury. Here is a quick overview of how to tackle the problem if some of you do get the same. However ..this is specific to me.... your pain in this area maybe for other reasons too.

Diagnosis by Dr. Kannan Puzhazhendi:
1. overdependence on the right leg for locomotion i.e right leg does the work, left leg simply rolls over

2. roll-over of the right foot after impact is not in a straight line, but at an angle to the direction of running... something like a 10 degree variance (this is my approximation) - this angle adds to strain on the glutes and then on the calf muscle in course of time unless corrected.

I did not think pt 1 was the case until I was told so.. neither did I think I was guilty of point 2. But for sure pt 1 is something I do unconsciously sofar.

I have yet to have a final session with Dr. Kannan P on corrections, but this pretty much sums the reason for the severe pain in the glute while running.

Some useful information : (for those who have not seen this before)

A/ Attached pdf on useful exercises to strengthen the glut muscle ( http://www.acefitness.org/getfit/GlutesStudy2006.pdf)

B/ http://www.easyvigour.net.nz/fitness/h_gluteus_max_hip_pain.htm - lots of stuff there... esp on barefoot running.. not sure I will even think of attempting that.

Hope you find this of use and THANK YOU for all the help in getting me 99% on the road to recovery.

Cheers and Happy Running!
george