[stephend50]

So I managed to get myself a hamstring / proximal glut pull with sciatica. I am already seeing a doctor (pain management), message therapist, PT, and accupuncturist. Needless to say I am not running right now, I can barely walk. My question is as follows. Once I am mostly healed and pain free, how long should I wait before running again? Any suggestions for rehab excersice, e.g. eliptical or swimming would be appreciated.

Thanks

[CajunRider]

Can't tell you how long you should wait before running again. That you will have to ask your physician. As for rehab exercise, running in water using some flotation device and not touching bottom is excellent.

[Walterh]

There are so many variables that only your PT will be able to give you guidance on when and how to return. I can tell you that in my case (out with a nasty case of shin splints) that it felt like I was never gonna get back into it. The rehab process can seem like its taking a lot longer than it really is.

For my own part, being laid up for a spell turned into a real postive: I learned a TON from working with my PT and Doc on tri-specific stuff (both are triathletes themselves), I learend a lot about taking a long view and I was more careful and more thankful to be back. Even 'poor' runs feel like more of a gift somehow.

You might consider looking for a Doc and PT in the area who do the Tri-thing. In my case it made huge diffrence.

For what its worth both told me that the eliptical machine equals "Free miles"...90% of the benefit of runing with 0% of the injury inducing impact. Good luck! Hang in there.