I have a pain in my arse and I've been told to exercise - help!

[TheCraicDealer]

So I have a pain in my bum- in the crease of one buttock but "deep", iyswim, at the joint. It always happens when I've been sitting or driving for a while, which is difficult because my job revolves around both those activities.

It's getting progressively worse. I had an x-ray done c.2 years ago when the problem first arose and this didn't show anything out of the ordinary. It went away for a while and is now back with a vengeance.

My doctor has told me I need to get off my sedentary arse and build up the strength in my pelvis before any further investigations. For a 24 year old I'm incredibly unfit and I don't know what to do that will increase strength and make this go away. I've been to the gym on a few occasions but I don't know if what I'm doing (bike, treadmill, cross trainer, rowing machine) is actually doing any good.

So....if there any physio's, personal trainers or just gym bunnies out there I'd really appreciate some tips!

IIWY I would try pilates. Is that something you would consider? It's very good for building up strength and stretching out your muscles. I would think it could 'cure' your problem.

I would, I need to get this sorted! But my flexibility is really bad. Like, really bad, I can only reach past my knees. Will they laugh at me? [genuine concern]

Pilates is great!
I do it to build up my core muscles and try to slow down the curve in my spine.

I went from being barely able to touch my shins to being able to place my hands flat on the floor within a few months.

Pilates is not so much about flexibility as it is control.

Nobody will laugh, probably because they have all been there themselves. We all have to start somewhere.

If you get a good instructor, he or she will 1) have seen it all before and 2) be able to work with you whatever your level.

Another vote for pilates, I go to a class run by a physio who follows the APPI programe and we spend the whole class working on the muscles in our core, which includes those around the lower back and the buttocks, which is what is sounds like you need to do. I started in January and am really noticing the results now.

No one will laugh, even in a class environment everyone is too busy working out what to do with themselves to notice what others are up to.

Where are you based? If you are in NI I could recommend a class for you.

I've got a similar problem (but am several decades older than you) with pain in the sacroiliac area. I've tried a chiropractor (some help) but my GP thinks a Physio would be better. She talked about building up core stability but we agreed that it was best to find a Pilates instructor who would give some one to one help ... e.g. start with a couple of private lessons before going to a class. If you can find a Pilates class run by a Physio, that would sound perfect.

Just start with walking. Walk for 20 minutes at a time.

Give it a week and see how you feel.

Personally I would see a physio first and see what they say, it might be a very different problem from just needing to do more exercise. They will give you specific exercises to help and then when it's better you can think about upping your fitness.

I'm in Belfast, MrsLyman - hovering over the "contact us" page on a firm from East Belfast run by two physios so would love to hear your recommendation before I do anything.

I actually do a lot of walking most weekends and evenings. Ok, so it's around shops but does that matter? I agree valiuimredhead about the physio and how amazing parlux hairdryers are, but I have a head like a sieve and I actually need someone standing over me, telling me that I have to do these exercises to help.... Hence why I'm thinking the class might be better, at least in the sort term. Being able to touch my toes for the first time in about 22 years would also be a bonus.

Consider Yoga too - I do Bikram (hot) yoga wich isn't for everyone but many people with chronic pain have found it helpful

But if the pain is caused by injury not lack of exercise you might make it worse and yes they are bloody fab, aren't they?!

I'm steering away from the injury-cause as if I'm in pain, getting up and walking it off does actually work. And if yoga/pilates is basically stretching and gentle manipulation (?), could I do that much harm if it is a mystery injury?

DP has been telling me to look into classes for weeks- he's cross that speaking to the vipers spurred me into action and I didn't listen to him in the first place. He had a stress fracture in his hip at "my age"....if we have kids they're fucked joint wise, it would appear!

I don't know Belfast but this may be near you, it ain't cheap but it is great

I'm pretty sure you're hovering over the page of the class I was going to recommend but I've sent you a PM to confirm before I totally out myself

Something you have had for 2 years needs looking into properly ime.

Sorry, I should have made myself more clear- it started c. 2 years ago, lasted about six weeks (when I had the X-ray) and then disappeared suddenly. Then about 2-3 months ago it kicked off again, with the pain becoming more frequent. No pain in the interim, or on days when I'm up and about.

I've contacted the pilates lady and apparently they have a physio session first before you roll up with your mat to the first session- if there's any possibility I could do more harm than good I will back away as fast as my stiff legs will carry me. to all of you!