In the Forum - Side Stitches
If you've ever done any kind of high impact activity, especially running, you've probably experienced the annoying side stitch...that sharp pain right under the ribs that just won't go away. Side stitches are pretty common when you're just starting out, but one forum member is actually having some problems after several months of running: "I never had problem with side "stitches" before but last 2 races [5k] developed them about 1.5 miles into race. Any suggestions for cause of sudden onset and what to do to prevent?"
Sports Medicine Guide Elizabeth Quinn mentions in her article, The Side Stitch that they're sometimes caused by stretched ligaments. I've also found that eating too close to exercise can cause them as well but, sometimes, you don't know what the problem is. Any thoughts? If so, visit our forum and tell us what you think or leave your comments here.
I’m a soccer coach for a group of young girls and I have found that when they run immediately after drinking a lot of water, their chances of a side stitch increase. However, what I have found to aid in ridding of them is to continue running, while crossing your arms above your head. It seems to increase the oxygen flow and the stitch is normally gone rather quickly. My soccer girls swear by this.
drink a lot of water
get excrise
I’m a runner too. In the beginning I had a terrible time with side stitches and sometimes still do. I found that tightening the stomach muscles as hard as I could while still being able to breath works well. It doesn’t get rid of the stitch but lets you finish your run without stopping. Also, deep “ocean” breathing helps. My pilates instructor calls it ocean breathing. Sometimes when I take shallow breathes I develop a stitch.
I hope this helps.
I think “T” is on track…our soccer boys are advised to make sure that when they run, their arms are open wide, allowing their chests to expand, increasing the amount of oxygen they are getting. This seems to help the most….I might suggest holding their crossed arms over their heads to see if this helps more. Thx T
I have heard that they are caused from shallow breathing. When I get them I take some deep breaths and they go away.
Breath in through the nose and out through the mouth.
This won’t help if you’re in a race but when it’s practice, reach down and touch your toes for ten seconds.
I can get a stitch when I’m breathing too shallow. They go away when breathe in deep and pucker my lips and blow out through them for a minute or two.
If you get a stich, swing your arms back and forth- parallel to your sides. This will not only streach your ligement, but also give you momentum in running.
I have been running and playing soccer my entire life and I found that if you continue running, put your hands on top of your head, and pace your breathing they will go away.
Hello All,
I was reading around some of the posts here and I found interesting things that you guys talk about, I just made a blog about quitting smoking resources and ideas that you might want to check out.
If someone is interested in this topic just go to; http://endthehabitnow.blogspot.com and let me know what you think.
Thanks in advance.
I’m the only one in this world. Can please someone join me in this life? Or maybe death…