A similar thread was posted in "Muscle Gain" not too long ago, but I'd like to open this topic again if I could as I'm pretty sure the increased flexibility answer doesn't apply to me. I've noticed a similar phenomenon, but it's not at all near my knee. It is sharp pain in the lower right abdominal/groin area. I have the flexibility indicated in Scott's video on maximizing your squat (from the original thread's suggestions) and in most cases much more flexibility than shown in the video. I can achieve a deeper squat and a more vertical torso (I do a lot of Oly Lifting). The pain only seems to come when i hit 80% of my 1RM or above and only if I do more than 2 reps at these weights (and only when I am driving up out of the squat). A single squat at above 80% is generally ok. Note the pain is there regardless of whether it's a front or back squat. Since it's a problem that manifests after more than one rep and only above 80%, I was wondering if it's somehow related to fatigue. However, my form is not breaking down in any major noticeable way. Perhaps it's a shift in what musculature is bearing the load/working as I get fatigued (Note wearing a lifting belt doesn't seem to help)? Thoughts?

Hey buddy,

Firstly this is a question that I have no clue what to really suggest an answer to. Sorry!! This is too technical over the internet for me. I would probably look towards glute inhibition. Perhaps on maximal loading glute medius is "inhibited" which forces pirifromis to engage in preventing internal rotation of the hip which could correlate to hip pain. Thats all I can suggest really.

PS you have incredible credentials!

If it's truly near the abdominal region like you're saying it may be an inguinal hernia, but I'm pretty sure you'd know it if it was and it wouldn't only flare up on high %RM work. If I could get a bit more detail I'd be able to give a bit better of an opinion (remember, this is strictly an opinion, like Daniel I'm a little disadvantaged by not being able to check it out in person), so take them as ideas.

The other more simple option is a mild abdominal strain, as you say you work a lot of compounds and explosive work on the regular so that could lend itself to a strain from pattern overloading. Let us know how it progresses, hope you're able to lock it down!

Thanks guys. It's definitely not a hernia (had it checked). It seems like it could be some form of strain or partial tear. However, it first apeared from heavy squatting and I took a LONG time off from heavy squatting (plus 2.5 months of no lower body work at all) to let it heal. Doesn't seem to have changed much at all.

Hayden,

I can tell you from personal experience rehabilitating a Type 2 bicep tear from November 2013 that taking 2.5 months off from lower body training was the WORST thing you could have done if indeed you have/had a muscle strain. Muscle heals with scar tissue not new muscle tissue, as you probably already know, and scar tissue is not flexible or as strong as healthy muscle tissue and it grows in random patterns. After my tear, I was back in the gym after 7 days doing very light bicep work and slowly raised the weights and volume as the pain and swelling went away and the muscle was healing. Also after 7 days, I was massaging and applying heat to the muscle. This not only reduced the amount of scar tissue but also had it heal in line with my healthy muscle fibers. I also make sure to stretch the muscle every bicep workout. My doctor was very impressed with the results and expected more scar tissue and less flexibility than I have now. I am now at 4 1/2 months since the injury and I am at 85% pre-injury strength and am experiencing no pain at all or stiffness.

If your issue is indeed scar tissue, you need to see a sports message therapist familiar with Active Release Technique (ART) who can break up the scar tissue. It is a painful process but one that must be done or you will continually have this injury.

John

The 2.5 months off wasn't immediate. What was immediate was my not hitting 80% and above for multiple reps for several months. And then I sprained my ankle which forced me to take 2.5 months off. This is definitely not a major tear scenario like a torn bicep. No scar tissue that is discernable through active release (my gym owner is familiar with ART).