Hip pain.. I need help with stretches

[MacSob]

Hey guys,

I seem to have developed a small problem...I've lost a lot of flexibility in my hips and legs. I wouldn't say that I have ever been able to do a split or anything like that, but I was always fairly limber. I think a lot this started when I incorporated squats into my leg routine about 2 months ago. I find that I can still touch my toes without too much of a problem, but if I try to do a sitting strech into a "V" with my legs I get a very sharp pain in the side of my upper leg, right next to the glutes and slightly below my hip. This pain is starting to come more often even doing simple things that require any stretching, reaching, etc.

To make a long story short, I need some stretch suggestions, preferably with pictures to make sure I am soing it right. Is there a website along the lines of ExRx for stretching? I've looked but can't seem to find any.

Thanks

Mac

[Bill Hartman]

Try this. If it reproduces any discomfort, it's most likely an IT band issue.

http://www.rice.edu/~jenky/sports/itband.html

Bill

[MacSob]

Thanks Bill, I'll give it a shot.

Mac

BTW: Sorry about posting in the wrong forum.