Pulled Hamstring

Alpha Male

Mentor
Joined
May 22, 2005
Messages
775
Location
California
Hey fellas,

I pulled my hamstring last Tuesday (Feb, 19th), but have a race in early March that I still want to compete in. The pull was a level 1. I'm walking fine now, but if I stretch deeply I can feel it. I've applied RICE, Chi Herbal Hamstring Recovery Wraps, and some light stretching.

What are some other recovery methods - and more importantly, some preventative strategies? I pulled my other hamstring in October too. I don't think it's a lack of strength; I can deadlift a ton, but maybe some built up scar tissue? Another thought: I don't think I raised my core temp high enough before I began my speed and power workout.


I'd really appreciate some feedback fellas!

Thanks.
 

albinosprint

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Joined
Jun 15, 2006
Messages
1,078
Location
New York
95% of the time a pull happens from a imbalance in your muscles. in this case you quads are two much for your hamstrings. you need to either work out your quads less or work your hamstrings more.ice is important for the first 12-24 hours. now your need to heat it with a heat pad and put ben gay or icy hot on it when you sleep. in the future always give your self a good warm up. half mile jog with some light stretching usually works best. you should stretch the muscle w/ a slow movement and hold for about 5-10 seconds. you should do this 2-3 time. never force the stretch and never jerk or bounce. light and slow. then continue to warm up with some strides and what not.
 

Alpha Male

Mentor
Joined
May 22, 2005
Messages
775
Location
California
Thanks albinosprint. I just had some Active Release Therapy done as well. I'm feeling much better.
 

mastermulti

Master
Joined
Jan 13, 2006
Messages
2,236
Location
Sydney Australia
glad to hear it's coming good AM.

here's some info I was given when suffering one of my relatively frequent
hammie injuries.

The problem for sprinters is we often come back to early (weeks instead
of months). The sports specialist I saw said that was OK for football
players when you can often get by at 90-95% but for outright
acceleration effort and top speed running you really have to be pretty well
healed.


<a href="http://www.injuryupdate.com.au/" target="_blank">http://www.injuryupdate.com.au
/</a>
 

Alpha Male

Mentor
Joined
May 22, 2005
Messages
775
Location
California
Thanks for the help mastermulti. I pulled my other hamstring late October as well. This is one of the most painful, annoying injuries. I'll check that website out. Maybe I should not plan on racing till outdoor then, although I'm better suited for 55 and 60m.
 
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