I hurt my hamstring in volleyball last night...?!
Question: and I have a basketball game tonight. It's my left hammy right above the back of my knee. Anything I can do to make it playable tonight in my game?
Answers: and I have a basketball game tonight. It's my left hammy right above the back of my knee. Anything I can do to make it playable tonight in my game?
If it a mild strain (no discoloration, minimal pain) then you would be okay to attempt to play tonight. Warm up really well and stretch beforehand. But If at any time, your pain increases you should take yourself out.
If the strain is worse than a mild strain, I would set out the game tonight. Focus on rest and icing for the next couple of days and then gradually work into some light stretching. If you have a great deal of discoloration and swelling, you should see a doctor. Higher grade hamstring strains a tough to come back from without professional help such as physical therapy.
Hamstring injuries can be tricky and if not treated correctly initially can become a chronic problem.
I think you should rest this one out, if you try to excercise your hamstring even more you might end up having serious problems. After your hamstring heals up work on excercises to stretch it out.
They say rice - rest, ice, compression, elevation - but with your limited time I would recommend some stretching.
Exercise #1
Sit on the floor with both legs out straight.
Extend your arms and reach forward by bending at the waist as far as possible while keeping your knees straight.
Hold this position for 10 seconds.
Relax.
Repeat.
Exercise #2
Sit on the floor with one leg out straight
Bend the other leg at the knee and position the sole of that foot against your opposite inner thigh.
Extend your arms and reach forward over the one straight leg by bending at the waist as far as possible.
Hold this position for 10 seconds
Exercise #3
Stand and cross your right foot in front of your left
Slowly lower your forehead to your right knee by bending at the waist.
Keep both knees straight.
Hold this position for 10 seconds.
Relax.
Repeat by crossing your left foot in front of your right.
RICE - however if you are absolute about playing tonight,
cake the area with BenGay/IcyHot and wrap it up tight. Don't expect to be in great form.
No form of stretching is going to make it feel better since the muscle fibers are already torn.
Is there sever bruising around the area? If there is a lot, then it is pretty severe and you should sit this one out.