Repeated muscle pulls
2016/7/22 10:04:35
Question
Hi there,
I'm 21 years old and I play soccer every weekend. But after around 30 minute mark in the game I pull either calf or groin or hamstring muscles. Usually its both my calves that play up but my hamstrings and groin don't help either. I rest during the week and the pain goes down in a couple of days. I should perhaps mention that I am a slim guy but have been running and playing soccer since childhood so my limb muscles are pretty defined. I follow proper stretching and warm up techniques but still end up with pulled muscle. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
Sam
Answer
Sam,
It's good to hear you're so active, but I'm sorry you're getting hurt so much.
The following are my recommendations which are backed by research.
1) Make sure to stretch prior to exercise, but also after when your legs are tired.
2) Perform single leg heel raises, on a step. The downward (eccentric) phase should take 10 sec. The upward (concentric) phase should take 2 seconds.
3) You should perform 3-5 mins of running while bent over and hitting a soccer ball with your hands. This should be done 2-3 times a week.
4) The exercise at the end of this video I think will be most beneficial, but feel free to do the other things as well if you have time. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrnKzcTems4
Let me know what questions you have or if I can be of more help.
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