Cheerleading/Pulled Hamstring

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Expert: - 7/5/2010


Question
Dear Chris,
I pulled my hamstring in March or April while doing a toe touch at cheer practice. I stretched as much as everyone else and I don't think I did anything different with it. Since then, every time I jump with my left leg straight, it hurts. It's fine when I'm not jumping, but when the time comes to jump, there is major pain in my left leg. I feel left out because everyone can jump and I can't. What did I do? What can I do to help it? Thanks!

Answer
Well, for a pulled muscle 3 or so months isn't enough time for it to completely heel. You should go to a doctor and make sure there's nothing else wrong or see if they suggest physical therapy. However, a doctor just wants you to be healthy enough to live your daily life. They don't really care if you can do a toe touch, you know?

After checking with a doctor I would stretch that hamstring everyday, even when you don't have cheerleading. Take some time off jumping because the more you try to push yourself before you're ready the longer it will be before you heel completely.

Does you leg hurt any time it's straight and locked out even when you're not jumping. If so I would definitely recommend a visit to the doctor to make sure nothing's torn. If it's only when you jump, then I would still go to the doctor. I've always been cautious with injuries, and since it's not prime cheer season right now it would be a good time to get your leg checked out.

There's not much else that I can say because I'm not a doctor so I'm not sure what's wrong exactly, but if it's just a pulled muscle give it some more time. Stretch more than once a day to keep the muscles loose and after you cheer stretch again to help that hamstring.

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Chris

Expertise

I can answer questions on partner stunts, dismounts, basket tosses, choreography, pyramids, jumps, motions, chants, and formations. I can answer questions on tryouts, coaching, general cheerleading, etc. I cannot answer questions on co-ed stunts/pyramids or tumbling. Aside from these areas I can usually answer, or direct you to an answer, on any other topic.

Experience

I've been cheerleading for 10 years. My teams consistently competed at the national level, placing many times. I've coached for the past 5 years, and the team I coached most recently became National Champions. I've cheered at the Pop Warner, High School, and All-Star levels. I coach alongside my mother and sister who have coached at the all-star level as well. I've been watching cheerleading since I was 4, and I can create routines, give advice, and help teach kids how to deal with competitions. I have a knack for coaching and giving advice. I'm always the coach designated to give the pep talks to the kids before competitions.

Education/Credentials
I have been living with cheerleading coaches for 10+ years which teaches more than anyone can imagine. I was captain of my Varsity High School squad which came with the responsibility of picking music, writing a cheer, creating and teaching the routine, and making the formations. I have also coached nationally ranked teams for 5 years.

Awards and Honors
Two-time All-State Cheerleader nominee All-State Class M Cheerleader Varsity Cheer Captain

Past/Present Clients
The 32 young girls I just helped coach to a national championship! :) It wasn't easy, but they'll all say the work was worth it in the end.

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