AboutBrad Walker (The Stretch Coach) Expertise I'm more than happy to answer any questions relating to stretching and flexibility. Including how to use stretching to improve your athletic performance, prevent sports injury and aid in the recovery of sports injury.
Experience I'm an internationally recognized stretching and sports injury consultant with 20 years of practical experience in the health and fitness industry. And the founder of (The Stretching Institute).
Organizations Sports Medicine Australia
Publications I've written 5 books on stretching, flexibility and sports injury, including... The Stretching Handbook (ISBN: 978-0958109338), The Anatomy of Stretching (ISBN: 978-1556435966) and The Anatomy of Sports Injuries (ISBN: 978-1556436666). Plus, I've had numerous articles published at About.com, Athletes.com and BodyBuilding.com.
Education/Credentials I'm a health science graduate of the University of New England, with post graduate accreditations in athletics, swimming and triathlon coaching. I've worked with elite level and world champion athletes and I lecture for Sports Medicine Australia on injury prevention.
Past/Present Clients I've worked as assistant coach to Miles Stewart (World Champion Triathlete) and Mick Doohan (World 500cc Motorcycle Champion). Plus I've worked with countless other athletes from sports as diverse as roller-skating, squash, and cycling.
Question Hi, i think i have muscle strain down the backs of both my legs. I had a really tight right leg for about 6 weeks after an intensive kung fu seminar, but it wasnt too much trouble. Then i got inner knee pain in the same leg for a couple of weeks. I had acupuncture for this and the doctor said it was due to my having stamped my foot too hard and hurt my lower back. I rested for 1 week after this and it seemed to get better.
However, now the backs of my thighs and inner right knee and calve muscles are really tight and very painful to stretch. It is also painful to fully bend and unbend my right knee.
This doesnt feel like the usual muscle ache after hard exercise and is really impeding my training. the pain is sharp and my legs feel very tight. I'm much less flexible now.
Iwant to know whether this is a muscle strain or something else and how to continue. rest or keep training? should i use ice/heat packs?
Many thanks in anticipation...
Answer Hi Lynne
Thanks for your inquiry. It's a pleasure to help and I hope the following is beneficial.
From your description it sounds very much like a muscle/tendon strain.
The recommended immediate treatment (first 48 to 72 hours) is R.I.C.E.R. Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation and Referral to a competent physical therapist for a more accurate diagnosis.
Further treatment (after 72 hours) will consist of heat, massage and very gentle stretching.
There's 2 very detailed articles about the entire treatment process at the links below.
I hope the above has been helpful. For more information on how to stretch properly and the best stretching exercises for you, visit www.TheStretchingInstitute.com
Brad Walker
Founder & CEO
The Stretching Institute
