AboutSaleem A. Expertise I can answer questions related to TKD training and excercises to improve physical performance. I can help with questions on TKD Blocks, Kicks and Strikes and how to develop better technique.
I am also able to answer questions related to Tae Kwon Do's traditions and history.
Experience I have achieved the rank of 3rd Dan Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do and have studied under Kwangjinim Byung Hoon Park(9th Dan) for 9 Years.
Education/Credentials Achieved Year 12 HSC in 2004.
Currently studying Journalism at the University of Western Sydney (UWS).
Expert: Saleem A. Date: 3/10/2008 Subject: Hamstring strains
Question Respect to you Saleem, I got a left hamstring strain since two weeks from a middle left round kick.I used the R.I.C.E protocol but it still hurts as I did not take rest. What advice can you give to me?
Many thanks
Laval
Answer thank you for the question Lavalah and sorry in advanced for not answering it sooner.
the R.I.C.E method is definitely the correct protocol to follow after doing an injury such as this, however im afraid the 'rest' part doesn't just mean 5 minutes.
If the injury is quite painful, it's could be more than a strain, maybe even a tear and so its a good idea to seek medical advice from a doctor or a physiotherapist.
If however it isn't as bad as a tear, i would stop performing exercises where your left hamstring is extended eg. kicks, stretches. If you chose to continue extending the hamstring in your left leg it will only do further damage and take longer for a full-recovery to occur.
In order to make sure that something like this never happens again (or as frequent) i would recommend that you place emphasis on stretching your hamstrings. Flexibility of the muscle will increase with time and it will greatly reduce your risk of injury as I'm sure you're already aware. Also remember to cool-down after intense exercise. This means basically walk around or do some very light stretching to make sure your muscles don't become too stiff, too fast. If you don't cool down your muscles (especially the hamstring with TKD) will be very sore.
Finally with your roundhouse kicks you have to be careful because they can also do a lot of damage to the supporting knee if you don't twist the bottom foot. I recommend that you practice the roundhouse a little bit lower than usual, and work on height later. A roundhouse kick that strikes the solarplexes with the ball of the foot can truly be lethal so just keep in mind that height can look really great, but isn't always as effective.
I hope that somewhere in this novel of an answer that I've given you, that you have found useful information you can benefit from.
