hey guys, how long after a light (type I?) groin strain should u begin stretching it? Ive given it 48 hours complete rest, iced it for the first few hours on and off, and am going for a light run this morning. (20 mins easy). Should I give it a bit more time or should I stretch as it feels ok to jog on?
What kind of stretching are you talking about? I think something very light, e.g., microstretching, would be okay just to help the muscle relax. But I certainly wouldn’t test your range right now.
I would get to stretching it at least softly as soon as possible. My philosophy is that strains are always the result of poor flexibility or lack of strength in an area … so the only way to get rid of them and to prevent them from recurring is working on those aspects.
Well cant you also get strains from not stretching because i have strained my hamstring at the moment from kicking a soccer ball too much without stretching before. So what would that have to do with flexibility or strength.
My experience is that groin strains don’t respond well to stretching (probably less well than any other area) Relaxation therapy EMS, Accupuncture (I know that one will get you nervous!), general massage, etc. work well.
Also light, progressive resistance through your pain-free range of motion is quite useful for getting the blood flowing in the area to help with healing.
ok thanks guys. I started off with micro stretching to ease back into it. Its a recurring older injury so I am hoping the program of stretching I have started on will help break down the scar tissue as well. It’s probably about 90% now so I don’t think it was at all serious luckily. The ice really helped straight off, then it was warm baths and light runs and microstretches. Hope it has worked fully as I have ‘trials’ on thursday.
Charlie,
What is the main causes of an upper groin strain?
With me it seems to always be on the right quad and right adductor that I strain.
I am coming to Toronto and going to see Mike Prebeg too.
Hard to narrow it down, but I’d guess that overwork/inadequate recovery from high intensity work is the likliest culprit. Mike will fix you up- he’s great. We work together a lot.