Hamstring, wrap and stretch

[RobertT]

I have a slight hamstring pull that hasn't really effected my training. When doing intervals or MA or heavy leg work I wrap it.

My question is whether it's a good idea to leave the wrap on when stretching after working out, or take the wrap off for the stretching.

Opinions?

[Bill Hartman]

Bad news. If you're thinking about it on any level it affects your training.

Why and what kind of stretching are you doing? Are you aware that there's something else going on that's the cause of this strain and the associated tension you're feeling?

How'd it happen?

Bill

[RobertT]

Thank you for responding to my inquiry. Since I've never 'spoken' with you before, I should probably give you a little info about me:

I'm 55 y/o, 5'-10", 185 pounds. I've been lifting, running, biking and so forth since my late teens, usually following my own programs (three or four years ago I did the BoM, my first ever commercial program). I've never lifted to get big, usually doing only compound work, just trying to increase or maintain functional strength. I've run at least one marathon in each of the last nineteen years, except one that I missed due to broken ribs (wall collapse). About ten years ago I began doing duathlons, then started doing tri's about three years ago as well. Two years ago I began taking Tae Kwon Do classes. I run two/three times a week, bike twice, swim twice, lift twice and go to TKD class twice.

Having said all that, and more specific to my issue, I also do about ten minutes of static stretching after my workouts, while TKD includes more of a dynamic stretch routine.

The injury occurred when I was pulling hose up a stairwell and the carpet I was standing on pulled loose from the floor, causing my left leg to jerk down the stairs (3 a.m., and I'm wearing about 40 pounds of gear). It's been a couple of weeks and I have run on it with no noticeable pain (I've been wrapping it to work out and icing it regularly). But there's no question I'm very aware of it, particularly early morning and when I stretch.

I have a half-ironman next month that I'm approaching taper on, so I hate to miss any work outs (I'm also pretty diligent about training in general). I've had plenty of minor injuries before and this one isn't really that big a deal-I know it'll go away, but I'm curious about whether leaving the wrap on for stretching is a good idea (I never have before).

Sorry for the long message, but I figured you'd need to know that I'm not just getting started with training.

Thanks for your help.
Robert

[Bill Hartman]

The wrap makes no difference as far as effects of stretching go.

However, static stretching won't help the strain much if at all. Research is pretty clear that dynamic flexibility exericse is the way to go to restore your function and prevent any recurrence. Single leg exercises and lunging in all directions and such will give you a better return on investment. From a strengtheing standpoint, work on the hip extension component of the hamstring function (RDLs, deads, reverse hypers, step-ups, etc.)

Congrats on your efforts from an exercise/competitive standpoint and don't ever stop.

Bill

[RobertT]

Thank you Bill. I will do as you suggest; I've been ramping up my leg work the last couple of months and this will fit right in.