Tedd Girouard MS, LAT, ATC
Head Athletic Trainer FC Las Vegas

A muscle strain is defined as a tear or pull to a muscle or a tendon. In soccer these injuries usually occur in the lower body and are most commonly seen in the hamstring muscle group. However, they usually occur to the hip adductors (Groin), the hip flexors, the quadriceps, the calves, or a combination of both.

Muscle strains may be caused by several different reasons. The most common reasons in soccer seem to be a lack of a sufficient warm up, poor conditioning and or increased level of fatigue. A warm up helps increase the elastic properties in a muscle thus making it more able to absorb shock. Another reason strains may occur is due to lack of flexibility in a muscle. Some may occur because one muscle is disproportional stronger then another muscle in the area. And finally strains may occur because you as the soccer player may simply be asking your muscles to do more then they are able to do. This may happen because you try to drive the ball further and harder then your muscles are able to perform. All of these can be somewhat avoided by constantly performing a strengthening and flexability program.

Management

Muscle strains should be treated very conservatively, as muscles that are strained tend to be easily re-injured if not treated properly. The treatment for an acute strain is Ice, Compression, and Elevation on Rest.

The ice treatments should be applied every other hour for 25-30 minutes with an ice bag applied directly over the site of pain on the skin with a compression bandage. When the area is not being iced it should be wrapped with a compression bandage. Rest is key for the first 48 - 72 hours. After that time gentle pain free stretching should be performed. Once you are able to stretch about 90% of the opposite limb, light-strengthening exercises should be done. Once your strength is 90% of the opposite limb light jogging and light ball touches should begin. Speed and ball touching can be increased as long as it is in a pain-free manner. Once you are able to run and drive the ball at top speed you can return to soccer once again.

Specific Stretching Exercises for Soccer:

If your pain or function gets worse with time or does not improve consult your local physician.