stretching hamstring-static stretching?

seefin

Was told my hamstrings are really tight as cycle alot and given a stretching exercise where put foot up on table with leg straight. Did it this evening and now feels like overstretched and lower ham/top of calf muscle are about to snap. Can static stretching of very tight muscle cause this or am I worried needlessly. Can I cycle tomorrow? Can't contact the physical therapist until Monday

kumate_champ07

try foam rolling, if you have some knots in your hamstrings you will end up overstretching the muscle fibers on both sides of the knot

as a cyclist one of the best things ive ever done is add foam rolling to my training, it makes a noticeable difference

seefin

kumate_champ07 wrote:

try foam rolling, if you have some knots in your hamstrings you will end up overstretching the muscle fibers on both sides of the knot

To be safe should I not do any stretches so until I've foam rolled for a week or 2?

freemenfitness

Foam rolling alone will not really increase flexibility I would advise you to warm up do some foam rolling and stretch. You should be fine to continue cycling. Try to make a regular habit of stretching and rolling. Like anything don't go to pain, discomfort is good but pain is not.


Here is a good article on the hows and whys of stretching your hamstrings with some good stretches explained too. If you need any help feel free to drop me a pm.

https://gmb.io/hamstring-flexibility/

seefin

freemenfitness wrote:

Here is a good article on the hows and whys of stretching your hamstrings with some good stretches explained too. If you need any help feel free to drop me a pm.

Thanks for that. I've never had problem touching toes or doing that hands overlapping at back stretch( further down in article you sent on) but at same time I've incredible tightness. Is it normal for muscles to feel sore since I've begun stretching and foam rolling? Am I in danger of tearing a muscle if I overdo the stretch? How many weeks before I see results if I foam roll etc most days? So many questions !

Alf Veedersane

seefin wrote: »

Thanks for that. I've never had problem touching toes or doing that hands overlapping at back stretch( further down in article you sent on) but at same time I've incredible tightness. Is it normal for muscles to feel sore since I've begun stretching and foam rolling? Am I in danger of tearing a muscle if I overdo the stretch? How many weeks before I see results if I foam roll etc most days? So many questions !

Tightness isn't necessarily a flexibility issue. Check out the video here:

seefin

Alf Veedersane wrote:

Tightness isn't necessarily a flexibility issue. Check out the video here:

That's fascinating and makes sense. Where do I go from here though? Have pains in calves and hamstrings since started stretching so not sure of that's helping now. Foam roll and not stretch? I want to go to a decent physical therapist/trainer who will assess me and recommend what to do. Anyone recommend someone in Cork city?

calfmuscle

seefin wrote: »

That's fascinating and makes sense. Where do I go from here though? Have pains in calves and hamstrings since started stretching so not sure of that's helping now. Foam roll and not stretch? I want to go to a decent physical therapist/trainer who will assess me and recommend what to do. Anyone recommend someone in Cork city?

Just go see a physio and you will get sorted. Stop doing anything that is causing you pain. Make sure anyone you go to is chartered ie has a degree!