Understanding muscle strains and why it hurts

Why do I keep straining my muscles?

Hamstrings are speed limited, so did you go faster, or too long, or kick further than usual? Is the strain midbelly, or up near your sit bone (proximal hamstring tendinopathy)?

Calves have to work 100% of the time on court, especially the deep calf muscle called soleus which is also responsible for change of direction activity. The gastrocemius is the more superficial muscle used more for sprinting and jumping. Is the pain in the middle of your calf (musculotendinous junction)? This is where 90% of calf strains occur.

Quadriceps often strain in pre-season trying to get strong fast off the back of a slow off season. Not a great idea, they usually take longer to get back than hamstrings.

Groin strains are often from a lack of conditioning or balance with the abductors and core muscles.

What can we do about it?

Jenkins Physiotherapy uses hands on manual therapy, exercises, dry needling, advice and ongoing recommendations to help your body recover. We can also recommend the right supportive bracing when it’s needed.

We look for ways to strengthen affected muscles and tendons, and progressively restore active range of movements, balance and confidence.

We want to find exercises that you can perform to help you back to normal gradually, and help your coach with ideas to keep you involved while recovering.

We have objective measures for you to meet to ensure safe progression back to running, training, and finally competition.

How can I get started?

Simply reach out to our friendly admin team, or go to our booking page and schedule an appointment at Jenkins Physiotherapy, Madeley in the Perth northern suburbs.

Remember your health fund card, or any referral documents from your GP or specialist to present to admin on arrival.

Wear something comfortable, so that we can assess the area that is of main concern.