Young Footballer Injury

[footymum]

My son is 12 and plays for his school team and also a league team. Whilst playing Tennis!!! he pulled his hamstring. I've had difference of opinion with my husband (who is also the manager of the league team our son is in) of how to treat this. I am lead to believe that you should only apply a cold compress, avoid imediate sport but keep mobile using a support if necessary and my husband and his friend seem to think you should put hot then cold compress on! Please can someone tell me if I can rub my hands in glee as I can't wait - if indeed I am correct.

[Heidi]

Hiya,

Immediately following any muscle tear you should be icing the injury for periods of 15 minutes at a time, every few hours. Definately no heat as this will only increase bleeding and possibly lead to myositis ossificans.

http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/cybertherapist/front/frontthigh/myositis.htm

Once the first 3 or 4 days have passed and no more brusing is appearing then you can use hot and cold in alternation at this really increases the blood flow to the area to start healing.

Good luck!