How deep to push when pulled hamstring still feels tight

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March 6, 2008 at 6:19 pm

Post count: 134

#1010

Posted by Tom

I attend Bikram Yoga Memphis two times per week. I am 41, but in pretty good shape (six foot one, 195, fairly low body fat, former college football player, and work out 4-5 times every week). I also work out with kettlebells and do a lot of high intensity interval training on the treadmill.

I can’t lock my knees in standing head to knee, but, until recently, could go pretty deep in separate leg stretching. There was no specific event, but I recently noticed that my right hamstring was very tight and I had a 4-5 inch circular bruise on the muscle.

I have been receiving Scenar treatments, have decreased the intensity of the sprint work, but have kept going to yoga. My teachers have suggested stopping the depth on the hamstring when there is pain. Intuitively, I think they are correct, but I wanted to see if you had any advice to add.

Would the comments to the person on another thread on this site who has one hamstring that is tighter than the other apply to me?

Thanks!

Tom

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March 6, 2008 at 6:20 pm

Post count: 134

#2844

Posted by Tom

Gabrielle:

I read the article you suggested to other people about reducing the width of the stance in standing separate leg stretching, grabbing the feet as close to the back of feet as possible, and not locking the knees. Like the others, I have never done this, but will try it tomorrow! Thank you!!!

Tom

Gabrielle (The Hot Yoga Doctor)
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March 6, 2008 at 6:20 pm

Post count: 3048

#2845

Fantastic Tom

Thanks for beating me to the punch. Yes I would recommend those adjustments and as my article recommends in those 2 key poses work on the pull with the biceps muscles and don’t care 2 hoots about straightening the legs unless your back is straight. Rather focus on a lift of the hips and a elongation of the spine.

Tom, when you said that you “can’t lock your knees in standing head to knee” I was curious about what ‘stage’ you get to in this pose. Let me know when you get the chance, please.

Your post shows you are a keen athlete and enjoy your workouts. Next time you are at Bikram Yoga make some observations in class: is it possible that you are using too much muscle or strength in your poses? Would it help you to relax into your poses more and surrender to the stretches?

With a bruising injury of your hamstring you really need some good ol’ recovery time. I don’t know if you are game, but it may be wise to just stop and do nothing for a couple of days. Let those muscles rest and recover. You may even consider missing your other workouts for 2-7 days and just concentrate on working in the hot room. Your choice. 😉

Keep in touch!
Namaste
Gabrielle 🙂

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March 6, 2008 at 6:21 pm

Post count: 134

#2846

Posted by Tom

Thanks so much for the reply. In Standing Head to Knee pose, I am able to lock my standing leg, pick up my other foot, and attempt to kick out, but that’s about it. Thanks again! I go to class in an hour and will try out your suggestion in Standing Separate Leg Strething pose.
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