The Soccer Laduma Deep Heat team is dedicated to helping the fans stay on top of the latest injury news in football around the world. Our expert biokineticist, Russell Looms, from the EPT Recovery Centre in Stellenbosch, gives us his advice on the details of injuries that are sustained by some of the biggest names in local football and abroad, advises us exactly what the consequences are of a particular injury and how to deal with it.
On the injured list this week: Raphael Varane
Current club: Real Madrid
Injury: Hamstring
Soccer Laduma injury brief: Real Madrid defender, Raphael Varane, was forced off the field after 10 minutes into his team’s victory over Alaves due to a hamstring injury.
Attending Physio: Russell Looms BHMS Hons (Biokinetics), EPT Recovery Centre
The Physio says:
The biceps femoris is one of the hamstring muscles that are located in the muscles of the back of the upper thigh. This muscle is slightly on the outside just above the knee. The signs of a grade 2 strain/tear are normally a combination of the following:
Limping during walking, occasional sudden sharp pain during activity, pain or discomfort during bending of the knee during resistance – it can also be difficult to straighten your leg. Sometimes bruising may occur after a few days.
Recommended rehab exercise:
Soft tissue injuries can be managed by using the RICER protocol – rest, ice, compression, elevation and referral. This should be followed for 48–72 hours. It reduces the bleeding and damage in the muscle. Rest in an elevated position with an ice pack applied for 20 minutes every two hours (never apply ice directly to the skin). A compression bandage can be applied to limit bleeding and swelling in the injured area. Avoid alcohol, running or activity, and be careful with massage.
Estimated time of recovery:
Consult a professional for advice. Recovery depends on the severity of the strain/tear. A grade 2 tear can take between 4 to 8 weeks.
How to prevent this injury from recurring:
Use Deep Heat to assist you in warming up before playing or exercise. A thorough and comprehensive warm-up is vital. Do a range of motion and dynamic stretches during the warm-up. Straighten hamstring and calf muscles to create a better balance ratio between the Quads (upper thigh muscles) and the hamstrings.
Notable players who suffered this injury in the past:
• Lionel Messi
• Thabo Rakhale
• Paul Pogba
• Thiago Alcantara
