Sarah McMahan is a KT Tape Athlete, a member of the Salomon Trail Running Team, and a racing phenom.  This past weekend she had a PR at the Davis Stampede 1/2 Marathon in Davis, California.  Out of the hundreds of runners at the race, Sarah placed in the top 15 for women.  Sarah’s also the mother of young twin boys, Josiah and Noah.  Check out the picture of the boys cruising in the Davis Stampede kids’ run.  And here’s what Sarah writes about her race:

Post from Sarah McMahan: “I was pleased to do the Davis Stampede in 1:37 and was in the top 15 women finishers out of hundreds.  Felt great.  While this pace might not be fast for some, it’s great for the low amount of running I’m doing these days.  Sitting at my desk 5 days a week doesn’t help either.  It’s good to get out an push myself, and it felt good to shock my husband who expected to see me finish around 1:45!  Our boys Noah & Josiah did the kids’ race and when they finished asked if they could do it again.  Nice…they have racing in their blood!”

Great job, Sarah (and Noah and Josiah!)  Today Sarah asked us about a taping technique for the tight hamstring she has as a result of a prior gluteus maximus injury.  We suggested she check out the instructional video you can find by clicking here.

And, here’s some more information about the hamstring, a group of large, powerful muscles that span the back of the thigh, from the lower pelvis to the back of the shin bone:

A hamstring strain, is a tear of the hamstring muscle fibers. In less severe hamstring strains, the tearing is microscopic. The muscle fibers are essentially stretched too far, and some bleeding occurs within the muscle. In very severe hamstring strains, the hamstring muscle can completely rupture, and may require surgery to repair the torn ends of the muscle.  The following helps identify the severity of the strain:

• Grade I  Strain: Mild discomfort, often no disability. Usually does not limit activity.
• Grade II Strain: Moderate discomfort, can limit ability to perform activities such as running and jumping. May have moderate swelling and bruising associated.
• Grade III Strain: Severe injury that can cause pain with walking. Often people complain of muscle spasm, swelling, and significant bruising.

KT tape application is an appropriate use for Grade I and II hamstring  strains.  Seek professional medical evaluation for grade III strains and use KT Tape as part of a larger treatment plan.

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