pulled hamstring

[Why Does It Matter?]

I got a call this morning from the wife of a former client. I say former because he had 1 massage from me but it was a couple years ago at his daughter's house. Not sure how old he is exactly but am guessing 60s.
Apparently the family went waterskiing yesterday, and somehow he managed to pull his hamstring. And today, despite putting ice on it yesterday, he is having difficulties with it. (Not really able to get in the car... thus they wanted me to do an outcall today. Not really viable for me until after 6 pm anyway.)
I was concerned however about the severity of the injury and recommended that if he's not able to get around well, that they should probably seek medical attention and receive permission from his M.D. to receive massage.
Maybe I'm just being overly cautious, but, I would not want to make a tear worse.
My guess is like with most other sprains or strains it's going to take at least 3 days or so for the inflammation to really manifest itself. I did let them know my schedule for the next couple of days, and advised him to apply ice and rest until he could see the doctor and myself.
Apparently the pain is most severe at the ischeal tuberosity. Is this normal?
I have heard that it can take from 2-6 wks to heal a pulled hamstring.
Does anybody here work with athletes enough to give me a few tips on how to help this client? :undecided:

 

[Lisa M]

Don't treat him until he's had it looked at. Could be a number of things, so stand your ground until he's been checked by an MD, PT, DC, or whatever. If it's just a minor strain, he could be 100% within a few weeks if it's treated well and he works on improving pain-free ROM with light exercise. If it's more serious, all bets are off.

In any case, he needs to be an active part of his recovery and not simply expect "you" and his medical providers to "fix it." If he takes that approach, he will have a much longer and more frustrating recovery, during which time he'll be more likely to develop compensatory issues that could haunt him for years to come.

Sounds doom-and-gloom, but it may help to share that info with him. Some people don't take action until they realize that there may be negative consequences for inaction.