TWO WEEKS AGO I TORE A MUSCLE IN MY CALF PLAYING SOCCOR MY DR. SAYS 4-6 WEEKS NO WORKOUT AT ALL, IS THIS RIGHT . I HAVE INCREACED MY PROTEIN INTAKE, I AM 31, AND IN GOOD SHAPE. AT THIS POINT I CAN WALK ON IT BUT IT IS TENDER TO THE TOUCH. WHEN CAN I PLAY SOCCOR AGAIN? CAN I STRECH IT? HOW LONG DOES IT REALLY TAKE TO HEAL?

A torn calf muscle can take 4-6 weeks to heal as your doctor says. I would continue to exercise, however. Try biking with your heel on the pedal not the ball of your foot. This will allow you to get some great cardio work in but will minimize the flexion of your ankle and any activation of your calf muscle. Also, swimming is excellent and of course, lifting weights can be a great way to help maintain some fitness.

Listen to your doctor about how soon you should begin stretching your calf because sometimes stretching can actually create additional tears in an already torn muscle. You should probably see a physical therapist as well. Did your doctor recommend one for you? If not, give him or her a call and get a referral! Hang in there!