Could Modern Laser Medicine Prevent Jozy's Hamstring Injury?

It's widely accepted that dehydration is the number one source of muscle cramping but what about Jozy Altidore's hamstring strain in las weekend US - Ghana game. According to Brazilian Doctor Ernesto Leal Jr. low level laser therapy decreases muscular fatigue. He measured CK and C-reactive protein levels which were lower after laser therapy administered to volley ball players preemptively than those that did not get the laser pulses. These are markers for muscle breakdown in the blood. Peak performance load was also increased. The study was relatively small but did suggest some benefit. Currently the Brazilian soccer team uses laser therapy as part of their injury recovery regimen but US Soccer preferred to stick to what they have been doing. I would not say that laser would have stopped the Altidore's hamstring strain- the field conditions were very humid. It may hsve decreased the damage and quite possibly may add something more than the conventional e-stim and ice to the recovery. sometimes cutting edge treatment can does just that- it gives you an edgd and that can be the difference in world competition.