I strained my hamstring muscle just doing a simple exercise activity. It doesn't seem to be getting better. When should I stretch it: before or after working out?

Stretching is often touted as the answer to increasing motion around the joints and improving athletic performance. Studies show it does increase motion but it may not improve performance. In fact, it may even make performance worse!

Stretching after a muscle strain is important in order to restore muscle length as it heals. Otherwise you may end up with tendon-muscle stiffness and tightness. This could put you back at risk for another muscle injury.

The answers are not all in yet, but it looks like a gentle warm-up before activity is best. Stretching can be done after exercise. This will achieve the desired result without decreasing current performance.