This season I've had multiple problems with muscle strains, particularly a persistent groin problem. Anyway after looking into it I've found out about how many professionals have ice/cold baths post match, so I decided to bite the bullet and try it. Firstly I'd want to warn you that a bath with no hot water whatsoever is not a nice experience (for me anyway), but it has worked wonders. Just wanted to throw it out there for anyone else who has had muscle problems, it got to the point for me when the day after a match i was in a lot of discomfort but for me a cold bath has seen a noticable improvement.
Just done a little bit of research and I've found several articles that back it up and many that doubt the science behind it. Anyway this is one of the more interesting links: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sportacademy/hi/sa/treatment_room/features/newsid_3097000/3097114.stm
Yes, the cold bath helps reduce inflammation and microtears. However with your persistent muscle strains, how much time do you devote to stretching and proper warmup? How about a pre-habilitation routine? Focus on a preventive program.
Stretch after the match. Most people stretch beforehand but very few stretch afterward. I'm one of them, I'm exhausted afterwards so I just want to get out of my cleats. But a few of the older guys I play pickup with always stretch afterwards and they say it really helps. And I consider them in very good shape for their age.
if these are mostly soft tissue injuries that you have and you play for a competitive club.... in all honesty I say mask it in practice and just play by running or kicking a certain way thats what good attitude is in football now if you have some time to rest (ie. no practices) then see a physio and he/she should give you some instructions on certain stretches you should do daily for me, after a game I take out the 4 ice packs from the freezer and put them on my knees, ankles or other areas of discomfort and just rest for 20 minutes. I would listen to music to keep my mind off the pain