A hamstring injury occurs when 1 or more of the 3 hamstring muscles or tendons (a type of soft tissue connecting the muscle to the bone) tear. It is 1 of the most common injuries of the lower body, particularly affecting athletes participating in sports such as football, soccer, or track. After tearing a hamstring muscle, a person is 2 to 6 times more likely to suffer a subsequent injury. Surgery is required to treat the most severe cases. However, in most cases, hamstring injuries are managed with physical therapy.
Hamstring injuries occur when excessive force is placed across the muscles. This typically happens during sudden starts or stops when running, a rapid change of direction with "cutting" or jumping maneuvers, or when the muscle is overstretched by activities such as sprinting, hurdling, kicking, or heavy lifting.
Risk factors for hamstring injuries include:
- A history of prior hamstring injury
- Muscle imbalances (particularly hamstring weakness)
- Poor flexibility (muscle tightness)
- Inadequate warm-up before activity
- Muscle fatigue
How Does it Feel?
When a person injures a hamstring muscle, the symptoms are related to the severity of the injury. Mild hamstring strains often just feel like a pulled or cramping muscle; you might not even realize you have pulled your hamstring until you stop performing the activity, or until the next day, when you might have soreness, tightness, or bruising. However, more involved injuries can be painful, and your symptoms might include:
- A sudden, sharp pain in the buttocks or back of the thigh
- A feeling of a "pop" or tearing in the muscle
- Bruising within hours or days after the injury
- Swelling
- Tenderness to touch
- Difficulty sitting comfortably, lifting the leg when lying down, or straightening the knee
- Difficulty walking, resulting in a limp
How Can a Physical Therapist Help?
Your physical therapist will design an individualized treatment program specific to the exact nature of your injury and your goals.
The First 24-48 hours Physical therapy may include:
- Resting the injured area by avoiding aggravating activities, such as walking or working out. If you are having notable difficulty walking, crutches may be recommended.
- Applying ice to the injured area 3-4x/day for 15-20 minutes (with a towel placed between your skin and the ice).
- Applying a compression wrap to the area to aid in decreasing swelling and pain.
- Referral to another health care provider for further diagnostic testing (if needed).
Range of motion
It is common for muscles and joints to become stiff after an injury. As your pain decreases, your physical therapist will begin gentle flexibility exercises, such as stretching your hamstring muscles.
Muscle strength
Hamstring strengthening will be an essential part of your rehabilitation program. Your physical therapist will compare the strength of the muscle groups in each leg, and prescribe specific exercises to target areas of weakness.
Manual therapy
Many physical therapists are trained in hands-on "manual" therapy to move and manipulate muscles and joints to improve motion, flexibility, and strength. These techniques can target areas that are difficult to treat on your own.
Functional training
As you regain the flexibility and strength in your hamstrings, it will be important to teach your body how to move so you no longer put excessive stress on the previously injured area. Your physical therapist will develop a functional training program specific to your desired activity.
In the event that the severity of your hamstring injury requires surgical treatment, a physical therapist will guide your postoperative rehabilitation. Your physical therapist will communicate with your surgeon to ensure complete and consistent postoperative care.
* article from Moveforwardpt.com
