HAMSTRING STRAINS

Hamstring strains happen when any of your hamstrings muscles or its tendons is stretched beyond what it can withstand or torn when substantial stretching of the muscle occurs. Hamstring strains are fairly common in sports activities requiring the athlete to forcefully run or jump. A hamstring strain is also called a pulled hamstring. An inflamed hamstring tendon is called hamstring tendonitis. Your hamstrings or hamstring muscles are located at the back of your thigh. You have three hamstring muscles. Together, they help bend your knees as you lie face-down; lift your foot toward your back (without bending your hip); and help you walk normally.

Causes of hamstring strains
Hamstring strain occurs when any of your hamstrings or its tendon is overstretched, overused, or overexerted during a sports or recreational activity such as sprinting, kicking or jumping. Exercising improperly, such as increasing the duration or intensity of your workout too much or too soon, may also lead to hamstring strains.

 

The treatment plan for hamstring injuries consists of treatment to assist the repair of the injured muscle, and a biomechanical evaluation of the spine, pelvis, knee, ankle, and foot. The foot should be checked for overpronation.

 

Depending on the severity of your hamstring strain, you may be receiving a combination of the following:

 

• Recommend rest from physical activity
• Ice and/or heat application, depending on the phase and type of injury
• Soft tissue therapy to help restore muscle function
• Chiropractic manipulation to all subluxated joints
• Soft tissue therapy
• Recommend crutches / Crutch walking training
• Gentle range of motion exercises
• Gentle stretching (manual or active), at the appropriate time of recovery
• Progressive strengthening exercises
• Work or sports-related strengthening program
• Patient education
  • About your condition
  • Precautions to observe
  • Activity or work modification
  • Injury prevention