Hamstring Strain
There are three hamstring muscles: semitendinosus, semimembranosus and bicep femoris (short and long heads). A hamstring strain occurs when high mechanical stress is placed on one or more of these muscles, resulting in trauma to the muscle complex. It is classified as Grade I, II or III depending on the severity of the strain.
This type of strain most commonly occurs during dynamic movements where there is insufficient eccentric strength, for example, sprinting and jumping. However, poor running biomechanics or inadequate training loads leave the hamstring muscle vulnerable to having insufficient strength capacity. Sports commonly associated with this injury include football, rugby, running, tennis and athletics.
This type of strain most commonly occurs during dynamic movements where there is insufficient eccentric strength, for example, sprinting and jumping. However, poor running biomechanics or inadequate training loads leave the hamstring muscle vulnerable to having insufficient strength capacity. Sports commonly associated with this injury include football, rugby, running, tennis and athletics.
Visit our Specialist Clinic
Here you can see more information, specialist practitioners and linked conditions.
Book NowSymptoms
1. Sudden onset pain during exercise2. Possible audible pop or snap which the individual may also feel
3. Pain behind the thigh or buttock – normally localised tenderness
4. Pain bending the knee, bending over and walking
5. Possible swelling and/or bruising
6. Tenderness on palpation
Treatments
Treatment timeframe depends on the severity of the sprain. Grade I sprains tend to recover within 1-2 weeks, grade II within 4-8 weeks and Grade III 3-6 months (with a possibility of requiring surgery). Conservative physiotherapy management initially focusing on reducing acute inflammation and pain through the PRICE principle (Protect, Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation). Following this treatment is directed at restoring normal range of motion and then strength of the hamstring and hip muscles. It is important to regain concentric and eccentric strength of the hamstring so limit the prevalence of re-injury [1]. Proprioceptive exercises are included to improve the neuromuscular control of the affected lower limb. If the individual participates in sport then plyometric exercises are included specific to their sport and a graded return to activity is implemented [2]. Manual therapy in the form of soft tissue massage can be used to reduce soft tissue tension [3]. Tape can be used to encourage circulation and reduce pain where appropriate.References
1. Chu, S. and Rho, M. (2016). Hamstring Injuries in the Athlete. Current Sports Medicine Reports, 15(3), pp.184-190.2. Ramos, G., Arliani, G., Astur, D., Pochini, A., Ejnisman, B. and Cohen, M. (2017). Rehabilitation of hamstring muscle injuries: a literature review. Revista Brasileira de Ortopedia (English Edition), 52(1), pp.11-16.
3. Fousekis, K. (2013). Aggressive Massage Techniques can Accelerate Safe Return after Hamstrings Strain: A Case Study of a Professional Soccer Player. Journal of Sports Medicine & Doping Studies, 04(03).
4. Erickson, L. and Sherry, M. (2017). Rehabilitation and return to sport after hamstring strain injury. Journal of Sport and Health Science, 6(3), pp.262-270
Next... Hip Labral Tear