Hamstring Injuries
What is it?
Injury to the hamstring muscle complex is one of the most common sporting related injuries. A muscular tear of a hamstring muscle generally occurs whilst running at high speeds or kicking.
A muscular strain occurs when the forces placed through the muscle exceed the tissue capacity – resulting in muscle fibres being damaged and torn. Generally, the greater the number of fibres torn, the worse the hamstring strain and the longer the recovery.
Some hamstring muscle injuries may involve damage to the tendon. Hamstring muscle injuries with intramuscular tendon involvement generally require a longer time to heal and slower return to play timeframes. Hence, a detailed and thorough physiotherapy assessment following a hamstring injury is essential to determining the severity of a muscle tear.
4 muscles of the hamstring complex:
- Biceps Femoris – short head and long head.
- Semitendinosus
- Semimembranosus
- Gracillis
Grading of hamstring muscle injury:
- Grade 1: low grade injury, minimal muscle tear.
- Grade 2: moderate grade injury, partial muscle tear.
- Grade 3: severe injury, complete muscle tear.
Symptoms commonly associated with hamstring injuries
SYMPTOMS MAY INCLUDE:
- A sudden onset of sharp pain
- Pain in back of thigh or lower buttock region when walking
- Tenderness behind thigh
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Weakness bending knee or extending hip
Contributing Factors associated with hamstring injuries
NON-MODIFIABLE:
- Age
- History of hamstring injury
- History of calf injury
- History of knee injury
MODIFIABLE:
- Strength imbalances
- Type of sporting activity
- Muscular fatigue
- Core strength and stability
Considerations in the management of hamstring injuries
SHORT TERM
DIAGNOSIS AND EDUCATION
At the Injury Clinic, your physiotherapist will look to assess and appropriately diagnose what structure or structures of the hamstring complex are injured.
Your physiotherapist will provide education to the reasons why an injury may have occurred, and work collaboratively to provide a specific and targeted rehabilitation plan.
NON-STEROIDAL ANTI-INFLAMMATORIES
Anti-inflammatories can aid recovery and settle the inflammatory process at the hip joint. Always consult your GP or pharmacist before taking any medication.
It is also necessary to consider principles of PEACE & LOVE. Generally, it is recommended the consumption of anti-inflammatory medication should be avoided within the first 48-72 hours following an acute muscle injury.
SOFT TISSUE TECHNIQUES/DRY NEEDLING
These modalities can assist with soreness and discomfort in surrounding tissues and muscles that cross
Such techniques look to relieve tightness of not only the hip joint, but also certain muscles that may be utilised as an adaptive strategy and causing exacerbation of symptoms.
For more information regarding acute management of an injury, click here
LONG TERM
Following a hamstring injury, consistent physiotherapy and strengthening and conditioning is encouraged. By completing specific and tailored exercises over a prolonged period of time, the risk of recurrence is significantly minimised.
RESISTANCE TRAINING
A specific and tailored strengthening and conditioning program should be conducted to improve long term function of the hamstring muscles.
Resistance training should include a variety of exercise types, including considerations of plyometric exercises, and eccentric/concentric movements.
MOBILITY EXERCISES
It is important to consider mobility exercises for long term management of the hamstring muscle complex to maintain optimal hip and knee joint mechanics.
ONGOING TRAINING LOAD MANAGEMENT
Training volume should be monitored and tailored for individuals to mitigate risk of re-injury or ongoing symptom exacerbation due to overload.
SUMMARY
Injury to the hamstring muscle complex is a very common sporting related injury. Physiotherapy and strengthening and conditioning is essential to the effective management of hamstring injuries.
A detailed and thorough physiotherapy assessment will look to determine the severity of a muscle injury.
A tailored exercise program would look to prevent likelihood of further hamstring strains by building strength, range of motion, coordination and control.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us on (03) 5229 3911, email us at info@theinjuryclinic.com.au or book an appointment to see one of our Physiotherapists in Geelong.
Related insights
Fri Apr 10
STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING FOR RUNNERS
STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING FOR GEELONG RUNNERS Completing planned and structured strength training is essential for maximising not only running performance, but also to give...
Thu Dec 4
Return to Sprinting
Sprinting: Sprinting involves creating forces to project the body horizontally, that can reach speeds over 10m/s, and can reach up to 7-9 times body...
Wed Oct 8
Running Biomechanics & Gait Retraining
Running biomechanics and gait retraining As written by The Injury Clinic physiotherapist Sam Lewis Running is a common activity and sport in Australia,...
Fri May 2
Low Energy Availability
What is Low Energy Availability? Energy availability is defined as the amount of energy available to the body for essential function, after accounting...Explore our physiotherapy services
Musculoskeletal
Physio
At The Injury Clinic Physiotherapy, we work closely with our clients to get them back doing the things they love as soon as possible.
Sports
Physio
The Injury Clinic Physiotherapy works with recreational to elite athletes to keep them injury free and achieving their goals.
Dry
Needling
All physiotherapists at The Injury Clinic are qualified and experienced in dry needling as a treatment technique.
Running Injuries
Physiotherapists at The Injury Clinic Physiotherapy have a special interest in the diagnosis and management of running-related injuries.
Women's Health
Physiotherapy
We have physiotherapists with a special interest in Women's Health, including pre and post partum presentations. Let us work with you to stay fit, active and healthy.
Pre & Post-Operative
Physio
Physiotherapists at The Injury Clinic Physiotherapy work closely with surgeons to ensure best outcomes post surgery.
Injury Q&A
Our clinicians have been answering all your questions!
Running Analysis
The goal of a running analysis is to identify aspects of your technique that may be contributing to injury or impacting on efficiency.
Physiotherapy Geelong
Providing both musculoskeletal and sports physiotherapy services to Geelong and surrounds, let our physio-therapists work with you to diagnose, fix & prevent your injury.
Learn more about our Physio Geelong services
Strength Training Geelong
The Injury Clinic Strength Coaches work with clients to create individual strength programs for injury management, performance enhancement and general health and fitness.
Learn more about our Strength Training Geelong services
Nutrition Geelong
Diet plays an integral part in not only our general wellbeing, but training injury risk and performance. Our dietitians work closely with clients to ensure healthy and sustainable nutrition habits.
Learn More about our Nutrition Geelong services
Schedule your next visit
If you’re interested in booking an appointment with one of our team members, contact our clinic today and we’ll be happy to find time for a consultation.
Schedule Consult
