Hamstring injury. A hamstring strain is a tear or stretch of hamstring tendons or the muscles. This is a usual injury, mainly in activities that involve sprinting or fast accelerations. Muscle imbalance between the hamstring and quadriceps with the quadriceps being stronger. This is a usual cause of the injury.
Any of the hamstring muscles can be strained. Minor tears occur in the belly of the biceps femoris muscle. Ruptures or total tears often pull away from this attachment too. Excessive force against the muscles, particularly during eccentric contraction. When the muscle is lengthening or contracting against force. It could cause minor tears, stretching or even complete rupture.
Cause of hamstring injury
Forceful extending of the muscle, particularly during contraction. A strength imbalance between the quadriceps and the hamstrings. Excessive overload on the muscle.
Hamstring injury signs and symptoms
Grade 1: painful and mildly tender. Full muscle strength. Little swelling.
Grade 2: More pain and tenderness. Moderate bruising with more swelling. Possible limping.
Grade 3 pain. Severe pain. Marked bruising and swelling. Not able to bear weight.
Hamstring injury complications
Stiffness and pain in the hamstring muscles will get worse without treatment. Tightness in the hamstrings could cause lower back and hip pain. Untreated strains can advance to a complete rupture.
Hamstring injury immediate treatment
Grade 1: Ice. Anti-inflammatory medication and diet.
Grade 2: and 3: RICER. Anti-inflammatory medication and diet. If there is a full rupture suspected or if the individual is not able to walk get medical aid. Then heat and sports massage to encourage blood circulation and reduce pain and tightness of the hamstring muscles.
Hamstring injury rehabilitation and prevention
Stretching is advised when the pain subsides to prevent recurrences in the future and can help speed recovery. Strengthening the hamstrings to balance them with the quadriceps is significant. The correct warm-up has to be done when re-entering the activity. The slow increase in strength is crucial.
Long-term prognosis
Hamstring strains are usually rehabilitated fully leaving any effects. Full ruptures might require surgery to longer rehabilitation and fix.
Hamstring massage in Watford
A hamstring massage is used on the hamstring muscles located at the back of the thigh. A variety of techniques are used during a thigh massage including STR, effleurage, kneading, frictions and wringing. A hamstring massage is used to help post-event, pre-event, post-injury, acute pain and muscle tightness. Benefits of a hamstring massage include improved recovery, a decrease in pain, improved circulation of both blood and lymph flow and prevention of further injury. Our sports massage therapist at Lucas Massage Therapy uses hamstring massage to help reduce pain, tension and tightness of the muscles.
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We have also put together a newsletter looking at the topic of hamstring injury more broadly. If you’d like to download a copy, you can do so at the following link.
Hamstring injuries in runners
Click here to download leaflets
Hamstring conditioning and stretching
