Understanding hamstring strains: a comprehensive guide

Hamstring strains are common injuries that can affect anyone, from professional athletes to weekend warriors.

At Lifecare Frankston, we frequently treat patients with this condition.

In this blog, we’ll explore hamstring strains, who is commonly affected by them, how the condition is diagnosed, and the various treatment options available, with a special focus on physiotherapy.

What are hamstring strains?

Hamstring strains, often referred to as hamstring tears or pulls, occur when the muscle fibres in the hamstring group are overstretched or torn.

The hamstring group consists of three muscles located at the back of the thigh: the biceps femoris, semitendinosus, and semimembranosus.

These muscles are crucial for activities such as running, jumping, and bending the knee.

Who is commonly affected?

Hamstring strains are particularly common among athletes who participate in sports that involve sprinting, sudden stops, and changes in direction.

This includes sports like soccer, football, basketball, and track and field.

However, non-athletes can also suffer from hamstring strains, especially if they engage in activities that put sudden stress on the hamstrings without proper conditioning or warm-up.

How is a hamstring strain diagnosed?

Diagnosing a hamstring strain typically involves a combination of a physical examination and imaging tests.

During the physical exam, a physiotherapist will assess the range of motion, strength, and pain levels in the affected leg.

They may also look for signs of swelling, bruising, and tenderness.

Imaging tests such as ultrasound or MRI can provide a detailed view of the extent of the strain and help in planning the appropriate treatment.

Treatment options for hamstring strains

The treatment for hamstring strains varies depending on the severity of the injury.

These include:

• Rest and ice: For mild hamstring strains, rest and ice can help reduce pain and swelling. It’s important to avoid activities that can aggravate the injury.
• Compression and elevation: Using compression bandages and elevating the leg can help control swelling and support the healing process.
• Physiotherapy: Physiotherapy is a cornerstone in the rehabilitation of hamstring strains. At our Lifecare Frankston, our physiotherapists design personalised exercise programs to improve flexibility, strength, and range of motion. This may include:
  • Stretching exercises: Gentle stretching helps maintain flexibility and prevent stiffness.
  • Strengthening exercises: Targeted exercises to strengthen the hamstring muscles and surrounding areas, reducing the risk of re-injury.
  • Manual therapy: Techniques such as massage and mobilisation to reduce pain and improve muscle function.
  • Functional training: Exercises that mimic daily activities or sports-specific movements to ensure a safe return to normal activities.
• Sports medicine interventions: In more severe cases, sports medicine specialists may recommend interventions such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections or other regenerative therapies to promote healing.
• Surgery: For complete tears or severe injuries that do not respond to conservative treatments, surgery may be necessary to repair the torn muscle.

Preventing hamstring strains

Prevention is always better than cure.

Here are some tips to help prevent hamstring strains:

• Warm up properly: Always warm up before engaging in physical activities. This helps prepare the muscles for the demands of exercise. A good warm-up increases blood flow to the muscles, making them more flexible and less prone to injury.
• Strengthening exercises: Incorporate hamstring strengthening exercises into your routine to build resilience. Exercises such as hamstring curls, deadlifts, and bridges can help strengthen the muscles and improve their ability to handle stress.
• Flexibility training: Regular stretching can improve flexibility and reduce the risk of injury. Focus on dynamic stretches before activities and static stretches after to maintain muscle flexibility.
• Gradual progression: Increase the intensity and duration of your workouts gradually to avoid overloading the muscles. Sudden increases in activity levels can lead to strains.
• Adequate recovery: Allow sufficient time for recovery between intense workouts. Overtraining can weaken the muscles and make them more susceptible to strains.
• Hydration and nutrition: Maintain proper hydration and nutrition to support muscle function and recovery. Dehydration and poor nutrition can impair muscle performance and increase injury risk.

At Lifecare Frankston, we are dedicated to helping you recover from hamstring strains and get back to your active lifestyle.

Whether you need physiotherapy, podiatry, myotherapy or Pilates, our team is here to support you every step of the way.

Jasper Quick is a physiotherapist at Lifecare Frankston, with a passion for helping athletes recover from sports injuries. He develops personalised rehabilitation programs to ensure a safe and effective return to sport. With an understanding of the physical demands of various sports, Jasper is dedicated to supporting athletes at every stage of their recovery journey.