West Coast Physio Logo
Book Appointment

Call Us

Mail Us

Book Appointment

Hamstring Strain

We specialise in treating hamstring pain and tears at our private practice physiotherapy and sports injury clinic in Galway City. Hamstring strains are caused by a rapid extensive contraction or a violent stretch of the hamstring muscle group which causes high mechanical stress. This results in varying degrees of rupture within the fibres of the musculotendinous unit.

Hamstring strains are common in sports with a dynamic character like sprinting, jumping, contact sports such as Hurling, Gaelic football, American football and soccer where quick eccentric contractions are regular. It is the most frequent injury in soccer. Hamstring injuries can also occur in recreational sports such as water-skiing and bull riding where the knee is forcefully fully extended during injury.

The hamstring consist of three muscles:

  1. The biceps femoris
  2. The semitendinosus
  3. The semimembranosus

Causes

The cause of a hamstring muscle strain is often obscure. In the second half of the swing phase, the hamstrings are at their greatest length and at this moment, they generate maximum tension. In this phase, hamstrings contract eccentrically to decelerate flexion of the hip and extension of the lower leg. At this point, a peak is reached in the activity of the muscle spindles in the hamstrings. A strong contraction of the hamstring and relaxation of the quadriceps is needed.

Predisposing and Risk Factors

There are various proposed risk factors which may play a role in hamstring injuries:

  • Older age
  • Previous hamstring injury
  • Limited hamstring flexibility
  • Increased fatigue
  • Poor core stability
  • Strength imbalance
  • Ethnicity
  • Previous calf injury
  • Previous substantial knee injury
  • Osteitis pubis

Grades of Injury

Hamstring strains are categorised in 3 groups according to the amount of pain, weakness, and loss of motion:

  • Grade 1 (mild): just a few fibres of the muscle are damaged or have ruptured. This rarely influences the muscle’s power and endurance. Pain and sensitivity usually happen the day after the injury (depends from person to person). Normal patient complaints are stiffness on the posterior side of the leg. Patients can walk fine. There can be a small swelling but the knee can still bend normally.
  • Grade 2 (medium): approximately half of the fibres are torn. Symptoms are acute pain, swelling and a mild case of function loss. The walk of the patient will be influenced. Pain can be reproduced by applying pressure on the hamstring muscle or bending the knee against resistance.
  • Grade 3 (severe): ranging from more than half of the fibres ruptured to complete rupture of the muscle. Both the muscle belly and the tendon can suffer from this injury. Patients experience massive swelling and pain. The function of the hamstring muscle cannot be performed anymore and the muscle shows great weakness.

Treatment

  • Protect healing tissue
  • Minimize muscle wasting and strength loss
  • Prevent motion loss

Precautions

  • Avoid excessive active or passive lengthening of the hamstrings
  • Avoid antalgic gait pattern

Rehabilitation

  • Ice – 2-3 times daily
  • Stationary bike
  • Sub-maximal isometric hamstring strengthening at 90, 60 and 30
  • Single leg balance
  • Balance board
    • Soft tissue mobilisations
    • Progressive hip strengthening
    • Pain-free isotonic knee flexion
    • Active sciatic nerve flossing
West Coast Physio Myofascial Pain Syndorme Icon

Hamstring Strain

Book Appoinment

Hamstring Strain FAQs

What causes a hamstring strain?
A hamstring strain occurs when the muscles at the back of the thigh are overstretched or torn. This can happen due to sudden movements like sprinting, jumping, or kicking, particularly in sports like football, running, and dancing. Poor warm-up, muscle fatigue, and prior hamstring injuries are significant risk factors for hamstring strain.

How are hamstring strains graded by severity?
Hamstring strains are categorized into three grades:

  • Grade 1: A mild strain where only a few muscle fibers are damaged. Symptoms include mild discomfort and a slight pull in the back of the thigh.
  • Grade 2: A moderate strain involving a more significant number of muscle fibers. There may be pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the leg.
  • Grade 3: A severe strain, where the muscle may be completely torn. This is accompanied by significant pain, swelling, bruising, and often a noticeable lump in the muscle.

How can physiotherapy help treat a hamstring strain?
Physiotherapy is essential for effective recovery from a hamstring strain. Treatment includes manual therapy to reduce pain and inflammation, strengthening exercises to rebuild muscle, and functional training to restore mobility. A tailored rehabilitation program helps reduce the risk of re-injury and promotes a safe return to activities like running and sports.

How long does it take to recover from a hamstring strain?
The recovery time varies depending on the severity of the strain. Grade 1 strains may heal within 1-2 weeks, while Grade 2 strains could take 4-8 weeks with proper physiotherapy. Grade 3 strains are more severe and may require several months of rehabilitation, potentially including surgery if the muscle has torn completely.

What can I do to prevent hamstring strains?
Preventing hamstring injuries involves a combination of regular stretching, strength training, and maintaining flexibility in the quadriceps and hip flexors. Warming up properly before physical activities, gradually increasing training loads, and focusing on muscle conditioning can significantly reduce the risk of hamstring strains.

Can I still exercise after a hamstring strain?
It’s essential to follow a structured recovery plan before returning to intense activities. In the early stages, rest, ice, and compression are vital. As healing progresses, gentle exercises to improve range of motion, followed by strengthening exercises prescribed by a physiotherapist, are key to regaining muscle function and avoiding further injury.

When should I seek medical help for a hamstring strain?
You should consult a physiotherapist or healthcare provider if you experience persistent pain, difficulty walking, or severe swelling and bruising. Imaging tests such as ultrasounds or MRIs may be recommended if a Grade 3 strain is suspected to assess whether surgical intervention is necessary.

If you are unsure about the specific type or grade of hamstring injury you are suffering from, it is important to speak to your physiotherapist. They will be able to assist you and advise you on what to do and what not to do. Here at West Coast Physio, we are more than happy to help you.

Book Appoinment

Other Treatments We Cover

COVID-19 INFORMATION

PHYSIOTHERAPY IS AN ESSENTIAL HEALTH SERVICE

During this pandemic, chartered physiotherapists at West Coast Physio will continue to provide services while following all relevant government COVID-19 guidelines to keep you safe during your visit, including screening for COVID-19 before each treatment.

Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is for informational purposes only and should not be treated as medical advice. If you have any questions about your condition, please do not hesitate to give us a call.

IMG_4902

Voted Best Place in Ireland for Physical Therapy 

West Coast Physio Logo

Join Our Team

Fill out the form below, and we will be in touch shortly.