Hamstring strains or hamstring tears occur when muscle fibres of the hamstring are overstretched, or a rapid extensive contraction occurs. Hamstring tears are extremely common in dynamic sports that require sprinting or jumping such as football, soccer, hockey and basketball.
The extent to the hamstring tear can range from mild to severe depending on the damage to the muscle tissue.
Risk Factors or Causes:
Some of the risk factors include but are not limited to:
- Previous Hamstring injury (There is a 30% recurrence rate of hamstring strains in 12 months)
- Increased Age
- Decreased hamstring strength
- Decreased hamstring flexibility
- Poor conditioning
- Overexertion
- Improper warm up
Symptoms:
Usually with a hamstring injury, you will be aware of when it has occurred. It typically has a sudden onset but can also be gradual (which is less common). The pain will be felt in the back of the thigh and you may have bruising or swelling in the region.
How can Physiotherapy Help?
Assessment:
A physiotherapy assessment will involve evaluating the strength, length and function of your injured hamstring. An assessment of your lower back and its involvement in your hamstring may also take place if the physiotherapist suspects this may be contributing to your condition.
Do I need to get an MRI?
Typically, an MRI is not essential for the assessment and management of a hamstring injury. A thorough physiotherapy assessment is more than enough and your return to sport / activity will be predicted by hitting clinical criteria and progressing though your rehab. If your physiotherapist suspects an MRI is required, they will communicate that with you
Treatment:
The rehabilitation of your hamstring involves your physiotherapist creating an exercise regime to optimally load and train your hamstring.
Exercise for the hamstring is crucial for its recovery as well as a graded return to running and sport as deemed appropriate by your progress.
One of our physiotherapists will tailor a strengthening and running program specific to your level and the sport that you want to return to. Exercise and running will start at a lower level and as you progress, indicated by your physiotherapist, you will increase the intensity of your regime.
As you progress you become one step closer to returning back to the activities you love!
When can I return to sport?
The time taken to return to sport will be dependent on the extent of the damage to your hamstring and the deficits present. Instead of having a timeline of number of weeks, return to sport is predicted by achieving key physical criteria markers, these will be dependent on the demands of your activity as well as your goals. Key markers for this return will be indicated by your physiotherapist but include but are not limited to:
- Returning to high-speed running (at least 4 sessions at maximal speed)
- Returning to sport training at full intensity (at least x2 sessions)
- Progressive strengthening of hamstring to have occurred
- Your own confidence in returning to activity
Conclusion:
Hamstring injuries are one of the most common injuries that occur in sport, they are also one of the most common injuries that can be reinjured in the future. That is why the appropriate rehabilitation of a hamstring injury is vital to a successful return to sport.
If you suspect you have a hamstring tear and you are in the Kilsyth, Croydon, Bayswater or Mooroolbark areas don’t hesitate to call us on 03 9729 7777 to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced physiotherapists at Physio Elements.