Hamstring strain injuries are a tear or strain to the muscle or tendon structure of one or more of the three hamstring muscles (bicep femoris, semitendinosis or semimembranosis). They are the most common muscle injury in AFL and soccer and are associated with the greatest loss of player game time. Hamstring strain injuries normally occur during sprinting mechanisms but can sometimes occur from being over stretched.
The most significant risk factor for a hamstring strain injury is a previous hamstring injury.
A previous injury can contribute to:
- Formation of scar tissue
- Reduced flexibility
- Reduced strength
- Altered movement patterns and lower limb biomechanics.
This increases the likelihood of a secondary injury.
The high association with previous injury highlights the need for effective treatment and more focused long-term rehabilitation plans. There has also been significant evidence for Injury prevention programs that address modifiable risk factors.
Hamstring strain symptoms
Hamstring strain symptoms are variable. People can experience a sudden sharp intense pain in the back of the thigh, or just a dull ache that builds up over time. Typically you will have loss of power and loss of explosiveness, which can lead to poor athletic performance.
Treatment
At Pro Physio SA we take an informed approach by taking an extensive history and objective and then utilise outcome measures to guide rehabilitation:
- Correcting abnormal movement patterns
- Hamstring strength, specifically eccentric and isometric strength
- Flexibility in the hamstring and surrounding musculature
- Adverse neural tension
- Imbalance between quads and hamstring strength
- Altered lumbo-pelvic and lower limb biomechanics
- Load management for training programs
- Returning to high speed running and sprinting.
At Pro Health Care Appropriate assessment, diagnosis and treatment is needed to ensure a positive outcome with minimum chance of re-injury. Book an appointment today with one of our physiotherapists to help guide your rehabilitation program.
Pro Physio SA, Alex Townsley, Physiotherapist