Physiotherapist update: September 2019

Rina van der Merwe, Physiotherapist

HAMSTRING STRAIN

Definition: 

A
hamstring strain involves a tear in on or more of the 4 hamstring muscles.  It can be mild - Gr 1 (where you just feel a
tightness), moderate – Gr 2 or severe – Gr 3 (when there is a complete tear). You
have four hamstring muscles: semimembranosus and semitendinosus (medially) and
biceps femoris - short and long heads (laterally). 

         

Causes:

·        
Sudden
onset, usually as a result of a quick motion that occurs with running. 

·        
Lack of
ability of the hamstring to absorb shock and rebound and also lack of eccentric
strength during the ground contact phase of running.  Eccentric strength is the ability of a
contracted muscle to slowly lengthen.

·        
Poor
running mechanics (overstriding or poor pelvic control)

·        
Improper
warm-up

·        
Inappropriate
training loads eg. doing high-speed workouts at the end of a long session (it
should be done early – as close to warm-up as possible).

Symptoms:

·        
Tightness
or low-grade ache (mild strain).

·        
Sudden
severe pain during exercise with a popping feeling (severe strain).

·        
Pain,
tenderness and bruising at the back of the thigh.

Treatment
options: 

·        
Rest, ice,
compression, elevation

·        
Ultrasound,
massage, K-tape

·        
Rehabilitation

·        
Many
patients with a mild hamstring strain feel better within a few days of the
injury.  However, if not well
rehabilitated, there is an extremely high hamstring re-injury rate.