Hamstring Tears: Management of Hamstring Strains

Hamstring Tears: Management of Hamstring Strains.

Hamstring injuries are common in sports involving sprinting and kicking. They are the most common injury in elite football,
representing about one-third of all time-loss injuries.

The hamstring muscles run down the back of the leg from the pelvis to the back of your knee.  An injury can range from minor strains to total rupture of the muscle. Early treatment of an injured hamstring can help to speed recovery and minimise the symptoms.

What are the Symptoms of a Hamstring Tear?

  • A sudden sharp pain in the back of the leg during exercise, most commonly sprinting.
  • Pain on stretching the muscle.
  • Pain on contracting the muscle against resistance.
  • Swelling and bruising.
  • Discomfort with walking.
  • If the rupture is severe a gap in the muscle may be felt.

Severity of Hamstring Tears:

Strains may be minor or very severe. Strains are broadly graded 1, 2 or 3 depending on severity, where grade 1 tears are low grade injuries within the muscle and grade 3 is a severe or complete rupture of the muscle.

Grade 1: What does it feel like?

  • May have tightness in the back of the thigh.
  • Probably able to walk normally, however, will be aware of some discomfort.
  • Minimal swelling.
  • Little if any pain on resisted knee bending.

Grade 2: What does it feel like?

  • Walking will be affected, limp may be present.
  • Occasional sudden twinges of pain during activity.
  • May notice swelling.
  • Site of tear will feel tender to touch.
  • Flexing the knee against resistance causes pain.
  • Might be unable to fully straighten the knee.

Grade 3: What does it feel like?

  • Walking severely affected, may need walking aids such as crutches.
  • Severe pain particularly during activity such as knee flexion.
  • Noticeable swelling or bruising may become visible.

What is the Acute Management of a Hamstring Tear?

It is vitally important that treatment for a pulled hamstring starts immediately following injury. The most important phase for treatment is the first 48 hours post-injury. Early management will have you back on the field faster. Suggestions for immediate treatment of a pulled hamstring include:

  • Stop your activity.
  • Rest the injured leg.
  • Use icepacks every two hours, applied for 15 minutes.
  • Elevate the leg above heart height whenever possible.
  • Avoid exercise, heat, alcohol and massage in the first 48 hours, as these can all exacerbate swelling and tissue damage.

Professional Help

If the pain from a low grade hamstring tear that you are managing yourself has not improved after a day or so, or it is a more severe grade 2 or 3 tear, it is best to seek medical advice and consult with one of our physiotherapists to get an accurate diagnosis of the injury and suggest the most appropriate treatment plan.

Physiotherapy Provides Rehabilitation and Support

Physiotherapy treatment will depend upon the severity of the injury. The success rate of treatment is largely dictated by patient compliance. Treatments may include:

  • Hands on therapy for damaged tissues. Soft tissue therapy is excellent for reducing inappropriate scar adhesions while promoting faster healing conditions.
  • A stretching program can be started as soon as the pain and swelling subside to encourage full range of pain-free movement.
  • Management primarily involves rehabilitation and strengthening exercises to rebuild the strength of the injured muscle to prevent re-injury and to target overall leg strength.
  • A lumbopelvic stability retraining program is highly recommended for improved load distribution.
  • A progressive speed, agility and power program that prepares you for your sport is the best chance to ensure a successful outcome and full return to your pre-injury status.
  • Correction of any predisposing biomechanical stressors (e.g. pelvic tilt) and muscle imbalances.
  • Provide mobility aids such as crutches where appropriate in the acute phase.

Inadequate rehabilitation commonly results in recurrent and more severe calf strains.

Preventing a Pulled Hamstring

Suggestions to prevent hamstring strains:

  • It is important to warm up appropriately before training or competition. This should consist of some light aerobic exercise followed by dynamic, sports specific drills, e.g. FIFA 11+ injury prevention program.
  • One of the most important methods of preventing a hamstring tear is to increase the strength of the hamstring muscles. Consult with one of our physiotherapists for a suitable hamstring strengthening program. A hamstring tear is far more likely in athletes who have weak hamstring muscles that don’t meet the demands of their sport or activity.
  • Adequate load progression with training/competition has been highly indicated for injury reduction, that is, not doing too much too quickly. Our physiotherapists can guide your training program to limit the effects of inappropriate load management.
  • Include hamstring muscle maintenance in your workout routine (e.g. massaging, stretching, foam roller).

If you would like further information on management of a hamstring strain contact one of the physiotherapists at Jubilee Sports Physiotherapy who can guide you in your rehabilitation.

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I came to Jubilee Sports Physio for help on how to exersise and get fit without injuring myself constantly.During my initial consultation Michael said, I was standing wrong, sitting wrong and exersises I did were not suitable for my body.After four sessions, 15 minutes of daily exercises in between and I can go on hikes, lift weights and feel many years younger.I now have the life I want and very grateful to Jubilee Sports Physio, for their professionalism from booking, greeting and being able to do all I want physically.I highly recommend Jubilee Sports
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I would like to express my sincere appreciation for the exceptional care provided by Michael and James for attending to my son, both before and after his shoulder reconstruction. Michael and James' combination of kindness and professionalism played an important role in helping my son navigate through what was his first significant life challenge.They both demonstrated an unwavering commitment to my son's well-being, providing not only expert physiotherapy but also a level of compassionate support that went above and beyond.Thank you Jubilee team for your outstanding commitment to patient care. It's reassuring to know that professionals like Michael and James are dedicated to not just addressing physical challenges but also fostering a supportive and empathetic environment for individuals facing health setbacks. The receptions ladies were kind and helpful too.
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Over a period of 4 years my husband and I have had the expertise and professionalism of Michael Gabriel and staff at Jubilee Sports Physiotherapy Each of our ageing conditions required commitment to exercises to improve. When the conditions were clearly explained we gained confidence and understanding of realistic outcomes. We feel very fortunate for all of our treatments..and highly recommend Michael and staff.
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The whole Jubilee team is fantastic. They are professional, knowledgeable and have always gotten me back playing football as quick as possible!
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The team at Jubilee have been looking after me for over 15 years. Specially Michael with the help of Kieran. They have rehabbed me through 4 major surgeries as well as long standing injuries. It is because of these guys, I am able to still be involved in the game I love, stretching my career out as long as possible. In addition, my whole family is part of the Jubilee family
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I have relied on Michael Gabriel for my physiotherapy needs for a number of years now. His professional work has allowed me to continue to chase the love I have for outdoors recreation.
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Michael and his team are the best. So professional and knowledgeable and have kept me moving for years.
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I have been a patient of Jubilee Sports Physio for many years, being treated for various injuries & chronic conditions. Michael’s diagnostic skills are excellent. I can highly recommend this practice for their care, proficiency & friendliness.
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Micheal has helped over the years to heal and help with my injuries.. The entire team gives a five star help. I can’t praise them enough…Thank you so much
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Michael has treated me on a number of occasions. He is very professional and very easy to talk to. He obviously knows his stuff and never fails to set you on the right path with his treatments
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"I have been going to Jubilee Physiotherapy for many years.Very professional from the receptionists to the principal Physioswith lots of experience and straight to the point thatsave time and money"
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I have been attending Jubilee physio, on and off, for many years.In fact three generations of my family are presently receiving treatment there. I have had several of the physiotherapist at Jubilee work on different problems and have found them all to be professional, knowledgeable and very caring in their treatment.
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Thorough, professional and passionate team of physiotherapists.
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The the treatment I received for injury was first class. Caring, knowledgeable and highly professional. The electronic home exercising provided to me showed me the required exercises so I was not let to a piece of papers directing me. Loved the app. This physio is the best I have used. Highly recommended.
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01:29 01 Jul 23
I have attended Jubilee Physiotherapy for many years and have always had a positive experience. The staff are professional and knowledgeable. I always feel comfortable and safe in their care.My therapist, Samuel Leslie, knew exactly how to treat my new neck issue. As a result, I have made a very good recovery.
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The guys at Jubilee are amazing! Been going for a couple years and each time I’ve had a great experience. Massive shout out and thanks to our team Physio Sam for helping me with my rehab and recovery. He’s helped improve my overall game and has made me stronger than before. He’s a legend. Would highly recommend, overall fantastic experience!
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