What Is a Pulled Hamstring Injury and How to Cope Up with It?
A hamstring injury is an injury to the three muscles in the back of the thigh. Symptoms include pain, swelling, tenderness, weakness, and limited range of motion. Treatment for hamstring injuries may include rest, ice, compression, elevation, stretching, and strengthening exercises for joints and muscles.
A pulled hamstring is an injury that occurs when one or more of the hamstring muscles located in the back of the thigh are stretched beyond their limit. The result is a strain or tears in the muscle fibres, leading to pain and difficulty moving the leg.
Pulled hamstrings usually occur due to sudden, forceful stretching of the hamstring muscle. Common causes include sprinting, jumping, and participating in sports such as soccer and football. Not stretching properly before exercise and muscle fatigue can also increase the risk of a pulled hamstring.
Managing pulled hamstring
A pulled hamstring is a common sports injury that can be extremely painful and cause a lot of frustration. It is important to take the proper steps to manage and treat the injury to avoid further complications and get back to playing your favorite sport as soon as possible.
Here are five of the best ways to manage a pulled hamstring:
1. Rest: Rest is the first and most important step to help manage a pulled hamstring. After the initial injury, it is vital to take some time off from any strenuous activities and let the muscles heal. This could mean avoiding high-intensity sports or exercises for a few weeks or up to a few months, depending on the severity of the injury.
2. Ice: Applying ice to the injured area is another great way to reduce swelling and pain associated with a pulled hamstring. Applying an ice pack for 15-20 minutes a few times a day can help reduce inflammation and pain and help the healing process.
3. Compression: Compression of the hamstring can also help reduce swelling and aid healing. Wearing a compression bandage or wrap around the hamstring can help to keep the muscle warm and reduce inflammation.
4. Elevation: Elevating the injured area can also help reduce swelling and pain associated with a pulled hamstring. It is important to keep the hamstring above the heart while resting or sleeping to help reduce swelling and pain.
5. Exercise: Exercising the pulled hamstring is important in healing. It is important to start with light stretching and strengthening exercises and gradually increase the intensity as the hamstring heals. This will help to strengthen the muscle, reduce stiffness, and increase flexibility.
Considering physiotherapy for a pulled hamstring
Physiotherapy is a treatment that helps individuals suffering from pulled muscles, sprains and strains, and other soft tissue injuries. It is a form of physical therapy that focuses on restoring movement, reducing pain, and improving overall function. Physiotherapists use various techniques, such as stretching and strengthening exercises, massage, ultrasound, heat and ice therapy, and electrical stimulation, for managing pulled hamstrings.
Pulled hamstrings are very common in athletes, especially in sports involving sudden sprints or quick stops and turns. When someone has a pulled hamstring, the goal of physiotherapy is to reduce pain and swelling, restore flexibility, strength, and range of motion, and reduce the risk of re-injury.
#1. Treatment for inflammation
The first step in the treatment process is to reduce inflammation. This can be done with ice and compression. Ice can also be used to reduce pain and swelling.
#2. Ensure flexibility
The next step in the treatment process is to restore flexibility and range of motion. This can be done through stretching and strengthening exercises. These exercises are designed to gently and gradually increase the hamstring muscles’ flexibility and range of motion.
Stretching exercises should be done for 30 seconds to 1 minute, 3 to 5 times daily. Strengthening exercises should be done for a few weeks until the hamstring is strong enough to return to normal activity. Once the flexibility and range of motion are restored, the next step is to improve the strength of the hamstring.
#3. Developing strength
Strength training exercises can build strength in the muscles and increase the ability to perform activities of daily living. These exercises can be done with weights or resistance bands.
#4. Reduce the risk of re-injury
The last step in the treatment process is to reduce the risk of re-injury. This can be done by improving balance and proprioception. Balance exercises can improve coordination, while proprioception exercises can help the brain recognize when the body is off balance or out of alignment.
Conclusion
In summary, physiotherapy can be an effective way to manage pulled hamstrings. It can help reduce pain and swelling, restore flexibility, strength, and range of motion, and reduce re-injury risk. These exercises must be performed regularly to ensure the best possible outcome.
The Port Physiotherapy in Calgary is an excellent choice for those suffering from a hamstring injury. The physiotherapists there are highly qualified and experienced in treating this type of injury. They offer personalized treatment plans tailored to each individual’s needs and goals. The clinic also offers a range of treatments such as manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, and sports-specific rehabilitation.
With its highly specialized staff and modern facilities, The Port Physiotherapy is the perfect choice for those seeking treatment for a hamstring injury.
To book an appointment with The Port Physiotherapy, you can call our clinic or fill out the online form on the website.