HAMSTRING STRAIN / TEAR
HAMSTRING STRAIN / TEAR
A hamstring strain or tear is also referred to as a torn hamstring muscle or pulled hamstring.
WHAT IS A HAMSTRING STRAIN/TEAR?
A hamstring strain/tear is the name given when there is a complete or partial tearing of one or more of your hamstring muscles which are found at the back of your thing.
The hamstrings are made up of 3 muscles:
Biceps femoris
Semitendinosus
Semimembranosus
These muscles all insert into the top of the lower leg and originate in the pelvis. They cause the knee to bend and the hip to straighten and are most active during kicking, jumping and running.
A hamstring tear can vary in severity:
a few fibres are torn
a significant number of fibres are torn
all muscle fibres are torn causing a large loss of function
WHAT CAUSES A HAMSTRING STRAIN/TEAR?
When the hamstring muscle contracts, tension is put through the hamstring muscles. If this tension is too high due to a large force or high repetitions then the hamstring muscle can tear.
Hamstring strains usually occur when they are put in a stretched position and when there is a rapid acceleration for example running or such as a footballer performing a long kick.
HOW IS A HAMSTRING STRAIN/TEAR DIAGNOSED?
A thorough assessment can be carried out by your physiotherapist to diagnose a hamstring strain/tear. Occasionally, an ultrasound or MRI scan may confirm a diagnosis.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF A HAMSTRING STRAIN/TEAR?
There are a few common symptoms of a hamstring strain tear:
A pulling sensation or sharp pain around the back of the thigh during the activity causing the strain
In severe cases you may be unable to continue with the activity and may be unable to walk off the playing field
Swelling
Muscle spasm
Pain touching the affected region
WHAT TREATMENT CAN FARRELL PHYSIOTHERAPY OFFER FOR A HAMSTRING STRAIN/TEAR?
Following your assessment, you will be provided with an exercise programme individual to you based on your problems.
Physiotherapy can include:
BENEFIT OF PHYSIOTHERAPY FOR A HAMSTRING STRAIN/TEAR?
Physiotherapy is an effective treatment for a hamstring strain/tear in order to ensure you make the greatest recovery possible in the shortest space of time.
There are a few benefits of physiotherapy including:
Reduced swelling
Reduced pain
Accelerated recovery
Improved range of movement and prevention of stiffness
Prevention of re-injury
Facilitation of return to sporting activities as quickly as possible
Don't Let Pain Win!
Our Expert Physiotherapists in Witham and Chelmsford specialise in providing the latest treatments and techniques in order to get you pain free as soon as possible, cure the cause of your pain and help you to return to pre-injury levels of activity.
Furthermore, we'll also give you a bespoke exercise and rehabilitation program, and advise you on how to prevent re-injury and remain pain free.
Get in touch with us now on 01245 830280 or 07980 898212 or click below to book online!
Same day and emergency appointments available most of the time.
Insurance
At Farrell Physiotherapy we work with some of the uk's top insurance companies to ensure you're covered.
We can accept payment from AXA (PPP), Bupa, PruHealth, simplyhealth and Standard Life, if you have any questions about alternative payment methods, please get in touch with us using the contact form at the bottom of the page and we'll get back to you asap!
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