Hamstrings are the long muscles at the back of the thigh. They can get injured by rapid acceleration activities in running, lunging or jumping, when the sudden forceful jerk pulls on the tissues of the hamstring muscle. A 'pop' may be heard and a variable amount of pain in the back of the mid thigh is experienced immediately, then again every time during similar activity.
Recovery time can vary from 2-3 days for a minor strain to over a month for a severe strain. RICE treatment must be applied immediately (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation). Physiotherapy treatment is necessary to assist healing and recovery of these injuries. Your physiotherapist will prescribe a programme of stretching and strengthening rehabilitation exercises to assist recovery without the formation of scar tissue (fibrosis) or muscle shrinkage (atrophy), which could in turn become a permanent problem.
Re-injury is also a risk, especially when normal activity is resumed too soon. Prevention of this is done by achieving a good muscle strength v/s flexibility balance and a proper warm up. Being well hydrated is also important.
See overleaf for hamstring exercises recommended by our physiotherapists.
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