Hamstring injuries are one of the most common types of injuries seen in people who are relatively active and frequently exercise or play sports. Many times they occur as a result of repetitive use or stress, and the extent of the damage done to the muscle(s) ultimately determines the course of treatment.
The hamstrings are a group of muscles located on the back of the thigh between the buttock and the knee. The muscles which make up this group are semitendinosus, semimembranosus, and biceps femoris. These muscles play a huge role in the gait cycle, as they allow us to extend our hip back and also allow for bending at the knee. When these muscles are pushed too hard or stretched beyond their limitation, damage can occur.
When it comes to muscle injuries, generally speaking, there are three grades for categorizing the severity of an injury. Grade 1 is a mild strain that has very little damage to the muscle fibers and usually resolves in a few days. A grade 2 strain is a partial tear of the muscle, and typically involves a longer recovery process. A grade 3 strain, which is a complete muscle tear, is when the all of the muscle fibers have torn. This is a very serious injury and requires significant recovery time.
For treatment here at the Springfield Wellness Center, it all begins with a thorough exam. Not only will we evaluate the hamstrings and how they move, we will also look at the alignment of the pelvis and even the lumbar spine as well. This global approach allows us to understand the problem better so we can implement the appropriate corrective strategies. To treat, we will adjust the patient to ensure the pelvis and spine
is aligned. We will also incorporate corrective exercise into treatment, as research has suggested that rehabilitative exercise assists in the healing of soft tissue injuries. Deep tissue laser is another common treatment protocol for soft tissue injuries, as it helps to clear out any inflammation in the affected area and stimulates the healing process simultaneously. This multi-modal treatment approach allows us to effectively treat hamstring injuries, as well as other muscular injuries that can occur.
Whether you’re an elite athlete, a weekend warrior, or just trying to stay active, muscular injuries such as hamstring injuries are bound to happen. Our goal with treatment is to return you to doing the things you love to do as quickly as possible, while also restoring optimal function.
-Dr. Pat