The hamstring is an important group of muscles in the leg. Unfortunately, hamstring tears and injuries are quite common and painful – primarily impacting athletes. In this article, we are going to talk about hamstring tears and injuries. We will walk through the various factors that cause hamstring tears, and what you can do to effectively treat a hamstring injury.
Hamstring Tears
Despite its name, the hamstring is not one single “string” – but rather four muscles along the back of your thighs. The most important function your hamstring performs is in helping your leg bend at the knee.
Certain sports, exercises, and activities can over-stress the hamstring muscles and cause them to tear. Hamstring injuries are most often caused by the following physical activities:
- Running
- Jumping
- Sudden Stopping & Starting
Failing to warm up prior to exercise can also increase your risk of a hamstring tear. Symptoms of hamstring strains or tears can vary from mild discomfort, to extreme pain and an inability to walk or stand. Hamstring tears often present with severe pain during exercise. You may even feel a snap or pop in your leg.
Treating Hamstring Injuries with Physical Therapy
In order to diagnose a hamstring tear, your physical therapist or doctor will do a physical examination and ask you about the circumstances surrounding the injury. There are several treatment methods for hamstring injuries, depending on their severity. Mild hamstring tears tend to heal on their own given enough time and rest. In extreme cases, surgical repair may be necessary. Either way, physical therapy strengthening can be incredibly helpful in reducing pain and returning functionality.
OrthoRehab Specialists physical therapists have been helping Minnesota patients recover from hamstring tears and injuries for the past twenty-five years. Our rehabilitation specialists offer direct access to physical therapy in Minnesota. We also have existing relationships with over 600 doctors and surgeons who regularly refer their patients to us for continued care. Contact us today at our Edina or Minneapolis clinics to set up your appointment with one of our physical therapists.