Hamstring Strain

Home Physio specializes in diagnosing and carefully treating Hamstring Strain while making sure each patient is fully informed throughout the process. Serving the Central, West & North London , Home Physio is known for delivering outstanding results while helping you minimize your personal investment and creating a suitable treatment plan for your needs.

Home / Conditions / Hamstring Strain

What Is a Hamstring Strain?

A ‘pulled’ hamstring (also known as hamstring tear or hamstring strain) is when the hamstring muscle group, on the back of the thigh, is torn. Physiotherapy is an important treatment for a pulled hamstring.

How does a pulled hamstring happen?

A pulled hamstring usually occurs when the hamstring muscle is contracted in a stretched position. This often occurs during running or sprinting.

What are the symptoms of a pulled hamstring?

The first sensation felt when a hamstring muscle is torn is sudden pain. This pain is normally felt in the back of the thigh. At the same time you may also experience a ‘tearing’ sensation in the back of your thigh. In minor tears you may be able to continue participating with slight pain. However, as the muscle cools down, your pain may gradually worsen as bleeding and swelling occurs within the injured muscle. Other symptoms include:

reduced range of movement
swelling/ inflammation
stiffness
weakness

What should I do if I have a pulled hamstring?

The most important time in the initial treatment of a hamstring strain is the first 24–48 hours. This is because the majority of the bleeding and swelling around the injured muscle occurs within this time. To control the amount of swelling and, therefore, limit the degree of damage to the hamstring muscles, the injured leg should be rested and iced. Rest involves limiting the use of the injured leg, sometimes with the use of crutches. Ice should be applied to the injured site for 15–20 minutes every 1–2 hours. Ideally, using crushed ice wrapped in a moist cloth. Whilst completing this you should ensure that you contact your physiotherapist.

Physiotherapy treatment for a pulled hamstring

Physiotherapy is very important in the treatment of a pulled hamstring. Initially, your physiotherapist can advise you on the exact tissue/s damaged and the extent of the damage. Following your assessment, your physiotherapist can provide you with advice on how long your injury will take to heal and an appropriate treatment plan can be developed. Treatment plans usually involve a number of treatment techniques, such as manipulations and electrotherapy, to reduce your pain and swelling and enhance the healing of the injured structures. Other treatment includes: