What to Do Following a Hamstring Injury

How many times have you seen you favourite AFL, Rugby or Soccer star limping off the field grabbing the back of their thigh grimacing in pain after kicking for goal or sprinting with the ball? A hamstring tear is all too common in everyday activity as well as both elite and local sport. But what do our hamstrings do, and what causes them to tear? 

What are our hamstrings and what do they do?

Our hamstrings are found in the back of our legs behind the thigh and are made up of 3 different muscles: Semimembranosus, Semitendinosus and Bicep Femoris. These muscles help to bend your knees and extend your hips. Our hamstrings are always working hard when walking, climbing stairs, running or jumping.

For instance, during an AFL game, the hamstrings help stabilise players whilst running and bending as well as helping to control the swing of their legs during a kick.

What causes a hamstring tear?

There is an array of predisposing factors which can contribute to the likelihood of a hamstring tear, these can include: 

• Excessive muscle tightness
• Muscular overuse/fatigue 
• Inadequate recovery post training/games 
• Muscular weakness
• Poor technique/biomechanics, e.g.. running or kicking
• Previous injury, e.g.. unresolved hamstring tear scarring 

What can you do to treat you hamstring injury?

In case of a hamstring tear, advice and direction from your Physiotherapist is key. Begin by applying first aid principles of RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) and book in to see your Physiotherapist as soon as possible. Your Physiotherapist will be able to identify any predisposing factors which have contributed to your injury and formulate a rehabilitation program accordingly.

If you have a hamstring injury, our Physiotherapists are here and available to help. Call us on 97839990 or book online.