Treating Hamstring Injury

Hamstring muscle injuries

A hamstring strain or a pulled hamstring injury as it is sometimes called is a tear in one or more of the hamstrings muscles. These are more common in athletes who take part in sports that involve sprinting such as football, track, basketball etc.

It is vitally important the golden hour treatment starts immediately after the pulled hamstring injury. The most important phase for treatment is the first 48 hours post-injury.

Top tips for the ‘golden hour’

In this time the following can be carried out by the athlete themselves to help reduce pain:

• Use an ice pack for 15 Mins (Rest, Ice, Compress, Elevate)
• Use a compression bandage to minimise inner muscular bleeding and swelling.
• Early mobility of the injured lower limb is vital for the correct rehabilitation of the muscle.
• This may includes stretching
• Strengthening exercises throughout the pain-free range. These can aid in decreasing the swelling in the area.

What we can do to help with hamstring injuries

Sports massage techniques can be used to help speed up recovery. These are extremely important in the rehabilitation of the injury as the massage breaks down the new collagen network allowing for correct fibre realignment and minimising scar tissue. In addition to this, massage can increase the blood flow to the injured area.

Some other effective methods include:

• TECAR therapy
• K-Laser Therapy
• Shockwave Therapy
• Exercise Therapy (specific exercise and stretches programme)
• Provide mobility aids such as crutches
• Electrotherapy & Ultrasound Therapy
• Deep Tissue Massage