Written By: Dr. Grant Weihrauch

Hamstring strains are among the most common injuries affecting athletes, active individuals, and even those with sedentary lifestyles. These injuries can range from mild discomfort to severe tears that significantly impair mobility. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for hamstring strains is crucial for recovery and prevention.

What Are Hamstring Strains?

The hamstrings are a group of three muscles located at the back of the thigh: the biceps femoris, semitendinosus, and semimembranosus. These muscles work together to enable knee flexion, hip extension, and stabilization during walking, running, and jumping. A hamstring strain occurs when one or more of these muscles are overstretched or torn.

Hamstring strains can be categorized into three grades based on severity:

• Grade 1: Mild strain with minimal pain and no loss of strength or flexibility.
• Grade 2: Partial tear resulting in moderate pain, swelling, and some loss of function.
• Grade 3: Severe tear, often involving a complete rupture, leading to significant pain, swelling, and loss of function.

Common Causes of Hamstring Strains

Hamstring strains can occur in a variety of activities, including:

1. Sports Activities:
   • Sprinting sports like soccer, football, and track and field are common culprits. The rapid acceleration and deceleration involved in these activities place significant stress on the hamstrings.
   • Sports requiring frequent jumping, such as basketball or volleyball, can also lead to strains.
2. Improper Warm-Up:
   • Skipping a proper warm-up before physical activity can leave the hamstrings tight and vulnerable to injury.
3. Muscle Imbalances:
   • Weak or tight hamstrings, relative to the quadriceps, can create imbalances, increasing the risk of injury.
4. Overuse:
   • Repeated strain from activities like long-distance running or cycling can lead to overuse injuries.
5. Sudden Movements:
   • Quick directional changes or overstretching during yoga or pilates can also result in hamstring injuries.

Symptoms of a Hamstring Strain

The symptoms of a hamstring strain vary depending on the severity of the injury but may include:

• Sudden, sharp pain in the back of the thigh during activity.
• Swelling or bruising in the affected area.
• Tenderness and difficulty straightening the leg.
• A popping or snapping sensation at the time of injury (in severe cases).
• Weakness in the leg, especially during movements like running or climbing stairs.

Associated Structures in Hamstring Injuries

Hamstring strains don’t always occur in isolation. Several surrounding structures may also be involved or impacted:

1. Tendons:
   • Tendons at the ends of the hamstring muscles can become inflamed or injured, leading to tendonitis.
2. Pelvis:
   • In severe cases, the hamstring tendons can avulse (pull away) from their attachment to the pelvis, requiring surgical intervention.
3. Sciatic Nerve:
   • Hamstring injuries can sometimes irritate the sciatic nerve, causing radiating pain or numbness down the leg.
4. Knee Joint:
   • Tight or injured hamstrings can affect knee mechanics, potentially leading to secondary issues like patellar misalignment or joint pain.

Chiropractic Care for Hamstring Strains

Chiropractic care can be a highly effective treatment for hamstring strains, especially for addressing the biomechanical issues that may contribute to the injury.

1. Joint Mobilization:
   • Chiropractors can perform adjustments to the pelvis, hips, and lower back to improve alignment and reduce strain on the hamstrings.
2. Soft Tissue Techniques:
   • Techniques like myofascial release or Graston therapy can break down scar tissue and improve muscle flexibility.
3. Rehabilitation Exercises:
   • Chiropractors often provide tailored exercises to strengthen the hamstrings and surrounding muscles, improving long-term stability.

Dry Needling for Hamstring Strains

Dry needling is another effective treatment option for hamstring strains, targeting trigger points and promoting tissue healing.

1. How It Works:
   • Thin needles are inserted into the affected muscle areas to relieve tension, reduce pain, and improve blood flow.
2. Benefits:
   • Dry needling can help release tight knots in the hamstrings, improving range of motion and reducing pain.
3. Evidence:
   • Research has shown that dry needling can significantly reduce recovery time for muscle injuries by accelerating the healing process.

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) for Hamstring Strains

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive treatment that uses acoustic waves to stimulate healing in soft tissues.

1. How It Works:
   • ESWT delivers high-energy sound waves to the injured area, stimulating cellular repair and increasing blood flow.
2. Benefits for Hamstring Strains:
   • Breaks down adhesions and scar tissue in chronic cases.
   • Reduces pain and inflammation.
   • Speeds up recovery, especially in cases of persistent or recurring hamstring injuries.
3. Ideal Candidates:
   • ESWT is particularly beneficial for athletes or individuals with long-standing hamstring issues that have not responded to conventional treatments.

Recovery and Prevention Tips

Recovering from a hamstring strain requires a multi-faceted approach to address the injury and prevent recurrence.

1. Initial Rest and Ice:
   • Resting the hamstring and applying ice during the acute phase can reduce pain and inflammation.
2. Gradual Rehabilitation:
   • Start with gentle stretching and low-impact exercises, progressing to strength training and functional movements.
3. Cross-Training:
   • Incorporate non-weight-bearing activities like swimming or cycling to maintain fitness without overstressing the hamstrings.
4. Preventive Measures:
   • Warm up thoroughly before activity.
   • Include hamstring-specific strength exercises like Nordic hamstring curls in your routine.
   • Focus on improving flexibility and mobility in the hips and legs.

Conclusion

Hamstring strains can be debilitating, but with proper care and treatment, recovery is achievable. Chiropractic care, dry needling, and Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy offer effective solutions for managing pain, improving mobility, and speeding up healing. Whether you’re an athlete or someone with an active lifestyle, understanding the causes and treatments for hamstring strains is essential for maintaining optimal performance and reducing the risk of future injuries.If you’re struggling with a hamstring strain, contact Central Ohio Spine and Joint to learn more about our specialized treatment options. Our team of experts can help you get back to your active lifestyle with personalized care plans tailored to your needs.