Hamstring strain injuries are common among sports that involve sprinting, kicking, and high-speed skilled movements or extensive muscle lengthening with hip flexion and knee extension. These injuries present the challenge of significant recovery time and a lengthy period of increased susceptibility for recurrent injury. A pulled hamstring is the result of a strain on the hamstring muscles (the muscles that run along the back of the thigh). Injuries can range from acute hamstring muscle strains and ruptures to chronic proximal hamstring tendinopathy. Acute hamstring strains are the most common muscle strain, have high rates of recurrence and can lead to prolonged absence from sports. A “strain” means that the muscle has been stretched too far and may have begun to tear. Many athletes experience this type of injury, though it can also result from other activities. A thorough history and examination is important to determine the appropriate diagnosis and rule out other causes of posterior thigh pain.
Types:
There are three degrees of a strain, which are defined by the following characteristics:
Grade 1: This is the mildest type of strain. It is accompanying by little to no swelling and slight pain when using the leg.
Grade 2: This is a moderate type of strain where a partial tear develops in one or more hamstring muscles. People with a grade 2 hamstring strain may limp when they walk due to pain in their muscles. Swelling and bruising may occur, and it may be difficult to straighten out the leg.
Grade 3: This is the most severe type of strain where a complete tear develops in one or more hamstring muscles. People with a grade 3 hamstring strain have difficulty walking and often need to use crutches to get around. Swelling occurs immediately and bending or straightening the knee will cause pain.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
The history and physical examination are essential when treating an athlete with a suspected hamstring injury. There are many overlapping pain referral patterns that localize to the posterior thigh, including issues from the lumbar spine, hip joint, and sacroiliac joints. It is important to maintain an appropriate differential diagnosis when evaluating the athlete.
Athletes with hamstring strain injuries will typically describe sudden onset of sharp, stabbing or twinge-like posterior thigh pain. They may describe an audible “pop”, which has been reported primarily in type II (overstretch) hamstring strains. Patients with acute hamstring strains may report difficulty continuing the activity or sport. They may also present with a stiff-legged gait because of avoidance of hip and knee flexion.
Other investigation method may include following,
Radiographs: a good thing about radiographs is that with that kind of imaging, its possible to differentiate the etiology of the pain. It can differentiate in muscular disease (e.g muscle strain) or a disease of the bone (e.g. Stress fracture).
Ultrasound (US): this kind of imaging is used a lot because it is a cheap method. It is also a good method because it has the ability to image muscles dynamically. A negative point about Ultrasound is that it needs a skilled and experienced clinician.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): MRI gives a detailed view of the muscle injury. But sometimes it may not be clear according to the images. If that happens, the therapist must rely on the story that the patient told him (see characteristics/clinical presentation).
Treatment:
The initial hamstring strain treatment will depend on the severity of the injury. But in general, the athlete should be pulled from the activity and have an ice pack immediately applied to the area for twenty minutes. After the twenty minutes, the hamstring muscle should be securely wrapped with an ace bandage for support.
If a second- or third-degree strain is suspected the person should be fitted for crutches, provided crutch-walking instructions, and referred for further medical evaluation.
When the swelling and pain begins to reduce, the athlete can then move into the next stage of rehabilitation with the focus on regaining range of motion, tissue mobility, and strength.
Performing targeted hamstring stretches and strengthening exercises can aid in the recovery process.
Physiotherapy is one of the most common treatments for hamstring strains, helping to increase the range of motion and strengthen muscles. Physiotherapy and rehabilitation programs can be done via hands-on sessions with a physiotherapist or be learned to perform at home. However, physiotherapy is only effective if done regularly.
Due to their high incidence rate, slow rate of healing, and persistent symptoms, hamstring injuries can be quite a challenge to overcome for the injured and clinicians treating them. It is estimated that nearly one-third of hamstring injuries recur within the first year following a return to sport or physical activity with the subsequent reinjury being more severe than the original.
One such physical therapy technique, known as deep stripping massage, can be used in combination with other commonly used treatment. The effects of deep stripping massage results in an increased hamstring length in less than three minutes, improving flexibility, but does not affect the strength of the muscle.
The use of kinesiology tape has also proven to be efficient at improving muscle flexibility and reduce the risk of injury.
Ultrasound, Laser, Shockwave therapy are few pother options of treating Hamstring strain which promotes faster tissue healing.
Our experienced physiotherapist at Curezone Physiotherapy Mississauga will assess you to find out the actual cause of your symptoms and will help you and try their best in the permanent solution of your symptoms.
If you or someone you know who is suffering from Hamstring muscle strain , Call Curezone Physiotherapy Mississauga today!! We have a Physiotherapy Clinic near Heartland town center and is situated in the central Mississauga to serve you all.
