Hamstring

Hamstring muscle strain injuries are the most common non-contact injuries in sports that involve sprinting, acceleration/deceleration, rapid changes of direction and jumping. There is a 30% recurrence rate with hamstring strains. Hamstring muscle strain injuries are characterised by acute pain in the posterior thigh. They range in severity from small muscle fibre tearing and slight loss of function (Grade I), through to complete rupture of the muscle and complete loss of function (Grade III). The Hamstring muscle group is made up from 3 muscles. The 2 medial muscles are Semitendinosus and Semimembranosus, and the lateral muscle is Biceps Femoris. 80% of Hamstring muscle strains occur in the Log Head of the Biceps Femoris muscle.

Two main mechanisms for hamstring strains

The risk factors associated with hamstring strain are age, previous hamstring strain, flexibility of the hamstring or opposite hip flexor, inadequate hamstring strength and fatigue. Patients who report taking more than 1-day to walk pain-free following injury were likely to take longer than 3 weeks to return to competition

Taking a detailed history paying attention to mechanism of injury, duration of training/play prior to injury and Hamstring Muscle Strain history will help direct appropriate course of management.

A thorough physical examination is then performed on the Hamstring Muscle group focusing on mobility, motor control and strength. Other key features of assessment include the gluteal muscles, lumbar spine, hip and pelvis and the lower limb neurodynamic system. Goals and Expectations are discussed and a management plan is established together. Current evidence supports strategies with exercise therapy addressing motor control and strength of the gluteal and hamstring muscle groups, soft tissue and neural mobility. Hands-on soft tissue techniques addressing thoracic and lumbar regions as well and gluteal and hamstring muscle groups is very useful in reducing pain and improving function. Education and reassurance about appropriate time frames and progression of training loads will also enable a successful return to sport.