Hamstring Muscle Strain Injuries

Hamstring Muscle Strain Injuries:

 

Hamstring muscle strains are a common injury in sprinting-based sports such as AFL, soccer and track and field events. The hamstrings play a crucial role in extending the hip and flexing (bending) the knee, making them vital for activities like walking, running, and jumping. Here at Unbreakable Physiotherapy in Moorabbin, we specialise in sporting injuries and bring a wealth of experience from many different sporting codes from amateur through to professional and international levels.

 

Anatomy:

The hamstring is made up of three muscles on the back of your thigh:

• Biceps femoris
• Semitendinosus
• Semimembranosus

 

These muscles originate from the ischial tuberosity (your sitting bone) at the base of the pelvis and span across the hip and knee joints, inserting into various points around the knee and upper shin.

 

Hamstring injuries typically occur during high-speed running, sudden deceleration, kicking, jumping or rapid changes of direction. The location and type of tissue involved (muscle belly vs tendon) can influence the severity, rehabilitation process and recovery timeline.

 

Injury Classification:

Hamstring strains are generally classified into three grades based on severity:

 

Grade 1 (Mild):

• Small number of muscle fibres affected
• Symptoms: mild tightness, discomfort during movement, minimal strength loss
• Recovery: usually within 1-3 weeks

Grade 2 (Moderate):

• Partial tear of the muscle
• Symptoms: sharp pain, swelling, bruising, decreased strength, and flexibility
• Recovery: may take 4-8 weeks or longer depending on the extent of the injury

Grade 3 (Severe):

• Complete rupture of the muscle or tendon
• Symptoms: sudden, severe pain, significant swelling, bruising and inability to weight bear
• Recovery: often several months; in some cases, surgical intervention may be required

 

 

Early assessment and management by a physiotherapist are crucial for optimal healing and to reduce the risk of recurrence. At Unbreakable Physiotherapy, our experienced Sports Physiotherapists specialise in hamstring injuries and will develop a tailored rehab plan based on your specific needs, injury severity and goals.

 

Every hamstring injury is slightly different depending on the person. It is therefore crucial to have an accurate and in-depth assessment to evaluate which rehabilitation pathway is appropriate for you.

 

Rehabilitation:

During the rehab process, we focus to achieve the following:

• Reduce pain, swelling and inflammation
• Restore full range of motion at the hip and knee
• Rebuild hamstring strength, with a focus on eccentric (lengthening) strength, which is crucial for reducing reinjury risk
• Maintain strength in surrounding muscles
• Progressive return to sport-specific movements- such as sprinting, jumping, landing and changing direction
• Prevent recurrence, which is unfortunately common if rehab is rushed or incomplete

 

If you have recently sustained a hamstring injury or are dealing with ongoing tightness or weakness, don’t wait. Book an appointment with one of our experienced Sports Physiotherapists at Unbreakable Physiotherapy in Moorabbin.