Understanding and Overcoming Hamstring Tears
▫️Written by John Keller
✅ Reviewed by Dr. Jenny Hynes on May 20, 2024
Hamstring tears are a common and often frustrating injury that can affect both the general population and athletes. The hamstring muscles, located at the back of the thigh, are crucial for various activities, including walking, running, and jumping. When these muscles are strained or torn, it can lead to pain, swelling, and a significant impact on daily life and athletic performance.
In the general population, hamstring tears can occur during activities that involve sudden acceleration or deceleration, such as sprinting or jumping. Athletes, especially those involved in sports that require frequent sprinting and kicking movements, are particularly prone to hamstring injuries. Studies have shown that hamstring injuries are prevalent among athletes, with rates ranging from 12% to 26% of all sports-related injuries (Askling et al., 2007).
Experiencing a hamstring tear can be a challenging and painful ordeal, often requiring a significant amount of time and effort to recover fully. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for hamstring tears is essential for both prevention and effective management of this common injury.
What are hamstring tears?
The hamstring muscles consist of three main muscles: the biceps femoris, semitendinosus, and semimembranosus. These muscles originate from the ischial tuberosity, a bony prominence located at the base of the pelvis, and insert on the bones of the lower leg. The primary function of the hamstrings is to bend the knee and extend the hip.
A hamstring tear, also known as a hamstring strain, occurs when there is an excessive or rapid stretching of the muscle fibres, leading to damage. These tears are classified into three grades based on their severity:
Grade 1 tears involve mild damage to a few muscle fibres and typically result in minimal pain and no loss of strength or range of motion.
Grade 2 tears are more severe, involving a partial tear of the muscle fibres. This can cause moderate pain, swelling, and some loss of strength and range of motion.
Grade 3 tears are the most severe and involve a complete rupture of the muscle. This can cause intense pain, significant swelling, and a complete loss of strength and range of motion.
Causes of hamstring tears
Hamstring tears can occur due to a variety of reasons, including sports injuries, muscle overload, and inadequate warm-ups or conditioning. Athletes involved in sports that require sudden acceleration, deceleration, or kicking movements are at a higher risk of hamstring tears. Additionally, factors such as age, muscle tightness, and previous hamstring injuries can also increase the likelihood of experiencing a tear.
Recognising the signs of a hamstring tear
Symptoms of a hamstring tear can vary depending on the severity of the injury but commonly include a sudden, sharp pain in the back of the thigh, swelling, bruising, and difficulty moving the leg. Immediate steps to take upon suspecting a hamstring tear include stopping activity, applying ice to the affected area, and elevating the leg to reduce swelling.
Prevention is better than cure
Preventive measures for hamstring tears include regular stretching and strengthening exercises, proper warm-ups before physical activity, and using correct techniques during exercise. It is also essential to avoid overloading the muscles and to listen to your body's signals to prevent injury.
Diagnosis and medical evaluation for hamstring tears
A professional diagnosis of a hamstring tear typically involves a physical examination, including palpation of the affected area and assessing range of motion. Imaging tests such as MRI or ultrasound may also be used to confirm the diagnosis and determine the severity of the tear.
Treatment options for hamstring tears
Non-surgical treatment options for hamstring tears focus on reducing pain and swelling, promoting healing, and restoring function. The RICE protocol is commonly recommended:
Rest: Resting the injured leg is essential to allow the torn muscle fibres to heal. Activities that aggravate the injury, such as running or jumping, should be avoided.
Ice: Applying ice to the injured area helps reduce pain and swelling. Ice can be applied for 15-20 minutes every 2-3 hours during the acute phase of the injury.
Compression: Using a compression bandage or wrap can help reduce swelling and provide support to the injured muscle. It is essential not to wrap the bandage too tightly, as this can interfere with blood flow.
Elevation: Elevating the injured leg above the level of the heart can help reduce swelling. This position helps drain excess fluid from the injured area.
Pain relief and anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, may be recommended to manage pain and reduce inflammation. However, these medications should be used with caution and under the guidance of a healthcare professional, as they can have side effects.
In severe cases of hamstring tears, where there is a complete rupture of the muscle fibres, surgery may be necessary to repair the muscle. Surgery is usually reserved for cases where conservative treatments have not been effective or in athletes who require a quick return to sport.
It's important to note that the specific treatment plan for a hamstring tear will depend on the severity of the injury and the individual's circumstances. A healthcare professional, such as a physiotherapist or sports medicine physician, can provide a comprehensive assessment and develop a personalised treatment plan.
The role of physiotherapy in treating hamstring tears
Physiotherapy is a cornerstone of treatment for hamstring tears, playing a crucial role in the recovery process. A physiotherapist can assess the severity of the injury, develop a personalized treatment plan, and monitor progress throughout the recovery process.
One of the primary goals of physiotherapy for hamstring tears is to strengthen the hamstring muscles and improve flexibility. This is typically achieved through a combination of exercises, including stretching and strengthening exercises. Stretching exercises can help improve flexibility and reduce the risk of re-injury, while strengthening exercises can help rebuild strength in the injured muscle.
In addition to exercises, physiotherapy may also include other modalities such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, or massage to help reduce pain and promote healing. These modalities can help improve blood flow to the injured area and reduce inflammation.
Physiotherapists can also provide guidance on proper techniques for activities that may stress the hamstring muscles, such as running or jumping. By teaching proper techniques, physiotherapists can help reduce the risk of future injuries.
Long-term management and care for hamstring tears
Managing a hamstring tear long-term involves following the physiotherapist's instructions and gradually returning to physical activity. It is essential to progress slowly and listen to your body, as pushing yourself too hard can increase the risk of re-injury.
Maintaining a regular exercise routine that includes stretching and strengthening exercises for the hamstring muscles can help prevent future injuries. It is also important to warm up properly before engaging in physical activity and to cool down afterward.
If you experience any pain or discomfort during or after exercise, it is essential to stop and rest. Ignoring pain can lead to further injury and prolong the recovery process.
Conclusion
In conclusion, hamstring tears can be a painful and frustrating injury, but with the right treatment and physiotherapy, full recovery is possible. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for hamstring tears is essential for both prevention and effective management of this common injury.
Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in the recovery process, helping to strengthen the hamstring muscles, improve flexibility, and reduce the risk of future injuries. By following a personalized treatment plan and listening to your body, you can return to your daily activities and sports with confidence.
If you're experiencing symptoms of a hamstring tear, it's important to seek professional advice from certified physiotherapists. Do not self-diagnose. Book a consultation with our team at Keilor Road Physiotherapy to receive personalized care and treatment. Click here to book your consultation or learn more.
Remember, your health is important, and seeking professional advice is the first step towards recovery.
References:
Askling, C., Saartok, T., & Thorstensson, A. (2007). Type of acute hamstring strain affects flexibility, strength, and time to return to pre-injury level. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 41(1), 40-44.
Sherry, M. A., & Best, T. M. (2004). A comparison of 2 rehabilitation programs in the treatment of acute hamstring strains. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 34(3), 116-125.
Heiderscheit, B. C., Sherry, M. A., Silder, A., Chumanov, E. S., & Thelen, D. G. (2010). Hamstring strain injuries: recommendations for diagnosis, rehabilitation, and injury prevention. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 40(2), 67-81.
Article by
John Keller
Clinical Director | Sports & Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist
John graduated as a Physiotherapist from the Auckland University of Technology with the John Morris memorial prize for outstanding clinical practise in 2003. John has since completed Post Graduate Diplomas in both Sports Medicine and Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy with distinction, also collecting the Searle Shield for excellence in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.
Reviewed by
Dr. Jenny Hynes FACP
Clinical Director | Specialist Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist
Jenny sat extensive examinations to be inducted as a fellow into the Australian College of Physiotherapy in 2009 and gain the title of Specialist Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist, one of only a few physiotherapists in the state to have done so.