Why Stretching is Vital Part of Summer Sports

Aug. 13, 2015 - PRLog -- Hamstring strains commonly occur due to a sudden contraction of the hamstring muscles often when they are in a position of stretch. This sometimes occurs with rapid acceleration whilst running or when a footballer performs a long kick. They are commonly seen in running sports such as football, basketball and athletics (particularly sprinters, hurdlers, and long jumpers). Hamstring strains tend to occur more commonly in the older athlete and particularly following an inadequate warm-up.

What are the Symptoms of a Hamstring Strain?

Mild hamstring strains may feel more like a tightness or low grade ache in your hamstring. Severe hamstring strains can be extremely painful, making it impossible to walk or even stand.

Other possible symptoms of a hamstring strain are:

·         Sudden and severe pain during exercise, along with a snapping or popping feeling.

·         Pain in the back of the thigh and lower buttock when walking, straightening the leg, or bending over.

·         Hamstring tenderness

·         Bruising

How is a Hamstring Strain Diagnosed?

On examination, your physiotherapist or sports doctor will look for signs of pain on hamstring contraction, reduced hamstring flexibility, tenderness or a palpable lump or gap within the hamstring muscle bulk. Pulled hamstrings are graded 1, 2 or 3 depending on severity.

Physiotherapy for a Hamstring Strain

Physiotherapy for patients with a strained hamstring is vital to hasten the healing process and ensure an optimal outcome. Treatment may comprise:

·         soft tissue massage

·         electrotherapy (e.g. ultrasound)

·         dry needling

·         stretches

·         muscle energy techniques

·         joint mobilization

·         ice or heat treatment

·         education

·         biomechanical correction

·         the use of crutches

·         progressive exercises to improve strength, flexibility, core stability and balance

·         activity modification advice

·         technique correction

·         anti-inflammatory advice

·         devising and monitoring a return to sport or activity plan

Other intervention for a hamstring strain

Despite appropriate physiotherapy management, some patients with a strained hamstring do not improve adequately. When this occurs, the treating physiotherapist or doctor can advise on the best course of management. This may include investigations such as an ultrasound, CT scan or MRI, or referral to appropriate medical authorities who can advise on any intervention that may be appropriate to improve the condition. In very rare cases, of complete hamstring rupture, surgical intervention may be considered.

PhysioMax Wellness in Burlington Ontario provides various tips and treatments for every client's needs. Healthcare providers from this clinic are very knowledgeable about the treatments needed by patients in order to help them recover from their injuries. This multidisciplinary clinic in Burlington Ontario provides Physiotherapy, Acupuncture, Chiropractic and Massage Therapy in order to tend to any kind of injuries and prevent issues from occurring in the first place. Please contact us or visit www.physiomaxwellness.ca for more detailed information.