Cauda Equina Syndrome
23rd March 2020
Top 5 Tendon Pain Facts
11th June 2020Does it hurt at the back of your thigh when you walk, run or kick? You probably have a Hamstring Problem!
What are the Hamstrings?
The Hamstrings are the group of muscles that make up the back of your thigh. There are 3 of them on each leg; semimembranosus, semitendinosus and biceps femoris. They run from the back of your shin bone (tibia) up the back of the thigh to the 'sit bones' (ischial tuberosity) of your pelvis. They pass across your hip AND knee joints, making them VERY important muscles! Both the muscles and the tendons (muscle to bone attachment) can be become painful or injured. It can hurt like hell! BUT it is usually nothing to be concerned about in the long run, despite how much it might hurt.
What do the hamstrings do?
The hamstring muscles work in a few different ways. They help you bend your knee, walk and run. They should flexible and strong.
Do I need a scan?
Unless you have had an injury which has led to severe bruising AND significant loss of shape or significant strength loss .....NO you do not need a scan! There are some injuries that do, but we'll be able to advise you on that following our expert assessment.
How is it injured?
There are a few ways that the muscles and tendons can get injured or become painful. It alters depending on which of the following groups you are in.
- Runners - both sprinters and distance runners.
- Sprint & kick sports - football, rugby, hockey, netball, tennis, squash. karate, kickboxing
- Over 50's - this affects women more than men and tends to be a hamstring tendon problem.
Hamstring pain is due to overload of the tissues of the muscle OR tendon. Despite how much it hurts there is nothing causing long term harm or damage.
Problems range from a Grade 1 Hamstring Strain to a High Hamstring Tendinopathy. Diagnosis is the key to your specific hamstring injury, and what hamstring rehab exercise you need to reach your goal.
Should I stop running, training or playing?
The ultimate question of all runners and sports people. "Should I keep running/playing, or should I stop?"
It all depends on; Whether you have a hamstring muscle OR hamstring tendon problem? How long you have had it for? and, What you want to return to?
You MAY benefit from a short period of not running/playing OR changing your training or running technique. Don't worry though we can normally get you back running or playing pain free very quickly.
The BIG issue is when you either DON'T wait long enough after a hamstring tear OR you return to playing/running WITHOUT doing enough specific strength and conditioning rehab. You return too soon and just get pain or injured again. This is what we call 'boom and bust!'
It sounds complicated but don't worry we'll walk you through every step of your rehab to ensure you return to sport WITHOUT re injuring!
Hamstring Rehab Exercises
The main components of your rehab are
- Doing the right thing at the right time
- Modifying your training
- Increasing Muscular Strength and endurance
- Maintaining hamstring flexibility
There is NO one size fits all solution.
If you think you have a Hamstring Problem and would like help returning to sports/running, or just life, pain free, get in touch!
We have helped hundreds of people recover from their Hamstring pain. Whatever your end goal we can help!
Book online using any of the links on this page, Call us or get in touch using the contact form below.
We look forward to helping you get back fighting fit!
I saw Hogan & Mitchell after nearly a year of suffering with an hamstring issue. I was referred to them by a specialist consultant. I had seen other physios prior to this and it startled me at first how different their treatment approach was. They really focused on getting strength back into my leg rather then massage and ultrasound therapy. The difference here was that they really took the time to explain what was going on, listened to my history and then gave a comprehensive recovery plan. Within 2 weeks I saw a significant improvement in my leg pain and with 12 weeks I was back running. It is clear they know their stuff, especially around sports injuries. Furthermore they only saw me as required, not every week just for the sake of it.
Grant A.
Having been suffering pain in my hamstring for over 6 months I was concerned as it was also starting to affect my back, preventing me from running. I went to see Hogan & Mitchell and after a thorough assessment they recommended various strengthening exercises, slowly increasing in difficultly and had the problem under control in 6 weeks! Wish I had gone sooner and would highly recommend!
Nicky W.
