Many of you are coming out of your hibernation to start running again. For those who may be walking, training for a 5k, marathon or even your school’s track and field team you should know the impact of a hamstring strain. The hamstrings are the large leg muscles in the back of your thigh that run from the pelvis to the knee. A tight hamstring is more easily injured and if this muscle is not warmed up properly it can become strained or pulled. Another cause of injury is when the muscles on the front of your thigh, the quadriceps, are tight. When the quads are tight they force the pelvis to be tilted forward which in turn will tighten up the hamstrings. A third reason for a hamstring strain is when the gluteal muscles are weak. If those glutes are weak the hamstrings have to take more of the workload which can cause them to become overworked and fatigued leading to a strain.
Hamstring strains usually present as a sudden onset of sharp pain in the back of the thigh. If you suspect a hamstring injury, STOP RUNNING. Use P.R.I.C.E. which is Protect, Rest, Ice, Compress, and Elevate. If the pain doesn’t subside or gets worse, then it’s time to have your leg evaluated.
As a Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician (CCSP), I can diagnose and create a treatment plan to help get you back out and running as soon as possible. At Parkhurst Chiropractic we have many tools to help aid in your recovery. These may include chiropractic adjustments, low level laser therapy, rapid release, kinesiology taping, whole body vibration, manual therapy and cupping massage. Prompt attention and these tools can help decrease your recovery time.
Returning from a hamstring injury is a gradual process. Your first goal should be the ability to have full range of motion in the injured leg. The second is for the injured leg to feel strong again. Once your leg is feeling stronger, start walking. Once you can walk pain free, move up to a light jog. Gradually push yourself until you are able to jump pain free.
You don’t have to question or wonder if you have an injury. Contact us for an assessment. We can help you on your path to recovery, and to achieving your goals!
By Matt Meiste DC CCSP