Hamstring Strains (Video)

By Tim Wall, MS, ATC

Hamstring Strains

Watch this muscle strain VIDEO to learn more about Hamstring Strains. These types of strains or pulled muscles are very common in sports. They are very difficult to heal and often people will injury their hamstring again. To make an appointment to see a JOI MD, please call 904-JOI-2000 or schedule online.

The hamstring muscle is a group of muscles in the back of the thigh.  The group of 3 hamstring muscles sits at the back of the thigh and allows for the knee to bend.  These muscles are responsible for lifting your foot to walk.  The hamstring muscles can suffer a strain or tear during sport activities. A common characteristic for a hamstring strain is, the athlete appears to be “pulling up” while running.  This is a classic sign of a hamstring strain. The muscles names are the semimembranosus, biceps femoris and the semitendinosus.

Understanding Hamstring Strains and Pulled Hamstrings

Hamstring strains and pulled hamstrings are common injuries, particularly among those who lead an active lifestyle. These injuries occur when the muscles at the back of the thigh are overstretched or torn. This article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of hamstring strains, pulled hamstrings, the symptoms, hamstring injury treatment options, expected hamstring strain recovery time, and prevention methods.

Grade I strain-

The mildest strain. Only a few muscle fibers are stretched or torn. Although the injured muscle is tender and painful, it has normal strength.

Grade II strain

Moderate strain. More injured fibers, with some tearing possible and more severe muscle pain and tenderness. There is also mild swelling, noticeable loss of strength, and sometimes a bruise.

Grade III strain-

Severe strain. The muscle fiber is torn all the way through with this injury.

Recognizing a Hamstring Strain or a Pulled Hamstring

Knowing how to identify a hamstring strain or a pulled hamstring is essential for effective treatment and recovery. Symptoms can range from a sharp, sudden pain during physical activity to a dull, aching discomfort that persists even at rest. Other symptoms include swelling and bruising around the affected area. These signs should not be ignored as they may indicate a hamstring tear or a torn hamstring.

To diagnose a hamstring strain or a pulled hamstring, one can use self-evaluation methods such as palpation (gently pressing on the painful area) or range of motion tests. However, your physician may recommend imaging tests like MRI or ultrasound for a definitive diagnosis and assessment of the injury’s severity. If a hamstring strain or a pulled hamstring is suspected, immediate medical attention is recommended.

Pull a Hamstring Meaning

Hamstring strains are also called pulled muscles.  Often when the hamstring suffers a strain, the athlete feels a “pop” or a grabbing sensation in the back of the thigh.  All activities should be stopped if you strain the hamstring muscle.  A pull of the hamstring is the same as a hamstring strain.  The muscle fibers are strained or pulled apart or torn.

Pulled Hamstring Test

A hamstring muscle is tested with a manual muscle test.  This test determines the grade of the strain or pull.  This should only be done by an individual with medical training.  Often, an MD will order an MRI in more severe cases to assess the level of the strain.  Palpation of the muscle is also important to assess a strain.  Lumps or divots in the muscle are signs that the muscle is compromised.  A strain to the muscle is very common with many sports including football, basketball and running.  The return to the sport is a very important aspect in the rehab process.  Returning to sport too soon can result in re-injury.

Pulled Hamstring Treatment and Hamstring Strain Treatment Options

You can treat most muscle strains with the RICE method at home.  The most frequently used, and most effective treatment for minor muscle strains is the RICE method.

• Rest: Avoid using your muscle for a few days, especially if movement causes an increase in pain
• Ice:  Ice will help minimize pain and swelling. Apply a pack or bag for about 20 minutes.
• Compression: This will help minimize swelling and provide stability to the affected muscle
• Elevation: Try to keep the injured muscle above the level of your heart when possible

If you’ve suffered a hamstring strain or a pulled hamstring, getting proper hamstring injury treatment is crucial to promote healing and prevent further damage. Initial treatments typically involve the RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation) method. This involves resting the injured area, applying ice wrapped in a cloth for 15-20 minutes every 2-3 hours, compressing the area with an elastic bandage, and elevating the leg to reduce inflammation.

Once the initial pain and swelling have diminished, physical therapy exercises can help regain strength and flexibility in the hamstring muscles. For pulled hamstring treatment and hamstring strain treatment, over-the-counter pain relievers may be recommended. However, always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new medication regimen.

Other Treatments: 

• Laser or Massage Therapy

• NSAIDs: Anti-inflammatories can help reduce pain and swelling.
• Heat: You can use moist heat after 2-3 days post injury to facilitate circulation to the area and promote healing.
• The Graston Technique.  These tools can help in the healing process. In addition to, helping with soft tissue mobilization.
• Physical Therapy: your MD may prescribe formal physical therapy to help your strain heal.  Therapy to include flexibility and strengthening of the hamstring muscles.  The team at JOI Rehab works with your physician to ensure the best possible outcome.

Hamstring Strain Recovery Time and Pulled Hamstring Recovery Time

The duration of recovery from a hamstring strain or a pulled hamstring, also known as hamstring injury recovery time, varies greatly, depending on individual factors and the severity of the injury. Mild strains or pulled hamstring muscle (Grade 1) may heal within 2-4 weeks with proper rest and treatment, while more severe strains or a torn hamstring (Grade 2 and 3) may take several weeks to months to fully heal.

During the recovery process, signs of improvement include a gradual decrease in pain, swelling, and bruising, improved mobility, and increased flexibility and range of motion. However, it’s crucial to progress slowly and avoid overexertion to prevent re-injury.

Prevention of Hamstring Strains

Prevention is key when it comes to hamstring strains and pulled hamstrings. Incorporating stretching and warm-up exercises before any physical activity can significantly reduce the risk of injury. Specifically, gentle stretches targeting the hamstring muscles are very important.

It’s also important to use proper techniques during sports and other physical activities to minimize the risk of hamstring strains and pulled hamstrings. Regularly incorporating strength training exercises for the hamstring muscles, like hamstring curls, bridges, and deadlifts, into your workout routine can also help prevent future strains.

• A good warm-up before any activity
• Stretching the hamstring group of muscles.  This can be a static or dynamic stretch. 
• Maintain good hamstring strength and endurance in the muscle.  Additionally, it is important to maintain a proper strength relationship between the hamstring and quadriceps muscles.
• Proper cool down or stretching after exercise.

Deeper Understanding of Hamstring Strains and Pulled Hamstrings

Hamstring strains, pulled hamstrings, and hamstring tears are typically caused by overuse, sudden movements, inadequate warm-up or stretching, weak hamstring muscles, or poor flexibility. Certain sports that require explosive movements, like sprinting or jumping, can increase the risk of hamstring strains, pulled hamstrings or a torn hamstring.

It’s also important to distinguish between hamstring strains and other hamstring injuries like tendinitis or muscle tightness. While strains and pulled hamstrings involve muscle tears, tendinitis refers to inflammation of the tendons, and muscle tightness indicates stiffness or reduced range of motion.

Untreated hamstring strains or pulled hamstrings can lead to chronic pain, reduced muscle strength and flexibility, an increased risk of re-injury, and an imbalance in muscle strength. Therefore, timely and appropriate hamstring injury treatment and rehabilitation are crucial for a full recovery and reduced hamstring injury recovery time.

Related Articles: Quadriceps Injuries and Psoas Strain.

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