Hamstring Injury Treatment in Loveland
A hamstring strain, often referred to as a "pulled hamstring," is a common injury that can sideline even the most active individuals. This condition occurs when one or more of the three hamstring muscles at the back of the thigh are overstretched or torn. Hamstring injuries can range from mild strains to severe tears and are particularly prevalent among athletes and active individuals who engage in running, jumping, cycling or sudden stopping and starting.
Pulled hamstrings present with bruising, swelling and pain in the middle, upper or lower parts of the hamstring. Hamstring injuries are typically seen in runners, hikers, skiers, and sports involving multidirectional agility (football, hockey, lacrosse) but can happen to anyone, at any time.
Hamstring strains can be debilitating and can take weeks to years to heal if not properly rehabilitated. But don’t worry, our expert team of physical therapist specialize in treating hamstring injuries and getting YOU back to the activities YOU love most!
Causes of Hamstring Strains
There are many different ways hamstring strains can occur:
- Sudden Acceleration or Deceleration: Activities like sprinting or changing directions quickly can lead to hamstring strains. This tends to be the most common way to tear a hamstring
- Overuse: Small tears in the muscle (also known as “strains” can happen when the muscle is fatigued and does not have enough time to recover.
- Lack of Flexibility: Stiff or tight hamstrings commonly lead to strains when the demand of the movement exceeds the flexibility of the muscle
- Muscle Imbalances: Weak gluteal muscles can place extra strain on the hamstrings. Imbalance between strength of the quadriceps and hamstrings can also lead to hamstring injuries
- Inadequate Warm-Up: Not properly warming up before physical activity can increase the risk of a pulled hamstring.
Pulled Hamstring Treatment Options
At Northern Colorado Spine & Sport, we offer a comprehensive approach to hamstring injury treatment. Our goal is to help you recover quickly and effectively, so you can return to your
Our expert physical therapists will design a personalized treatment plan that may include:
- Manual Therapy: Techniques such as soft tissue mobilization, dry needling, cupping, joint mobilization and myofascial release to reduce pain, improve mobility and restore muscle function.
- Stretching and Strengthening Exercises: Exercise programs consisting of flexibility of the hips and ankles, improving strength of the hamstrings and gluteal muscles, and limiting “over stretching” of the hamstrings are vital to a speedy recovery
- Functional Training: Exercises to improve the strength, flexibility and coordination of the hamstring specifically tailored to the activities you want to get back to!
FAQs About Hamstring Strains
How long does it take to recover from a pulled hamstring? Recovery time can vary depending on the severity of the injury. Mild strains may heal within a few weeks, while severe tears can take several months to fully recover. But don’t worry, our therapists will equip you with the tools and exercises to keep you moving until your hamstring has completely healed
Can I prevent hamstring injuries? Yes, you can reduce the risk of hamstring injuries by maintaining flexibility or the entire lower body, strengthening the muscles around the hamstrings, and ensuring proper warm-up and cool-down routines before and after physical activity.
Will complete rest heal my hamstring strain? No. Gradual strengthening the hamstring has be proven to be the best method to heal a hamstring strain. Addressing the flexibility/.strength concerns of the entire lower body will be the quickest way to rehabilitate the hamstring
What can I do at home to help heal a hamstring strain? After the initial injury, rest and ice can be helpful decrease the pain to a tolerable level. “Light” movement such as walking can help reduce swelling and improve blood flow to the area. Consult a medical expert such as a physical therapists or primary care physician to determine the best course of action to heal your injured hamstring
Don't let a hamstring injury keep you from the activities you love. At Northern Colorado Spine & Sport, we specialize in effective hamstring injury treatment to help you get back to the activities you cherish most. Call us today at 970-329-5481 to schedule an appointment and start your journey to recovery. Our expert team is here to provide the highest quality care and support every step of the way.
By addressing the root causes of your pain and providing a comprehensive, personalized treatment plan, we aim to not only relieve your symptoms but also prevent future injuries, ensuring you can enjoy an active, pain-free life.
