Hamstring Strain

Written by Dr. Jason Ngan, DC

What is Hamstring Strain?

Hamstring strain (aka pulled hamstring) occurs when one of the hamstring muscles are injured from overstretching. The hamstring muscles are a group of muscles at the back of the thigh. They include the semi-tendinosus, semi-membranosus, and biceps femoris. These muscles are responsible for flexing the knee and extending the thigh.

What Causes Hamstring Strain?

Hamstring strains are caused by overloading or overstretching the hamstring muscles.

  • Sports that require sudden movements (basketball, football, soccer, tennis, running, dancing)

  • Muscle imbalance

  • Improper warming up or stretching of the hamstring muscles

What are the Signs and Symptoms?

Signs and symptoms will be local to the back of the thigh. They include:

  • Sharp, sudden pain

  • Popping or tearing sensation

  • Swelling and tenderness

  • Bruising

  • Weakness

How is Hamstring Strain Diagnosed?

Hamstring strain is diagnosed with a medical history, physical examination, orthopedic testing, MRI, and diagnostic ultrasound.

  • Pain, tenderness, swelling, bruising

  • Muscle weakness

  • MRI and diagnostic ultrasound can visualize the injured muscle

What are the Treatment Options?

Hamstring strains needs to be rested. There are some therapies that can speed up the recovery process. Some options we provide are

  • Chiropractic manipulation and mobilization

  • Soft tissue therapies

  • Gua-sha

  • Cupping

  • E-stim

  • Rehabilitative exercises & stretches

Other treatments that patients may seek (not provided at Ngan Chiropractic) include acupuncture, non-inflammatory medications, and surgery if severe.

References

  1. Chu SK, Rho ME. Hamstring Injuries in the Athlete: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Return to Play. Curr Sports Med Rep. 2016 May-Jun;15(3):184-90. doi: 10.1249/JSR.0000000000000264. PMID: 27172083; PMCID: PMC5003616.

  2. Danielsson, A., Horvath, A., Senorski, C. et al. The mechanism of hamstring injuries – a systematic review. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 21, 641 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-020-03658-8

  3. Hoskins WT, Pollard HP. Successful management of hamstring injuries in Australian Rules footballers: two case reports. Chiropr Osteopat. 2005 Apr 12;13(1):4. doi: 10.1186/1746-1340-13-4. PMID: 15967047; PMCID: PMC1151652.

  4. Sherry, Marc A DPT, CSCS1; Best, Thomas M MD, PhD2,3; Silder, Amy PhD4,5; Thelen, Darryl G PhD6,7,8; Heiderscheit, Bryan C PhD, PT6,8,9. Hamstring Strains: Basic Science and Clinical Research Applications for Preventing the Recurrent Injury. Strength and Conditioning Journal 33(3):p 56-71, June 2011. | DOI: 10.1519/SSC.0b013e31821e2f71

  5. Wing, Chris MSc1; Bishop, Chris MSc2. Hamstring Strain Injuries: Incidence, Mechanisms, Risk Factors, and Training Recommendations. Strength and Conditioning Journal 42(3):p 40-57, June 2020. | DOI: 10.1519/SSC.0000000000000538