Hamstring Strain
What is a Hamstring Strain or Pulled Muscle?
A hamstring strain is a common injury that can occur when the muscles at the back of the thigh are stretched too far or torn. This can happen during physical activity, such as running, jumping, or kicking, or even during everyday activities like walking or bending over. A hamstring strain can range from mild to severe, depending on the extent of the injury. Symptoms may include pain, tenderness, and swelling in the back of the thigh, as well as weakness or difficulty moving the leg. In more severe cases, there may be a popping or snapping sensation at the time of injury, and the person may not be able to put weight on the affected leg. If you suspect that you've suffered a hamstring strain, it's important to seek medical attention right away to ensure proper injury evaluation assessment and treatment.
What Will a Hamstring Strain Look and Feel Like?
Hamstring strains can cause a range of symptoms, from mild to severe. Common symptoms of a hamstring strain include pain, tenderness, and swelling in the back of the thigh. You may also experience stiffness or difficulty moving the affected leg, as well as weakness in the muscles of the thigh. Depending on the severity of the injury, you may feel a popping or snapping sensation at the time of injury, and you may be unable to put weight on the affected leg. In some cases, there may be bruising or discoloration in the affected area. If you suspect that you've suffered a hamstring strain, it's important to seek medical attention right away to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment. At Boulder Sports Chiropractic, we'll work with you to develop a customized treatment plan that addresses your unique symptoms and goals, so you can get back to doing the things you love as quickly and safely as possible.
What About a High Hamstring Strain?
A high hamstring strain is a type of hamstring injury that occurs in the upper part of the hamstring muscles, closer to the buttocks. This type of injury can be more severe and take longer to heal than a typical hamstring strain, which occurs in the middle or lower part of the hamstring muscles. High hamstring strains are more common in runners and athletes who perform activities that involve repeated hip extension, such as sprinting and hurdling. One reason for this is that the gluteus muscles, which are responsible for hip extension, may not be properly activated or strong enough to handle the demands of these activities. When the glutes are weak or inactive, the hamstrings are forced to work harder, which can lead to overuse and injury. At Boulder Sports Chiropractic, we can help runners and other athletes improve their glute activation and strength through a variety of techniques, including physical therapy exercises, chiropractic adjustments, and massage therapy. By addressing underlying muscle imbalances and weaknesses, we can help prevent high hamstring strains and other injuries, so you can continue to enjoy your favorite activities pain-free.
How Do We Treat a Hamstring Strain?
At Boulder Sports Chiropractic, we use a variety of techniques to treat hamstring strains and help our patients achieve a full and speedy recovery. Our approach to treatment is always personalized to meet the unique needs of each patient, but may include a combination of chiropractic adjustments, physical therapy, and massage therapy. We may also use Class 4 laser therapy, which uses high-powered lasers to penetrate deep into the tissues of the hamstring and promote healing. Other techniques we may use include dry needling, Active Release Techniques, and Graston Technique, which are all designed to address pain and stiffness in the muscles and connective tissues of the hamstring. Additionally, we may recommend specific rehab exercises to improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion in the hamstring, as well as SFMA and TPI movement assessments to identify any underlying issues that may be contributing to the hamstring strain. Our goal is to provide comprehensive care that addresses all aspects of the injury and helps our patients get back to their normal activities as quickly and safely as possible. So if you've suffered a hamstring strain, don't wait - schedule an appointment with Boulder Sports Chiropractic today and take the first step toward a full and speedy recovery.
Don't let a hamstring strain keep you from doing the things you love. At Boulder Sports Chiropractic, our experienced team of chiropractors, physical therapists, and massage therapists is here to help you recover from your injury and get back to your normal activities as quickly and safely as possible. Whether you're dealing with mild pain or a more serious injury, we'll work with you to develop a customized treatment plan that addresses your unique needs and goals. Using a variety of techniques, including chiropractic adjustments, physical therapy, massage therapy, and more, we'll help you achieve a full and speedy recovery. So why wait? Schedule an appointment with Boulder Sports Chiropractic today and take the first step toward getting back to your active lifestyle.