Hamstring Strains: Symptoms, Grades, and Your Path to Recovery
Hamstring strains are painful and frustrating injuries that affect athletes and active individuals alike. Understanding the symptoms, treatment, and recovery process is key to getting back on track safely.
What Are Hamstring Strains and How Do They Happen?
Hamstring strains are one of the most common injuries among both athletes and active individuals. These injuries can occur during activities that involve sudden acceleration or deceleration, such as sprinting, running, jumping or can even happen during day to day movements such as kicking off your work boots.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of a hamstring strain include sharp pain in the back of the thigh, swelling, bruising, difficulty walking or straightening the leg. In more severe cases, you may feel a “pop” at the time of injury. These injuries are usually graded as follows;
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Grade 1 A minor tear in a few muscle fibers. Recovery time is usually around 1-3 weeks.
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Grade 2 A more significant tear. Usually 4-6 weeks with appropriate physiotherapy and rehabilitation.
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Grade 3 A complete tear or rupture of the hamstring muscle. Surgical intervention may be required, and recovery could take 3+ months
Treatment
Initial treatment typically involves rest, ice, compression and elevation during the first 48 hours. It is then important to gradually strengthen the hamstring and the supporting muscles to facilitate a gradual return to activity, and importantly prevent any future injuries.
If you think you have experienced a hamstring strain, please contact our clinic on (03) 9749 5110 or book an appointment online with one of our friendly physiotherapists who will be able to guide you through your rehab.
