Signs You May Have a Hamstring Pull and Tips To Accelerate Recovery

A hamstring pull is common in athletes and can be quite painful. If you think you may have pulled a hamstring, it is important to know the signs and symptoms so that you can get the treatment you need. In this blog post, we will discuss signs that you may have pulled a hamstring. We will also provide tips on how to treat a hamstring injury.

One of the most common injuries among athletes is a hamstring strain. The hamstrings are the large muscles that run along the back of the thigh, and they’re responsible for helping to extend the hip and bend the knee. A hamstring strain can occur when these muscles are overloaded, resulting in a tear or partial tear of the muscle tissue.

Pulled hamstring symptoms include pain, stiffness, and swelling in the back of the thigh. The pain may be mild at first, but can usually worsen with continued activity. The stiffness may make it difficult to walk or even stand. The swelling may cause the skin to feel tight and shiny. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to stop the activity, rest the leg and seek professional advice.

What is the best thing to do for a pulled hamstring?

While there is no quick fix for a pulled hamstring, there are a few things you can do to speed up the healing process. First, it’s important to rest the injured muscle from aggravating movements. This means avoiding any activities that put stress on the hamstring, such as running or cycling. Second, icing the injury for 20 minutes several times a day can help to reduce swelling and pain. Finally, gentle stretching and strengthening exercises can help to prevent the muscle from becoming too tight as it heals. By following these steps, you can help ensure that your pulled hamstring heals quickly and completely.

Leg strength 30 sec sit-to-stand courtesy of Zoomers Physiotherapy & Health Solutions

When can you return to your normal activities after pulling your hamstring?

Most people can return to their normal activities within a few weeks after pulling their hamstring. However, it is important to take things slowly at first and to avoid any activities that may aggravate the injury. It is also important to continue to stretch and strengthen the muscles in the hamstring area in order to prevent future injuries. For most people, a pulled hamstring recovery time takes anywhere from four to six weeks. However, some people may experience lingering pain and stiffness for months afterward.

Prevention tips for avoiding future hamstring injuries

To help prevent hamstring strains, it is important to warm up properly before exercise and to stretch the hamstrings regularly. In addition, athletes should be careful not to overtrain, as this can lead to muscle fatigue and an increased risk of injury. If a hamstring strain does occur, it is important to seek medical attention immediately and to follow a course of physiotherapy to ensure a full recovery.

Physiotherapy can be an effective treatment for hamstring injuries, particularly in the early stages. Physiotherapists work to restore range of motion and reduce inflammation, and they also prescribe exercises to strengthen the muscles and prevent future injuries. In many cases, physiotherapy can help athletes to return to their previous level of activity without any lasting effects from their injury.

Hamstring injuries can be debilitating, but with the right treatment and care, you can make a full recovery. If you’ve recently pulled your hamstring, we hope this article has been helpful in guiding you through the healing process. To find a top physiotherapy clinic near you just click the find a clinic near me button on this page.

3 stretches for Muscle Tightness courtesy of Zoomers Physiotherapy & Health Solutions

Book Your BACK NECK SHOULDER KNEE ELBOW HIP WRIST FOOT Pain Consult

This appointment is your opportunity to tell us what hurts and discover whether physiotherapy or chiropractic care is a good fit for you! During this session, you will talk with a physiotherapist or chiropractor on a phone call (or online) and create the right care plan specifically for your pain. There is no obligation on this session is to find out whether physiotherapy or chiropractic care can help you getting back to doing the things you love in life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it ok to walk with a pulled hamstring?

It is usually ok to walk with a pulled hamstring, as long as it does not cause pain or discomfort. It is important to avoid any activities that may aggravate the injury, such as running or jumping.

Can a pulled hamstring heal on its own?

A pulled hamstring can heal on its own with rest and ice, however, it is important to see a physiotherapist or doctor if symptoms do not improve. More serious injuries may require medical treatment.

What is the difference between pulled vs torn hamstring?

A pulled hamstring refers to a strain or tear in the muscle, while a torn hamstring typically refers to a complete rupture of the muscle. A torn hamstring is a more serious injury and may require surgery. Symptoms for both injuries can include pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the leg. It is important to seek medical attention for any hamstring injury.

About Laura Lundquist

Laura’s passion is helping people return to or maintain function despite an injury or illness. Her experience in sport physiotherapy and private practice orthopedics has given her a unique perspective and ability to help people achieve these goals. She has a particular interest in helping people maintain a healthy level of physical activity despite normal age-related changes that happen to us all… this was how the idea for Zoomers Physiotherapy and Health Solutions was born!

Laura graduated from Mount Allison University in 2001 and from McMaster University School of Physiotherapy in 2003. She has since completed post-graduate courses in manual and manipulative therapy, acupuncture and sport physiotherapy. She holds the highest level of Canadian certification in both manual (hands-on treatment) and sport physiotherapy. Laura is a certified Tai Chi Instructor and teaches the Tai Chi for Arthritis and Falls Prevention at Zoomers.

Laura has worked in private practice/sports medicine clinics in British Columbia, Toronto and Halifax treating orthopedic and sports injuries. She has worked with sports teams (including hockey, rugby, lacrosse, badminton, tennis, weight-lifting and soccer) and provided medical coverage from local to international sporting events. Most recently, she travelled with the senior women’s Sevens Rugby Team to Amsterdam (2011) and worked as part of the core medical team for Canada at the Pan Am Games in Guadalajara (2011) and the World University Games (FISU) in Kazan, Russia (2013).

Medical Disclaimer:

The information presented in this blog post is for educational purposes and should not be interpreted as medical advice. If you are seeking medical advice, treatment or a diagnosis, consult with a medical professional such as one suggested on this website. The Clinic Accelerator Inc. and the author of this page are not liable for the associated risks of using or acting upon the information contained in this article.

Signs You May Have a Hamstring Pull and Tips To Accelerate Recovery