19/05/2026
Hamstring injuries, such as pulls, tears and strains, are common, especially among athletes who play sports that require powerful accelerations, decelerations or lots of running. The hamstrings are a group of three muscles that run down the back of the leg from the pelvis to the bones of the lower leg. They are responsible for bending the knee and straightening the hip.
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A hamstring injury often occurs during sudden, powerful movements, such as sprinting, lunging or jumping that overstretch your tendons or muscles.
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Symptoms can range from muscle stiffness and soreness in the back of the thigh if the strain is mild, to swelling and bruising as well as severe pain with movement if the injury is severe.
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Some of the factors which may contribute to a hamstring injury include:
• Improper or no warm-up
• Doing too much, too soon or pushing beyond your limits
• Tight hip flexors
• Weak glutes
• Poor flexibility
• Poor muscle strength
While severe strains usually result in a visit to the doctor, if the injury is mild or moderate, these general treatment steps are commonly recommended:
• Rest the injured muscle, sometimes for up to two or three weeks before returning to sports
• R.I.C.E - Rest, apply Ice and Compression. Elevate the leg if possible.
• A visit to a physio to begin a stretching program as the pain and swelling subsides, and then a strengthening program
• A thigh wrap can be applied to provide support as the muscle heals.
Here are the best ways to prevent hamstring injuries:
1️⃣ Warm up thoroughly - the hamstrings are probably the most important muscle group to warm-up and stretch before a workout.
2️⃣ Stretch and cool down after you exercise
3️⃣ Follow the “10% rule” - limit training increases in volume or distance to no more than ten percent per week.
4️⃣ Avoid doing too much, too soon.
5️⃣ Avoid drastic increases in intensity or duration
If you have a hamstring injury, our experienced physiotherapists can work with you to speed up and enhance your recovery. To make an appointment please email physio@candw.ky, or call 949-8828.