Treatment for hamstring injuries

The hamstrings are muscles on the back of each leg that run between the hips and knees. These long muscles are very susceptible to injury, especially due to muscle imbalances between the hamstrings and other muscles such as the quadriceps.

Hamstring injuries can be very painful, sidelining you from participating in your favorite sport, exercise or activity. If you’re an athlete or fitness enthusiast, this type of sports injury can almost be worse than the pain.

The good news is there are many effective treatment options that can help treat and prevent hamstring injuries. At Armor Physical Therapy, we believe that education is central to the patient journey, which is why we’re providing the following information about hamstring injury treatment. As you read this over, feel free to contact our team to learn more or to find out how we can help.

Treating and preventing hamstring injury

Like many sports injuries, the most common advice for a strained hamstring is rest, ice, compression and elevation. It is critical to not engage in any strenuous activity until the injury heals, as getting back into action too soon can turn what was a minor strain into a more serious tear. The amount of time needed to heal depends on the nature and severity of the injury, with some minor hamstring injuries only requiring a week.

Prevention is almost always the best form of treatment and there are steps anyone can take to lessen the likelihood of hamstring injuries developing in the first place. These include:

• Staying hydrated
• Eating nutrient-rich foods
• Warming up and stretching before any workout or game
• Listen to your body and don’t overexert yourself
• Focus on exercises that address any muscle imbalances
• Practice good form and posture during any daily activity
• Get a good night’s sleep

Work with your doctor or physical therapist to develop a lifestyle plan focused on injury prevention.

Physical therapy for hamstring injury treatment

Even for minor hamstring injury treatment, physical therapy is very often at the center of a comprehensive care plan for pain relief and prevention from reinjury. A qualified physical therapist can perform movement tests and a posture analysis to identify issues that may be putting you at risk for hamstring injuries.

At Armor Physical Therapy we can help you develop an individualized treatment plan to address muscle imbalances, improve stability and increase range of motion for your hamstrings and other problem areas.

Contact us today to learn more and to schedule your appointment at one of our convenient Michigan locations.