What is a Hamstring Tear
A hamstring tear is a tear to the muscle of the back of the thigh. Hamstring tears often occur during sprinting, sharp stops during athletic events, or weight training. Hamstring tears can be felt just below the buttocks or in the middle of the muscle.
Hamstring Tear Treatment
- How we handle Hamstring Tear Treatment
- Targeted advanced soft tissue to the muscle to break down scar tissue and promote healing
These injuries are the most likely to become chronic with ⅔ being reinjured within one year. These injuries are incredibly important to heal the first time.
The rehabilitation is focused on restoring flexibility and coordination which are the two main reasons re injury occurs.
Symptoms of a Hamstring Tear
The first sign of a hamstring tear is a sharp pain in the back of the thigh. You may feel a “popping” sensation or something like a tear. It is important to heed any pain and stop the activity if possible.
After the tear, you may experience swelling or bruising to the area, along with tenderness. It is not uncommon to have weakness or need to limp.
- Pain in the back of the thigh muscle
- Popping or tearing feeling
- Bruising of the thigh muscle
- Swelling of the leg
- Weakness in the leg, possible limping
Hamstring Tear Causes
Hamstring tears are unfortunately common and can put athletes out of training for weeks if not months at a time for rehabilitation. You can help prevent hamstring tears by being aware of common hamstring tear causes. This is especially important for athletes who create a strict warm-up, training, and cool-down routine.
If you are not an athlete, you want to be aware of common causes of a hamstring tear to help prevent injury during activities like walking, running, climbing, or adventuring.
- Improper warm-up before activity
- Imbalanced muscles (ie, not a balanced workout targeting all leg muscles, front and back)
- Lack of flexibility
- Muscle weakness or fatigue
- Overworked muscle
- Previous injury
- Bad posture and ergonomics
Dr. Josh Bross’ Take
This is an injury that can be very nagging and chronic. When an NFL player has a “hamstring tear”, they are out weeks at a time, and they receive treatment on a daily basis (even multiple times in a day). It is crucial to find the spot of the tear and help the fibers to reattach and in the proper orientation.
This injury changes location as it heals, revealing multiple layers to it, kind of like an onion. You must see the right provider to get this fixed fast, or it can linger for a long time!
Hamstring Tear Treatment in Columbia, MD
Hamstring tear treatment in Columbia, MD is available at Elite Chiropractic and Sport. Our primary focus is on sports performance and athletes. Owner Dr. Bross has extensive experience and education in treating athletic injuries, like hamstring tears, in Columbia, MD.
Hamstring tear treatment at our office includes assessing when and how the pain started, common activities that may have been performed before or during the onset of the pain, and what relief methods you have previously tried for hamstring tear treatment.
Our focus for hamstring tear treatments is on manual chiropractic therapies, physical therapy stretches and exercises, and exploring activity adjustments to help the pain for long-term relief.
Do not let hamstring tears wait and “get better on their own.” Many patients seek chronic pain treatment due to a hamstring tear left alone. It is important to rest, stick to a treatment plan, and follow activity recommendations based on your doctor for long-term improvement. Due to the common reoccurrence of hamstring tears, treatment the first time is critical for long-lasting performance and pain relief.
Our chiropractic office in Columbia, MD is in-network with Blue Cross/Blue Shield, United, Johns Hopkins EHP, Aetna, and Medicare. We are out of network with Cigna. You can schedule online to get started.
Hamstring Tear Treatment FAQ
Recovery time varies based on the severity of the tear. Hamstring tears are a long-lasting injury and many can develop into chronic pain without proper treatment. Mild strains may heal in a few weeks, while more severe tears could take several months. Consistent chiropractic care and adherence to the treatment plan can speed up recovery.
Always do a proper warm-up before any activity or exercise. Remember to regularly stretch to maintain flexibility. Focus on healthy foods that aid in muscle repair and stay well hydrated to avoid muscle spasms and side effects of dehydration.
You should see a chiropractor if you experience persistent pain or stiffness in the hamstring, difficulty walking or performing everyday activities, symptoms that worsen over time, or any limited range of motion despite home care efforts