Pulled Hamstring

Hamstring Injury is common in sports and is sometimes known as a ‘pulled Hamstring’. The term ‘pulled Hamstring’ comes from the description of how the injury takes place. Usually, the Hamstring muscle is forcibly stretched beyond its limits and the muscle tissue becomes torn. Hamstring strains are one of the most common sports injuries. They commonly occur in sports that involve high speed sprinting and kicking. Hamstring injury is likely to occur during the late swing and late stance phase of running. This injury can cause significant loss of training and competition time.

Symptoms Of a Pulled Hamstring

With a Grade one Hamstring strain, the signs may not be present until after the activity is over. There may be a sensation of Hamstring cramp/ tightness and a slight feeling of pain when the muscles are stretched or contracted.

With a Grade two Hamstring strain there is immediate pain which is more severe than the pain of a grade one injury. It is confirmed by pain on stretch and contraction of the muscle. A grade two Hamstring strain is usually sore to touch.

A Grade three Hamstring strain is a very serious injury. There is an immediate burning/ stabbing pain and the athlete is unable to walk without pain. The muscle is completely torn and there may be a large lump of muscle tissue above a depression where the tear is. Bruising will appear below the injury site.

Treatment of Pulled Hamstring

The immediate treatment of a hamstring strain consists of the POLICE protocol – Protection, Optimal loading, Ice, Compression and Elevation.

Once ready, gentle resistance exercises and stretching are important as they help to align the scar tissue which forms during the healing process. This will enhance the strength of the healing hamstring.

Our skilled Physiotherapists will devise a sports specific rehabilitation programme tailored to your needs. We can guide you through the process of returning to play successfully and reduce the risk of occurrence.

Our Expertise

Our Physiotherapists are highly trained and qualified to provide expert care to our patients. They are fully insured and are chartered by the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists (ISCP).

We have a team of Clinical leads who visits our Physiotherapists and clinics to ensure a level of customer service and quality care that exceeds our competition is given to patients every time.