Wednesday, 25 June 2014

BALLITO PHYSIO TALKS HAMSTRING STRAINS.

With the Soccer fever in the air, I dedicate this blog to a common injury on the field. Infact Team USA's striker Jozu Altidore picked up a hamstring strain in his match against Ghana on June 16th resulting in him sitting out of the 2-2 draw against Portugal. 

What is a Hamstring Strain?

A hamstring strain is is characterised by partial or complete tear of one or more of the hamstring muscles as seen in the figure below. The hamstrings is made of 3 muscles:
  • biceps femoris
  • semimembranosus
  • semitendinosus
Hamstring strains are graded according to severity and symptoms. The strain can range from a grade 1 to a grade 3 tear and classified as follows:
  • Grade 1: a small number of fibres tear causing some pain, but allows full function.
  • Grade 2: More of fibres are torn with moderate loss of function. (Most Common)
  • Grade 3: Complete Tear of all muscle fibres resulting in major loss of function.

Causes 

Occur due to a sudden contraction of the muscle often when they are in a position of stretch.  They are commonly seen in running sports. 

Signs and symptoms of a hamstring strain

sudden sharp pain in the back of the thigh, increasing with activity.
Swelling, muscle spasm, weakness, and bruising in the back of the thigh.

Diagnosis of a hamstring strain

A thorough examination from a physiotherapist is usually sufficient to diagnose a hamstring strain

Treatment

Your physiotherapy treatment will aim to:
  • Reduce pain and inflammation.
  • Normalise your muscle range of motion.
  • Strengthen your hamstrings and other lower limb muscles.
  • Improve your proprioception and balance.
  • Improve your technique and function eg running, sprinting, jumping, hopping and landing.
  • Minimise your chance of hamstring re-injury.

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