Chiropractic Care for Hamstring Injury Rehabilitation

Chiropractic care provides safe and effective treatments and exercise regimens to speed up recovery from hamstring injuries.

Chiropractic care is a drug-free, non-invasive way to treat various health issues, including hamstring injuries. What do you need to know if you’ve suffered a hamstring injury or hope to reduce your risk for this type of injury?

Understanding the Hamstring & Hamstring Injuries  

Hamstring injuries are common injuries that occur in both athletes and non-athletes. The hamstrings are at the back of the thigh and help bend the knee and extend the hip. These muscles are commonly injured during sudden stopping or changing direction, such as when running, playing soccer, or playing tennis. Hamstring injuries range from mild (strain) to severe (tear). 

Treatment of hamstring injuries typically involves rest, ice, and physical therapy. Surgery is rarely necessary.

3 Grades of Hamstring Injury 

There are three grades of hamstring injuries, and each one requires different treatment. Here's how to know which type you have.

Mild Pull or Strain or Grade 1

This mild injury usually only results in pain during activity, but some tenderness and swelling may also occur. Treatment typically involves rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain medication.

Partial Muscle Tear or Grade 2

This moderate injury usually results in pain, even when you're not active, and significant tenderness and swelling. Treatment typically involves rest, ice, physical therapy, and prescription pain medication.

Fully Torn Muscle or Grade 3

This severe injury usually results in complete muscle tearing. It results in extreme pain, tenderness, and swelling. Treatment typically involves surgery, rest, ice, and physical therapy.

Treatment for a hamstring injury differs depending on the severity of the damage. For example, a grade 1 hamstring strain may only require rest and ice, whereas a grade 3 hamstring strain may require surgery. Treatment also differs if the injury occurs in the muscle belly versus at the musculotendinous junction (where the muscle meets the tendon).

Causes of Hamstring Strain 

Hamstring injuries are often caused by overstretching or tearing the muscle. They can happen when the muscle is stretched beyond its limits or when the muscle is suddenly forced to contract too forcefully. Hamstring injuries are also often caused by weakness or muscle imbalance, leading to instability and increased risk of injury.

Symptoms of Hamstring Strain 

One of the most common symptoms of a hamstring injury is pain in the back of the thigh. Hamstring pain can range from a dull ache to a sharp, burning sensation. Other symptoms may include:

• Swelling
• Bruising
• Tenderness to touch
• Difficulty straightening the leg
• Weakness in the leg

Additional symptoms include:

• Pain when straightening or bending the knee 
• Trouble walking 
• Swelling 
• Bruising 

How A Chiropractor Can Help You Recover From Hamstring Injuries 

Here are some of the ways that chiropractic care can help you heal from a hamstring injury:

Chiropractic Treatments 

• Chiropractic adjustments can help to align the bones and joints in your legs, taking pressure off the hamstrings and allowing them to heal.
• Massage therapy can help to increase blood flow to the area, reducing inflammation and helping the muscles to heal.
• Rehabilitation exercises prescribed by a chiropractor can help to strengthen the muscles and prevent further injury.

Prevention 

Hamstring injuries are excruciating and can sideline you for weeks or even months. Luckily, there are things that you can do to help prevent these types of injuries. One of the best ways to prevent hamstring injuries is to see a chiropractor regularly.

Chiropractors are experts in spinal and musculoskeletal health. They can help to identify any areas of your body that may be susceptible to injury and then take steps to correct them. For example, if you have tight hamstrings, a chiropractor can help to release the tension, helping to prevent injuries by allowing your muscles to work more efficiently.

Regular chiropractic care can also help to improve your overall performance. You can move more efficiently and with less effort when your body functions correctly, leading to better results in your athletic endeavors. Regular chiropractic care may be just what you need if you are looking for an edge on your competition.

Not only can chiropractic treatment help you avoid a pulled hamstring or another injury, but it can also help you avoid the need for surgical repair of these injuries. Even if you suffer an injury, it’s less likely to be severe if you undergo regular chiropractic treatment.

Conclusion 

Consider seeing a chiropractor if you have concerns about your hamstring health. Your hamstrings are essential to your musculoskeletal system and can be susceptible to injury. A chiropractor can provide treatment and rehabilitation to help prevent injuries and improve your overall hamstring health.

Chiropractic care can effectively treat hamstring injuries and other musculoskeletal conditions. A chiropractor can thoroughly evaluate your situation and create a treatment plan tailored to your needs. Chiropractic care can help to reduce pain, improve range of motion, and promote healing. You should consider seeing a chiropractor if you have a hamstring injury or any other condition affecting your musculoskeletal system.

Dr. Eric Neumann D.C.

Dr. Eric Neumann grew up in Alberta, Canada where he majored in Chemistry at the University of Calgary. During his time at University, he obtained licensure as a Massage Therapist. It was clear that hands-on healing would be his calling. After suffering multiple sport-related injuries he became interested in Chiropractic. Dr. Neumann graduated from Western States Chiropractic College in 2009. He has since specialized in the treatment and management of acute spinal injuries.