Hamstring Strain Physiotherapy
A hamstring strain commonly occurs during acceleration, sprinting, kicking, or a sudden stretch of the back of the thigh. Symptoms may begin with sudden pain in the back of the thigh, followed by tightness, weakness or bruising in some cases. Walking, running, taking longer strides and returning to sport may be affected.
If symptoms did not begin after a sudden sporting or loading event, but instead travel from the low back or buttock into the back of the thigh with tingling, numbness or a pulling sensation, you may also refer to [Sciatica Physiotherapy].
Common symptoms
- Sudden pain in the back of the thigh during running, sprinting or kicking
- Tightness or local tenderness around the back of the thigh
- Discomfort during walking, longer strides or running
- Pain when using or stretching the hamstring
- More significant strains may be associated with swelling, bruising or reduced strength
How physiotherapy assesses
Physiotherapy usually begins by looking at how the injury occurred, such as during acceleration, sprinting, kicking or a sudden stretch, and how walking, running and everyday activity have been affected afterwards. Where appropriate, the location of pain, hamstring strength and length, hip and knee movement, single-leg loading and running-related movement may also be assessed to understand current function, loading tolerance and rehabilitation needs. Further medical assessment may be appropriate where pain is severe or there is marked bruising or loss of strength.
How physiotherapy may help
Physiotherapy may include activity modification, hamstring and lower-limb strengthening, and graded rehabilitation according to the extent of the injury, symptom response and activity needs. Rehabilitation can then progress towards walking, running, acceleration and other sport-related loading according to strength, functional performance and individual return-to-activity goals.
If the injury occurred during running, ball sports or other sporting activity, you may also refer to [Sports Injury Physiotherapy].
Related Conditions
Sciatica
Hip Pain
ACL Injury
Not sure whether your condition falls into this category?
You may first arrange a physiotherapy assessment to understand the more suitable management approach according to your symptoms, activity needs, and rehabilitation goals.