Hamstring strain is a common injury that can affect athletes and non-athletes alike. It occurs when the muscles in the back of the thigh are stretched or torn due to sudden movements or activities that involve running, jumping, or kicking. If left untreated, hamstring strain can lead to chronic pain and disability. Fortunately, there are several effective treatments available for hamstring strains that can help you recover from this injury. In this blog, we will discuss how to fix a hamstring strain, including chiropractic care and physiotherapy.
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care is a non-invasive treatment option that focuses on aligning the spine and joints to relieve pain and promote healing. For hamstring strain, chiropractors use various techniques such as spinal adjustments, soft tissue mobilization, and stretching exercises to reduce inflammation and improve blood flow to the affected area. They may also recommend lifestyle changes such as proper hydration, nutrition, and rest to support the healing process.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is another effective treatment option to help you permanently get rid of a hamstring strain. A physiotherapist will design a customized treatment plan based on your specific needs, which may include a combination of manual therapy, stretching and strengthening exercises, and electrotherapy. The goal of physiotherapy is to reduce pain, improve mobility, and prevent further injury by addressing the underlying causes of your hamstring strain.
Rest and Ice
Rest and ice are two simple yet effective ways to relieve pain and reduce inflammation caused by hamstring strain. You should avoid any activities that may aggravate your injury and give your body time to heal. Applying ice to the affected area can also help reduce swelling and relieve pain. It is recommended to ice the area for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day.
Pain Medications
Over-the-counter pain medications such as Ibuprofen can help relieve pain and reduce inflammation caused by hamstring strain. However, you should avoid taking these medications for an extended period of time or in large doses as they can have negative side effects such as stomach ulcers and kidney damage. Always consult your doctor before taking any pain medications.
Preventative Measures
Prevention is the best cure when it comes to hamstring strain. To reduce your risk of getting this injury, you should warm-up properly before any physical activity, stretch regularly to improve your flexibility, and use proper technique when performing exercises that involve running, jumping, or kicking.
Hamstring strain can be a frustrating and painful injury, but with the right treatment and preventative measures, you can recover and prevent it from happening again. Chiropractic care, physiotherapy, rest and ice, pain medications, and preventative measures are all effective ways to treat hamstring strain. If you are experiencing symptoms of hamstring strain, be sure to consult a chiropractic doctor or physiotherapist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Remember, the key to recovery is taking it slow and giving your body the time it needs to heal.
If you have any questions or would like to explore further, please book a free, no-charge online appointment with either myself, Dr. Tyler Baron, BASc, DC or another Kitchener chiropractor at CARESPACE. We are happy to listen and are here to help!
