Hamstring strains are a common injury, especially among athletes and active individuals. The hamstring muscles are located at the back of the thigh and are responsible for bending the knee and extending the hip. When these muscles become overstretched or torn, it can be painful and limit your ability to move comfortably. In this blog post, we’ll discuss how you can fix a hamstring strain with tips from both a physiotherapist and chiropractor.
Rest and Ice
The first step in fixing a hamstring strain is to rest the affected area and apply ice to help reduce swelling. This is important because continuing to exercise or put stress on the injured muscle can make it worse. Resting allows time for your body to heal itself naturally, so take it easy for a few days.
Stretching Exercises
A physiotherapist can recommend stretching exercises that will help alleviate tightness in your hamstrings. These exercises will also improve flexibility around the injured area, which will reduce pain over time. Some good examples of hamstring stretches include lying on your back and pulling one leg towards your chest while keeping the other leg straight on the ground.
Massage
Massage therapy can be helpful in treating hamstring strains as well. A chiropractor may use massage techniques such as deep tissue massage or trigger point therapy to release tension in the affected area, which can also help reduce pain.
Chiropractic Adjustments
Chiropractic adjustments involve manipulating joints to restore proper alignment and mobility. A chiropractor may perform adjustments on your spine or hips if they determine that these areas are contributing to your hamstring strain.
Strengthening Exercises
Once you’ve rested your injured muscle and alleviated tightness with stretching exercises, it’s time to start rebuilding strength in the affected area. A physiotherapist can recommend specific exercises to target your hamstring muscles and gradually increase your strength over time.
In conclusion, hamstring strains can be a painful and frustrating injury. However, with the right treatment plan from a physiotherapist or chiropractor, you can fix the issue and get back to your usual activities. Remember to rest and ice the affected area, stretch regularly, consider massage or chiropractic adjustments, and gradually rebuild strength in the muscle to prevent further injury. With patience and proper care, you’ll be on your way to a full recovery.
If you have any questions or would like to explore further, please book a free, no-charge online appointment. Dr. Tyler Baron is a chiropractor in Kitchener.
