PULLED HAMSTRING
The hamstrings are the muscles down the back of the thigh,
which are responsible for bending the knee and extending
the hip. They are used most when running especially at speed.
The hamstrings are often torn as a result of a sudden burst
of running, often without warming up first. Hamstring injuries
are usually sport related. The commonest cause of problems
being football, rugby and athletics. See Muscles for information
about how muscles work. After a thigh injury the power in
the hamstrings is greatly reduced and the patient will often
limp when walking and have difficulty in bending the hip
and straightening their knee. At first the patient needs
to take small steps and not put any strain on the torn muscle
fibres. Only when a return to full muscle strength has been
achieved, under medical supervision, is it sensible for the
patient to indulge in any form of sport, training or additional
exercise by way of keep kit classes, working out in a gym,
aerobics etc.
TREATMENT
Rest and the application of techniques are very important
to improve the circulation and reduce the amount of adhesions
between the muscle fibres. Treatment with Connective
Tissue Manipulation and gentle exercises, once the limb
is comfortable, speeds up the repair process and helps the
patient to return to normal activities as early as possible.
|
