Despite being common among athletes, hamstring injuries can still sideline you from all your athletic endeavors. However, there are some hamstring treatment options to help you recover from your injury and get you back to the activities and sports that you love. 

Hamstring injuries are separated into three different degrees. The first degree is muscle tightness or strain, the second degree is a larger strain with more tissue damage, and the third degree is a major injury that may require surgery. For a first degree injury, the first step in hamstring treatment is to ice the leg on an alternating 20 minute schedule as needed for one to three days. The leg should also be wrapped in a compression bandage and elevated when possible. 

Once the pain lessens and there is a reduction in swelling, you can start the next phase of treatment by adding heat either in a hot tub or whirlpool, or by applying direct heat from a heating pad. The heat will increase circulation around the strain and extend the muscle fibers. Once the area is warm, getting a massage is the next step to help increase mobility and reduce the build-up of scar tissue around the injury. There are many types of massage; deep muscle and Shiatsu massage are both techniques that focus on muscle flexibility and relieving physical pain, and are two great options when it comes to hamstring treatment.

Once the muscles are stretched, strength exercises can be added and increased as necessary until you regain full motion and strength in your hamstring. Heating, massage, and stretching need to continue if the tissue is still tight and will help along recovery. Before you return to any sports or activities, the injured hamstring should be as strong or stronger than your uninjured leg.

 

To avoid injury or help regain movement after a hamstring injury, call Honolulu’s Shiatsu massage experts at Aisen Chiryo Doin. Their massage therapists will help you through your hamstring treatment to alleviate pain and restore range of motion. Call (808) 596-7354 to make an appointment, or for more information on all services, visit them online.