Muscle Strains

Hamstring Injury From Sports

Hamstring injuries most commonly occur during sporting events when the muscle is subjected to tension, leading to the tearing of muscle fibers—a condition known as a muscular strain. These strains are categorized on a scale from one to three, each indicating varying levels of severity.

A Grade 1 strain denotes minimal muscle tearing, resulting in slight pain and tightness. Typically, recovery takes about 1-3 weeks. For a Grade 2 injury, there is significant tearing of the muscle fibers, causing more considerable damage. This type of injury can be characterized as partial tearing, necessitating a recovery period of 1-3 months.

The most severe form, Grade 3, involves complete tearing of the muscle belly. In such cases, surgical repair may be considered, in addition to conservative treatment. Recovery time for Grade 3 injuries can extend from 3-4 months.

• Grade 1 Injury- A Mild Muscles Pull “Affecting a small number of fibers”
• Grade 2 Injury- Partial tear of muscle
• Grade 3 Injury- A complete muscle tear

How do I know I’ve injured my hamstring?

Acute hamstring injuries are often characterized by a sudden and intense “sharp” or “shooting” pain, typically occurring during explosive movements like sprinting, cutting, or extending an outstretched leg.

Following such an injury, swelling and discoloration may manifest. The affected leg becomes tender to the touch, and heightened tightness is noticeable during knee extension and hip flexion.

It’s crucial to recognize that not all hamstring pain stems from an acute injury. In instances where there’s no history of an acute injury, hamstring pain can frequently be attributed to a referral pattern from low back pain. Distinguishing between the two conditions can easily be done through a McKenzie Assessment (MDT).

For more information on how to kick-start your recovery from lower back pain, check out our blog post on our step-by-step approach.

What doctor should I see for a Hamstring injury?

A rehabilitation specialist, like a sports chiropractor, possesses the expertise to accurately identify your injury and initiate immediate treatment in the office. While many healthcare providers, such as primary care physicians or orthopedists, can recognize a hamstring injury, their approach often involves referring you for treatment. At Carolina Sports Clinic, we specialize in the proficient diagnosis and treatment of both acute and chronic hamstring injuries.