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What we’ll cover
  1. What are the hamstrings?
  2. How are hamstring strains diagnosed?
  3. What are the symptoms of a hamstring strain?
  4. Grade I Hamstring symptoms:
  5. Grade II Hamstring symptoms:
  6. Grade III Hamstring symptoms:
  7. Treatment for hamstring strains.

Hamstring strains

Hamstring strains are a common injury affecting the posterior thigh.  Strains can vary from mild to a severe tear of the muscle.  As re-injury and re-occurrence is high, be sure to see our physiotherapists today.  Call us on (03) 9571 688 or book online.

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Hamstring strains commonly occur following an acute incident or gradually over time in which the hamstring is overstretched.  Strains commonly occur during activities that involve high bursts of speed or explosive movements.  Strains can also occur from over-reaching whilst bending, kicking or leaning forward.

What are the hamstrings?

The hamstrings are a collection of three muscles at the back of the thigh.  These muscles attach from around the buttock region to below the knee.  When the hamstrings contract, these muscles bend the knee and assist to move the hip backwards.  However, the hamstring also plays an important role to slow the rate at which you swing your leg through whilst kicking or running.

How are hamstring strains diagnosed?

Thorough assessment from your physiotherapist will be able to diagnose your hamstring strain.  Your physiotherapist will begin by taking a detailed history of your injury.  The majority of hamstring strains can usually be pinpointed to a specific incident.  However, some strains can gradually occur over time through overuse or fatigue.

Physical examination signs can include pain with contraction of the hamstring, reduced flexibility, or tenderness and pain on palpation of the hamstring.  Following examination, your physiotherapy will diagnose the severity of your strain.  Hamstring strains can be defined as Grade I, II, III.

Imaging (ultrasound or MRI), although not necessary, can be utilised.

What are the symptoms of a hamstring strain?

Hamstring strain symptoms vary depending on the severity of the strain. Mild hamstring strains can feel like a dull ache or stiffness.  Severe hamstring strains can result in sharp pain and difficulty with walking.

Grade I Hamstring symptoms:

  • Usually presents as tightness of the hamstring.
  • Can usually walk without issues.
  • Difficulty running at full speed.
  • May have a specific incident but often unsure.
  • Often minimal swelling or bruising.

Grade II Hamstring symptoms:

  • Difficulty walking.
  • Usually follows a specific incident.
  • A limp may be present.
  • Acute and local pain in the hamstring with movement.
  • Significant difficulty or unable to run.
  • Moderate swelling or bruising.

Grade III Hamstring symptoms:

  • Occurs following a definitive and specific incident.
  • Usually swelling and bruising within the first 48 hours following the incident.
  • Difficulty weight bearing and often crutches are required in the short term.

Treatment for hamstring strains.

Depending on severity and stage of rehabilitation, physiotherapy treatment can differ.  Research indicates that re-injury and re-occurrence of strains is very common in poor managed hamstring strains.

During the acute stages, physiotherapy focuses on reducing the pain and restoring normal movement and flexibility.  Current research indicates early and safe movement (i.e walking and running) following a strain.    Your physiotherapist will guide you safely back to activity and sport as quickly and as safely as possible.  Importantly, be mindful that acute or sharp pain frequently settles within a few days following initial assessment and treatment.

Treatment techniques may include soft tissue work, joint mobilisations or dry needling.  Importantly, your physiotherapist will guide you through a comprehensive rehabilitation program to ensure optimal healing and reduce the likelihood of re-injury.  Depending on the nature of your injury, treatment may also assess and treat factors that may cause increased susceptibility to hamstring strains.  This can include but is not limited to reduced core strength, reduced back flexibility, poor running technique or decreased hip flexibility.

If you have strained your hamstring, no matter how minor, be sure to see our expert team of physiotherapists to get you back playing as quickly as possible.  Call us today or book online.


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Last week our team celebrated another great year. 

Whilst Melbourne’s weather had its own plans, we were still determined to keep with the theme of ‘Italian Summer’. We let our hair down to master the art of mixology 🍸🍹followed by an Italian feast. Friday morning Run Club with the team. Practicing what we preach!

Staying stronger, healthier and happier. This time last week, our team was nervously completing their final preparations for @melbmara . 

Congratulations to our physiotherapists and ME community who ran on the day.

Dilen and Michael completed their first marathons. Abbey and Lizzie smashed out their first half. Last Sunday, our team headed down to see our own Matt Warren win a premiership in the VAFA Premier Men’s Competition. Last week our team dedicated a full day to professional development and team building. At ME Physio we pride ourselves on collaboration to put you at the centre of everything we do. 

Our team covered the latest treatments for back pain, financial well-being and finished off the day with salsa dancing. 

Many thanks to our guests including James Schomburgk from @the2ndvisitphysio , Financial Planners Tony Vikram & Cameron Bishop and the @salsafoundation At ME Physio, our focus is on helping you get stronger so that you can keep doing the things you love.

For Tony and Joan, healthier and stronger is being able to navigate the iconic Coast to Coast Walk in the UK! We recently had the pleasure of hosting Elise Bujor from Women’s & Men’s Health Physiotherapy to discuss women’s health issues across the lifespan. 

Our team pride themselves on staying up to date to ensure you’re able to stay healthier, happier and stronger. Huge milestones over the past few weeks with both Tom and Jude from @delasallefc doing their first bit of running in their rehab. 

Tom is on the return from an ankle dislocation whilst Jude is putting in the hard work following a knee reconstruction. Last week our team enjoyed some friendly rivalry at the footy. 

With finals around the corner, some of our team can now safely make holidays plans for September. We recently had the pleasure of hosting the podiatry team from @sespodiatry. 

Our physiotherapists Michael and Abbey presented on rehabilitation following Achilles surgical repair and ankle surgery. Last weekend some of our team got together to complete the 10 km run @runmelbourne. There was no finish line picture as some were keen to run another 15 km!

Whilst running wasn’t for some - brunch was well received by everyone. Shoulder impingement can be incredibly frustrating and painful. 

Tony has been working closely with our physiotherapists Vernon and Dilen to get on top of his shoulder pain. His treatment plan has included hands-on physiotherapy and individualised exercises in our hydrotherapy and strength programs.

You Deserve to Feel Good.

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