So you probably ended up here because you either "strained" your hamstring, "pulled" it, "tweaked" it, "ruptured" it, busted it up or some other appropriate adjective or maybe you just landed here by chance. Whatever the reason may be, you've come to the right place for advice on how to treat and approach hamstring injuries.
How am I qualified to give advice on hamstring injuries? I've been a competitive sub-world class athlete (lol) for over ten years and I have been through the gauntlet of sport induced injuries. Knee surgery, catscans, bone scans, muscle pulls, spasms, stress fractures - you name it, I've seen it! And if I haven't, I probably know people who have. Despite these injuries I have been able to patch myself up and get back into competitive shape.
Enough about meHow do hamstring injuries occur? I can't answer that question... google that!
How to treat hamstring injuries?
Assuming that you have already spoken with your physical therapist, doctor, orthopedist etc..
Your first line of treatment and step to getting back into shape will be for you to ice your hamstring for approximately 15minutes each time over the course of 48 hrs. For the first 24 hrs try to get five 15minute ice therapy treatments in. Depending on your general health, allergies etc, you may also want to take an anti-inflammatory tablet (maybe ibuprofen - see your doctor)Do the same for the next 24hrs.
After going through the rigors of ice treatment you should start applying heat to the area for about the same time, 15minutes 3 - 5 times a day. If you have access to physical therapy treatment its likely your therapist will administer ultrasound treatment which basically promotoes blood flow to the injured area.
Depending on the severity of the injury you should start doing light stretching and excercises to increase mobility and strength. (See your doctor).
stay tuned for more tips..
