There are a range of causes of hamstring injuries. The most common way to injure your hamstring is Contributing factors such as fatigue or exercising on a slippery surface can also increase the risk of damaging your hamstring. Poor pelvic control can also affect hamstring injury.

There are varying grades of strain associated with the hamstring, with different symptoms experienced. At Ballsbridge Physiotherapy Clinic we work with you in identifying and treating hamstring injury.

A grade one  results in some pain, tightness and a cramping sensation but function usually remains intact.

A grade two injury can be felt immediately. It can be painful to stretch and might be sore to the touch. Some loss in function will be noticed.

A grade three injury causes instant severe pain. It occurs when the muscle is torn and is a serious injury. All muscles fibres are torn resulting in a major loss of function.

While hamstring injuries can be very painful, rehabilitation can begin as is recommended by your physiotherapist. Experts in our sports clinic are experienced in dealing with the full range of hamstring injuries.

Your physiotherapy treatment will involve a range of approaches

• Physiotherapy can help to reduce swelling and decrease pain.

• As your muscle heals your physiotherapist will work with you to increase strength.

• Gentle resistance exercises form an essential part of your healing process.

• Working with your physiotherapist, you will be able to strengthen knee muscles and the hamstring that you may have pulled. You will also work to increase power in your calves, hip and pelvic muscles to avoid future injury.

• Physiotherapy can help if you are experiencing pain in your hamstring without obvious injury having occurred.

• Working on posture and movement in general can increase sports performance along with helping you avoid injury in the first place.

If you injured your hamstring more than once in the past and wish now to return to physical activity, it is a good idea to attend your physiotherapist for a full screening and advice on how best to go about returning to fitness. The experts at Ballsbridge Physiotherapy Clinic will be on hand if you have a hamstring injury or wish to avoid injury again in the future.