Hamstring Strain is a strain of the muscles
on the back of the thigh and often a result of speed training or
racing. You will usually feel a distinct tightening or pain in
the middle third of the muscle. A hamstring strain can come on
suddenly and send you limping off of the track or gradually as
the result of cumulative strain from races or workouts. A slight
strain will allow you to continue running, but will recur if you
begin speed training too soon. You are best off eliminating speed
workouts for a week then resume gradually. A more severe strain
requires dedicated rehab since recurrence is so frequent with this
injury. A recent study presented a promising new approach to hamstring
rehab with quicker recovery and much lower recurrence. The authors
of this study advocate having you work the hamstrings in different
directions than they work with running. Trunk strengthening is
also a component of this rehab program.
Trunk Strengthening – try the Plank X 4 for
a quick, all around program. These are even good enough for women’s
marathon world record holder Paula Radcliffe who was photographed performing the side position.
Agility – sidestepping, grapevine, and stepping forward
and backward while moving sideways are great drills. In the study,
participants performed three sets of one minute.
Single leg stand windmill touches – while standing on
one leg, bend forward at the hip keeping your other leg in a
straight line with your back, keep your arms out to the side
and rotate your trunk to touch the toes – alternate arms.
This exercise is excellent for balance, hamstring strengthening
and flexibility. It is presented in greater detail in The
Injured Runner – A Balanced Solution.
Stretching – avoid direct stretching. Instead of standing
and bending forward to touch your toes, slide your hips to the
right and then bend forward. Next, slide your hips to the left
and bend forward for the stretch.
Massage can helps speed recovery and promote proper healing
(massage was not part of the study referenced above).
Physical therapy treatments such as ultrasound and electrical
stimulation may also speed recovery.
Hamstring Strain is a strain of the muscles
on the back of the thigh and often a result of speed training or
racing. You will usually feel a distinct tightening or pain in
the middle third of the muscle. A hamstring strain can come on
suddenly and send you limping off of the track or gradually as
the result of cumulative strain from races or workouts. A slight
strain will allow you to continue running, but will recur if you
begin speed training too soon. You are best off eliminating speed
workouts for a week then resume gradually. A more severe strain
requires dedicated rehab since recurrence is so frequent with this
injury. A recent study presented a promising new approach to hamstring
rehab with quicker recovery and much lower recurrence. The authors
of this study advocate having you work the hamstrings in different
directions than they work with running. Trunk strengthening is
also a component of this rehab program.