Hamstring Strain
PE 709
Advanced Care and Prevention
Of Athletic Injuries
Diane Stankevitz
What is a hamstring strain?
A stretch, tear, or rip in
the muscle or
adjacent tissue of
the biceps femoris,
semitendinosus,
and/or
semimembranosus.
Movement of the Hamstrings
The semimembranosus and semitendinosus
performs hip extension, knee flexion and hip
internal rotation.
The biceps femoris performs hip extension,
knee flexion and hip external rotation.
Injury Report
How did the injury occur?
Running very quickly after the
ball causing extreme hip
flexion and knee extension.
Insert Video
History
Michael Allen
Approximately 30 years of age
Midfielder
Injury occurred 11/11/2010 at 4:00 PM during a game in
the stadium on a cool night on a grass surface
Mechanism of injury: Excessive Hip Flexion and Knee
Extension
There was no pre-existing condition
Pain was dull to achy and was superficial with a pain of a 7
out of 10.
Pain was constant with no radiating pain.
Athlete appeared hydrated and in excellent physical
condition.
Athlete is not currently taking any medications
Observations
Swelling has appeared on the
middle third of the medial side
of the right hamstring.
Athlete has difficulty walking.
Noticeable limp.
Palpations
There is point tenderness, as well
as a palpable defect on the
middle third of the medial side
of the right hamstring.
Sensory nerves (dermatomes) are
intact.
Special Tests
Athlete has pain and limited range
of motion on hip extension and
knee flexion.
Muscle grade is a 3 of 5. Resistance
was removed for contraction.
Suspected Condition
Athlete appears to have a 2nd
degree muscle strain of the
semimembranosus and/or
semitendinosus of the hamstring
group of the right thigh.
Immediate Treatment
Athlete is unable to compete.
Must rest, ice, compress, and
elevate.
Rehabilitation
Week 1 - Days 1 through 7:
Must rest, ice, compress, and elevate.
Include muscle stimulation on a
normal, continuous, biphasic
setting for 20 minutes with an
intensity high enough for a
contraction and low enough to be
comfortable to control pain and
inflammation.
Rehabilitation
Week 2 - Days 1 through 7:
Hot pack for 15 minutes
10 minutes at a comfortable
pace on the bicycle
Begin Stretching Exercises.
Rehabilitation
Stretching Exercises include:
5 sets of 30 seconds with a 30
second rest of the following:
Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation
Ice for 15 minutes at the end of
rehabilitation.
Rehabilitation
Week 3 - Days 1 through 7:
Hot pack for 15 minutes
10 minutes at a comfortable
pace on the bicycle
Continues Stretching Exercises.
Rehabilitation
Add range of motion exercises:
5 sets of 15 of the following:
Rehabilitation
Add range of motion exercises:
5 sets of 15 of the following:
Rehabilitation
Add range of motion exercises:
5 sets of 15 of the following:
Rehabilitation
Ice for 15 minutes at the end of
rehabilitation.
Rehabilitation
Week 4 - Days 1 through 7:
Continue with:
Hot pack 15 minutes
Bicycle for 10 minutes
Stretches
Range of motion exercises
Rehabilitation
Add Strengthening Exercises:
3 sets of 15 with a moderate
weight:
Lunges
Squats
Leg Curls
Rehabilitation
Ice for 15 minutes at the end of
rehabilitation.
Rehabilitation
Week 5 - Days 1 through 7:
Continue with:
Hot pack 15 minutes
Bicycle for 10 minutes
Stretches
Range of motion exercises
Strengthening exercises
Rehabilitation
Add sports specific skills:
Kicking a soccer ball
Soccer foot skills
Sprinting on the soccer field
Rehabilitation
Ice for 15 minutes at the end of
rehabilitation.
Rehabilitation
Week 6:
Athlete should be able to return
to play.