Hamstring Strains Treatment
Hamstring strains are one of the most common sports injuries we see, affecting everyone from professional athletes to weekend warriors. Your hamstrings are a group of three muscles running down the back of your thigh, and they work overtime during any activity involving running, jumping, or kicking. When you overload them, whether that’s through sprinting too hard, inadequate warm-up, or fatigue the muscle fibres can stretch beyond their limit and tear.
At True Physio, our HCPC-registered physiotherapists understand the specific progressions needed to get your hamstring healed properly while minimising your risk of going through this again.
Hamstring Strains Symptoms include
- Sudden, sharp pain at the back of the thigh during activity
- Tenderness when pressing on the area
- Pain that worsens when bending the knee against resistance
- Swelling and bruising (can appear within hours or the following day)
- A “popping” or tearing sensation at the moment of injury
- In severe cases, a noticeable gap or dent in the muscle
- Difficulty walking, running, or straightening the leg fully
- Weakness in the leg
- Muscle tightness or cramping at the back of the thigh
Symptoms are typically graded by severity, a Grade 1 strain causes mild tightness and minimal strength loss, a Grade 2 involves more significant pain, swelling, and some loss of function, while a Grade 3 (complete rupture) causes severe pain, extensive bruising, and significant inability to use the leg normally. If you’re unsure which grade you’re dealing with, our torn hamstring treatment page explains what to expect and how physiotherapy can support your recovery at every stage.
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How Physiotherapy can help Hamstring Strains
In those first few days after injury, rest, ice, compression, and elevation are your friends. But this rest phase is surprisingly brief. Once the acute pain settles, usually within a few days, gentle movement begins. For a full breakdown of what to expect in those early stages, our guide on how to cure a hamstring injury is a great place to start.
Your physiotherapist will guide you through a carefully staged progression that starts with simple range of motion exercises and builds toward the strengthening work that’s crucial for recovery. Hands-on manual therapy will address any compensatory patterns in your back, hips, or other leg. Your body adjusts when one area isn’t working properly, and those adjustments can create their own problems. Massage therapy helps manage scar tissue formation and maintains good tissue quality as your hamstring heals.
As you progress, we incorporate running mechanics training, acceleration drills, and sport-specific movements. If you’re an athlete, this isn’t just about getting your hamstring strong, it’s about preparing it for the exact demands of your sport. Many people find acupuncture helpful during the uncomfortable early weeks when that deep ache in your thigh makes everything feel difficult.
Why Choose True Physio for Recovery?
At True Physio, we take a full-body approach, understanding what contributed to your original strain, whether that’s muscle imbalance, poor running technique, or training errors, empowers you to avoid the same mistakes.
Our physiotherapists are qualified to diagnose and treat this condition, and we collaborate with other healthcare professionals when needed.
We build personalised treatment plans around your lifestyle and goals, combining targeted strengthening, movement retraining, and hands-on therapy. Book an appointment and let’s get your hamstring strain sorted.
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