The truth about hamstrings is that there is a lot we don't know. By 'we', I mean the human race as a whole (orthopaedic surgeons, physiotherapists, Dr. Google and the like).
(prHWY.com) October 26, 2012 - Newmarket, Australia -- The truth about hamstrings is that there is a lot we don't know. By 'we', I mean the human race as a whole (orthopaedic surgeons, physiotherapists, Dr. Google and the like). The reason hamstrings are such a mystery is because there is a lack of high quality evidence. There are a few things we do know however, and several things that researchers and clinicians suspect.
The hamstring muscle group is made up of 3 muscles at the back of your thigh: the biceps femoris (which has two head- the long head and the short head), semimembranosus and semitendinosus muscles. The muscles (except for the short head of the biceps) all originate at a bony landmark in the pelvis known as the ischial tuberosity (the part of the bottom that you sit on) and attach at the back of the knee. Seeing as the muscles cross two joints, they function to bend the knee and tilt the pelvis (straightening the hip).
The most common injuries to the muscles are strains or tears. In some cases, people develop a degenerative condition of the tendon known as a tendinopathy. What we do know for a fact is that there is a high incidence of sprains and tears; we also know that they heal very slowly. Many Sports Physiotherapist Brisbane and sports trainers use well established protocols in treating a hamstring injury. The effectiveness of these protocols is debatable however given the lack of evidence to support their use. Just like any other acute injury, it is important to follow the RICER (rest, ice, compression, elevation and referral) regime for initial management, i.e, DO NO HARM.
Once the swelling has eased, the patient's job is to continue to prevent aggravating the injury. This means taking time off sport or high impact exercise and focusing instead on an exercise program tailored for their condition. Based on a Cochrane review it seems that improving lumbar spine stability and improving pelvic control may assist in the rehabilitation of hamstrings. The same review also found that there is some evidence for the use of stretches to accelerate recovery time. One study suggested that stretching 4 times a day instead of once a day may be more effective. Another article concluded that the position of stretch makes no difference; therefore it appears that whether you stretch your hamstring standing or sitting on the floor either one will be of benefit.
Several other studies have demonstrated that massage and eccentric strengthening exercises maybe useful for treating hamstring injuries. At Pivotal Motion Physiotherapy, Brisbane Physio usually treat with a combination of these interventions. It is all 'hands on' and exercise based on our part. Your job is to do the homework and take it slow. Hamstring rehabilitation requires patience. Returning to sport too early can be very detrimental to the healing process, and more often than not will result in re-injury. The best way to keep those hamstrings happy might be to include stretching as part of your usual workout or sporting routine. After all, prevention is better than cure...especially when the cure takes a while.
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http://pivotalmotion.com.au/ now!
Pivotal Motion Physiotherapy
Shop 213A, Level 1
Newmarket Reading Centre
Cnr Newmarket & Enogerra Rd, Newmarket QLD
Contact us: (07) 33525116
Q 4051
royjennifer8@gmail.com
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