Did you know that the rate of hamstring’s strain injuries affects five out of every six athletes? And that the percentage of re-injury within the first year varies between 12 & 31%? According to a NFL research on hamstring strains, these are the number-one muscle tendon injuries in the sport, accounting for more than 1,700 reported incidences between 1989 and 1998.
Having that said, we wonder; what are the most common causes? Why is it so important to treat them before it gets out of control? What’s the relation between Hamstrings strains and Kinesiology Tape?
The Mayo Clinic explains: “A hamstring injury occurs when you strain or pull one of your hamstring muscles — the group of three muscles that run along the back of your thigh”.
The main symptoms are:
- Sudden sharp pain during exercise in the back of your thigh.
- Soreness in the back of the thigh when walking, straightening the leg, or bending over.
- Inflammation within a few hours after a workout routine.
- Bruising lengthwise the back of your leg.
- Muscle weakness or an inability to put weight on the injured leg.
Why are hamstrings so common?
Basically because of the muscle’s design and functions (biomechanics), but mainly because it is perhaps one of the tightest and least stretched muscles in the body. Hamstring injuries are amongst the most common injuries in “leg sports” like running, skating, football, and soccer among many others.
What causes a hamstring?
Hamstring injuries often take place for a few avoidable reasons: strength imbalances, and improper form. Athletes regularly hurt hamstrings when running close to or at their max speed, says Bryan Heiderscheit, an Associate Professor in the University of Wisconsin’s Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation. “As your speed increases and you start to lengthen your stride, you put greater loads on the hamstring muscles.”
What to do if you have an injured hamstring?
- Rest the leg. Avoid putting weight on the leg as best you can.
- Ice your leg to reduce pain and swelling.
- Compress your leg. Use a Target Tape design for hamstring applications.
- Elevate your leg on a pillow when you’re sitting or lying down.
- Take anti-inflammatory painkillers.
- Practice stretching and strengthening exercises.
Check out this video for a great application technique of your Target Tape for hamstrings injuries
Benefits of treating Hamstring with Kinesiology Tape (KT):
- Reduction of the pain/soreness and improved support while still being able to move.
- Reestablish normal hamstring muscle activation.
- Recover hamstring power and performance.
- Support in the prevention of further hamstring injury.
- Offers protection during the healing phase.
Share with us: Have you ever experienced a hamstring injury before? What was your choice of treatment?
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References:
J Petersen and P Hölmich from the Amager University Hospital, Copenhagen http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/39/6/319.full
Mayo Clinic Staff http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hamstring-injury/basics/definition/con-20035144
Web MD http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/hamstring-strain
