Weak Hamstrings can Initiate Knee Injury

Aug. 20, 2015 - PRLog -- Are tight hamstrings and knee pain connected? The single most consistent complaint from my patients who attends Physiotherapy Clinics for knee arthritis or low back pain is tight hamstrings. Connections between mild low back nerve irritation and chronically tight muscles like hamstrings. Tight hamstrings have caused knee meniscus issues and some research also supports that the hamstrings may have something to do with knee arthritis.

Knee pain results from a complex series of biomechanical interactions. The hamstrings muscle group, located in the back of the leg, helps support the knee. This supporting role makes these muscles a key factor in knee-injury protection and knee-pain prevention. Malfunctioning hamstrings create faulty movement patterns, which affect the alignment and health of your knees.

The collective muscle group called the hamstrings consists of the biceps femoris, the semitendinosus, and the semimembranosus. They originate under your sitting bones, and attach behind the knee, making them crucial to knee stability.

Physiotherapy for a Hamstring Strain

Physiotherapy for patients with a strained hamstring is vital to hasten the healing process and ensure an optimal outcome. Treatment may comprise:

- soft tissue massage

- electrotherapy (e.g. ultrasound)

- dry needling

- stretches

- muscle energy techniques

- joint mobilization

- ice or heat treatment

- education

- biomechanical correction

- the use of crutches

- progressive exercises to improve strength, flexibility, core stability and balance

- activity modification advice

- technique correction

- anti-inflammatory advice

- devising and monitoring a return to sport or activity plan

Despite appropriate physiotherapy management, some patients with a strained hamstring do not improve adequately. When this occurs, the treating physiotherapist or doctor can advise on the best course of management. This may include investigations such as an ultrasound, CT scan or MRI, or referral to appropriate medical authorities who can advise on any intervention that may be appropriate to improve the condition. In very rare cases, of complete hamstring rupture, surgical intervention may be considered.

PhysioMax Wellness in Burlington Ontario provides various tips and treatments for every client's needs. Healthcare providers from this clinic are very knowledgeable about the treatments needed by patients in order to help them recover from their injuries. This multidisciplinary clinic in Burlington Ontario provides Physiotherapy, Acupuncture, Chiropractic and Massage Therapy in order to tend to any kind of injuries and prevent issues from occurring in the first place. Please contact us or visit www.physiomaxwellness.ca for more detailed information.