Phone 09 444 7643 Contact us Book an appointment

Hamstring Pain

Hamstring pain and strains usually develop with a sudden injury but also can develop over a period of time, with no obvious reason. The pain will be worse with sports and dynamic activities and sometimes with sitting. Hamstring pain is felt in the back of the thigh and occasionally into the buttock.

We know that the hamstring muscles are a complex group of interconnected tendons and muscles. These muscles and tendons combined with the hip joint and lower back need to work in the correct biomechanical pattern or hamstring strains can occur regularly, particularly in sportspeople.

The hamstring muscles need good flexibility, strength and requires a strong stable base to function. This base is usually provided by your pelvis, hips and lower back. Pain and inflammation will develop if you keep using your hamstring while it is injured. You will develop altered walking, running and movement patterns. This in turn creates a “muscle imbalance,” reinforcing your poor movement patterns causing further pain and inflammation, often in your hips and lower back.

A poor walking/running style (gait) or poor biomechanics will become a habit and you will be consistently in pain and have a stiff tight hamstring, lower back and hips. If you keep this “bad habit” you will continue to aggravate and irritate the hamstring muscles and your pain will persist and potentially get worse.

Treatment of your hamstring strain/pain will make you feel better, it’s what you would expect when you are in pain. However, if you have the pain treated (massage, mobilization, medications), but do not correct your posture, your biomechanics and strength deficits, you are only receiving a “temporary relief” from your pain, and it is likely that your pain will reoccur. This is only short-term relief, and not a long-term solution.

Download Hamstring Pain eBook
  • "If you have issues with your footwear, running or walking biomechanics, or any pain in your feet – call me for an appointment today. I am a podiatrist specialising in sports podiatry, I can customise orthotics for you, prescribe exercises and advise you on the best way of managing your pain."

    Dale Gooding

  • "As a fully qualified sonographer I spend all day scanning my client’s injuries. Our appointments take only 20 minutes and I feed back my findings directly to your physiotherapist or doctor. This helps them plan your injury management. Ask you physio today if you need an ultra sound scan to help with your injury."

    Simon Cunliffe

  • "I enjoy treating knees, and here at RJ Physio we see many knee injuries and clients suffering from knee pain. Having a great knowledge of how the knee works and wonderful facilities at RJ Physio, including two gyms and a Pilates studio, anyone with a knee problem should see the team. Call me today to see if can help you with your knee pain."

    Hamish Donnison

  • "If you are experiencing pain or discomfort when you're trying to enjoy playing football then don't put up with it. I have a passion for treating football injuries and would love to see you, I encourage you to book an appointment for a consultation today. I can help get you back playing pain free."

    Jay Lee