The Hamstring Tendon is formed by the Hamstring Muscles at the back of the thigh. The Hamstring Tendon transmits force from the Hamstring Muscles which primarily bend the knee and extend the hip.
In some cases, what appears to be Hamstring Tendinopathy pain can be a Hamstring Muscle Strain or Piriformis Syndrome amongst others. These are two different pathologies and must be treated differently.
Hamstring Tendinopathy is a degenerative process (What is Tendinopathy?). It happens gradually over time. It is common in field sports and runners. Typically, symptoms include pain around the Ischial Tuberosity (Sit Bone), pain deep to the buttock, pain moving down the back of the thigh, and pain on moving or sitting.
Avoiding aggravating factors is important to help the tendon to heal. Tendinopathies heal best when they are loaded, but it must be the correct type and amount of load. Too much and the tendon will become painful, too little and the tendon will not respond.
A thorough History and Physical Examination by your Chartered Physiotherapist will determine the likelihood of a Hamstring Tendinopathy. If the examination shows an obvious Tendinopathy then a series of exercises and advice will be prescribed. These exercises will be progressive in nature to help the healing process. Shockwave Therapy should be considered in the case of Hamstring Tendinopathy.
Following your Initial Consultation, a strict set of exercises as per our Hamstring Tendinopathy Protocol will help in a full return to sports. The protocol consists of progressive loading for the tendon to aid healing. All loading protocols are research-based and proven to be effective in the management of Tendinopathy.
MyPhysio’s thoughts on Hamstring Tendinopathy
This injury can be slow to heal. It is often very frustrating for the client as symptoms can persist for many months. There is always exercises to be performed and activity can be carried out with careful monitoring of pain in the 24hrs post exercise. We will teach you how to know when to stop and when to carry on.
Controlling load is key. Load meaning; how much walking/exercise/standing you are doing. If you have a very active job where you are on your feet all day then this must be taken into consideration when designing your rehab programme. It may sound pedantic but controlling as many variables as possible will ensure you have the best chance to recover.
Often, clients come to MyPhysio and have had their symptoms for a few months. Typical early Tendinopathy symptoms include pain after exercise or the following morning this is probably the start of your Tendinopathy, do not let it get out of hand and have it looked at early on. Sitting is often uncomfortable and an early sign of Hamstring Tendinopathy.
If you have any queries regarding Hamstring Tendinopathy, please ‘Ask the Expert’.