HAMSTRING TENDON TREATMENT & PHySIO MELBOURNE
Hamstring Tendinopathy - A REAL PAIN IN THE BUTT!
WHAT IS HAMSTRING TENDINOPATHY?
Hamstring Tendinopathy occurs at the common origin point of the hamstring muscles, at the ischial tuberosity (sitting bone) of the pelvis, which is the site of injury in Proximal Hamstring Tendinopathy.
The injury is classified as a tendinopathy rather than a tendonitis due to its degenerative nature rather than being an inflammatory pathology.
Sufferers will complain of pain local to the ischial tuberosity /lower buttock when running, especially when accelerating and sustained faster paced running.
The pain will most likely be an intense ache in nature, rather than sharp or stabbing, though stabbing can occur when it is very aggravated. Due to the anatomical proximity to the common hamstring origin, the sciatic nerve can occasionally be affected, which can cause referred pain into the posterior thigh.
Once aggravated, sitting on solid surfaces can also be uncomfortable, as can direct palpation and pressing onto the ischial tuberosity manually.
Differential diagnoses for similar symptoms can include piriformis syndrome, pelvic stress fractures and low back injuries. Thus, a proper assessment from a musculoskeletal physiotherapist is advisable.
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Hamstring Tendon Pain, Tendinitis or Tendinopathy?
You've probably seen this condition called a few different names over time, and they're continually evolving.
The latest name is tendinopathy, suggesting a lack of inflammatory reaction in the tendon. Previously the name tendonitis suggested an inflammatory reaction as the main driver of pain, though this has been proven to not be the case.
For the rest of this information document, we'll use the names interchangeably.
Treatment OF HAMSTRING TENDoNITIS
Is on an individual basis, and generally involves a graded loading and strengthening program. Research shows that stretching can have negative effects and that massage alone won't fix the symptoms.
The only current proof we have is gradual loading via a specific and monitored exercise routine.
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Load Management for Hamstring tendon pain and strains
The tendon is aggravated by compressive and tensile loads, so these loads need to be managed in order to control pain and allow healing and strengthening of the tendon.
With the hamstring tendon, compression occurs during sitting and activities that cause hip/trunk flexion, such as sprinting and sitting. This causes compression loading, so aiming to reduce time in these positions can assist recovery.
Stretching needs to be limited and running limited to an acceptable pain level. Jogging is generally encouraged and not aggravating.
Hamstring TENDON strengthening
Tendinopathy will cause weakness in the hamstring so it is essential to perform strengthening exercises in a manner where load is controlled.
In the initial stages isometric (no movement) strengthening exercises will help with pain and then the exercises will be progressed as able to isotonic, eccentric, functional strengthening exercises, plyometrics and sports specific exercises.
Pelvic & Core Control EXERCISES FOR HAMSTRING TENDINOPATHY
Your therapist will assess your movement and strength at your lower back, pelvis and hips to see are they contributing to your problem and address them in your exercise program.
A lack of gluteal power and endurance can force unnecessary load upon the proximal hamstring tendon, leading to tendinopathy.
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Soft Tissue Treatment FOR HAMSTRING TENDINOPATHY
May form part of your treatment to address pain and soft tissue changes in your hamstring. This will determined at your initial assessment.
For people with persistent hamstring pain and dysfunction that is not recovering in 4-8 weeks, it is important that you receive a proper sports physiotherapy assessment, as the symptoms in your hamstring may be referred pain, and not actually be the hamstring as the source. In these cases, it is usually the lumbar spine and neural tissue that are generating the pain.
LEARN How OUR SPORTS PHYSIO TEAM can help you?
At Melbourne Sports Physiotherapy our goal is to get you moving pain free as soon as possible.
But, we also want you to actually move better and live a healthier, more active and fulfilling life!
If your sports, fitness training or work has been wearing your body down, book in with one of our expert massage therapists so we can help you reduce your pain or stiffness.
If you are showing some signs of this condition or simply want help prevent this from happening in the future then book in with one of our highly experienced Remedial Massage Therapists today!
You can make an appointment by calling or booking online.