Hamstring Injuries
About hamstring injuries
Hamstring injuries are common in athletes and active individuals, but they can affect anyone — from weekend warriors to people returning to exercise after a break. The hamstrings are a group of three muscles at the back of your thigh responsible for bending the knee and extending the hip. They play a crucial role in many everyday movements such as walking, running, climbing and rising from a chair.
When these muscles are overloaded or stretched beyond their capacity, the fibres can become irritated or torn. This often leads to pain, weakness and limited movement — symptoms that can impact your ability to train, work and perform daily tasks. Whether your hamstring issue is a minor strain or a more significant tear, understanding the nature of the condition and receiving the right care can make a meaningful difference in your recovery.
What are hamstring injuries?
Hamstring conditions refer to a range of injuries affecting the muscles at the back of the thigh. The most common is a hamstring strain, caused by rapid or forceful stretching or contraction of the muscle group, which places high mechanical stress on the fibres.
Most hamstring injuries occur during activities that involve sprinting, jumping or sudden stops and starts, but they can also develop from prolonged muscle tension or weakness. Strains are categorised by severity: mild strains may involve only a few overstretched fibres, while partial or complete tears can significantly impair muscle function and take longer to recover.
Hamstring injury symptoms
Common symptoms of hamstring conditions can include:
- Sudden pain or a sharp sensation at the back of the thigh, especially during activity.
- Tenderness, bruising or swelling along the hamstring muscle group following the injury.
- Weakness or difficulty walking or bending the knee without discomfort.
- Tightness or restricted range of motion in the back of the thigh.
- Limping or avoidance of certain movements due to pain or instability.
Identifying the specific symptoms and their severity is an important first step in choosing the right approach to treatment and rehabilitation.
Hamstring injury treatments
- Physiotherapy - Manual therapy and exercises focused on strengthening muscles, improving posture, and increasing mobility.
- Professional Assessment and Individualised Plan – A physiotherapist evaluates your injury to determine its severity and develop a tailored recovery plan.
- Manual Therapy – Hands‑on techniques help release tension, reduce scar tissue, improve tissue mobility and reduce discomfort around the hamstring and associated structures.
- Structured Exercise Programmes – Progressively guided exercises help rebuild hamstring strength, improve flexibility and reduce the risk of re‑injury.
- Neuromuscular and Functional Training – Exercises targeting coordination, muscle activation and core control support safer movement patterns.
- Activity Modification and Education – Guidance on load management, gradual return to activity and strategies to prevent recurrence.
- INDIBA® - Treatment to assist healing & reduce muscle spasm.
Frequently asked questions
What causes a hamstring injury?
How long does a hamstring injury take to heal?
Can hamstring injuries be prevented?
Why choose us?
Personalised assessment and care
We begin with a thorough evaluation to understand the specific nature and severity of your hamstring condition, ensuring your treatment aligns with your needs and goals.
Progressive rehabilitation strategies
Our focus is on restoring strength, flexibility and movement quality through evidence‑based programmes that support recovery and reduce the risk of recurrent injury.
Experienced team with movement‑focused clinicians
Our team combines clinical experience with an understanding of functional movement to help you recover efficiently and return to the activities you value.