Progression of a Hamstring Pull

There are varying degrees of pulled hamstring muscles. The strain is classified by how severe the damage to the hamstring is.

Mild Hamstring Pull

This is also known as a 'Grade I' tear. A mild strain is classified as the overstretching of the fibers of the muscle or tendon. This type of strain causes discomfort in the upper thigh (and possibly lower back) area as opposed to acute pain. A mild muscle strain can be treated with cold compression, ultrasound, and Blood Flow Stimulation Therapy^™ to improve the health of the muscle tissue and restore the elasticity to reduce the risk of re-straining or tearing.

Hamstring Tear

This is also known as a 'Grade II' tear and is an actual tearing of the fibers in the muscle and/or tendon. It would feel like a sharp pain in the back of the leg and you may hear a tearing sound at the time of the injury. There will be a visible hamstring contusion, or bruising, in the torn muscle area in the days following the injury. This grade of strain can also be effectively treated with cold compression, ultrasound therapy and Blood Flow Stimulation Therapy^™. It is recommended that you allow your hamstring and other leg muscles to rest when you can to allow the tear to heal.

Hamstring Rupture

This is also known as a 'Grade III' tear. When a muscle ruptures, or tears completely, you will feel a very sharp pain at the point of the tear and you may hear or feel a 'pop'. If you have a multi-muscle tear, it normally occurs at the point where your hamstring tendons and muscles meet near the ischium. There will be a significant amount of pain when attempting to move the leg and your range of motion will be limited. There will be a noticeable contusion (hamstring bruising) and swelling. Treatment of a complete tear usually requires surgery to re-join the muscle tissue at the point of the tear.

Cold compression, ultrasound therapy and BFST^® can be used prior to surgery to minimize tissue damage, resulting in a less invasive surgery. These therapies used after surgery will also help to reduce recovery time and will leave the muscle and surrounding tissue healthier, stronger, and less prone to future injury.

The majority of hamstring strains are grade 1 or 2 strains that involve partial muscle or tendon tears that occur near the musculotendinous junction, where your hamstring tendon and muscle meet.

Should you seek medical attention?

This is up to your discretion; however any continued discomfort in your hamstring should be investigated. If you continue to experience the hamstring injury symptoms and have tried the suggested conservative treatments for 2-3 weeks, it is recommended that you seek professional medical attention. It is recommended you seek immediate attention if you:

• hear a "loud pop" in your muscle when injured
• have immediate severe pain, swelling or discoloration in your hamstrings
• experience severe weakness in your leg (compared to other leg) and have difficulty walking
• have a temperature over 100.4º F (38º C)
• notice blue toe nails, numbness or coldness below your injury