Your legs are integral to your mobility, so it’s no surprise that leg injuries can be extremely limiting. If you’re dealing with a pulled hamstring, you know how frustrating it can be to not be able to move around like you want to. But did you know that chiropractic care may be able to help?
Chiropractic care has led the charge in helping people find relief from a variety of injuries and ailments, and a pulled hamstring is no exception. In this post, we’ll talk about everything you need to know about a hamstring injury and how you can leverage chiropractic care to get back to feeling your best.
What is a Pulled Hamstring Injury?
A hamstring injury occurs when there is a tear in one or more of the muscles in the back of your thigh. It usually occurs as a tear in the soft tissue surrounding the muscle, and it can range in severity from a small strain to a complete rupture.
Hamstring injuries are particularly common in sports that require sudden bursts of speed, like football, soccer, and track. However, anyone can be susceptible to a hamstring injury, especially if they aren’t warmed up properly before exercising.
Hamstring injuries are classified as either grade I, II, or III tears.
- Grade 1: mild muscle pull or strain
- Grade 2: a partial muscle tear
- Grade 3: a complete muscle tear
Symptoms of a hamstring injury can include:
- Pain in the back of your thigh
- Swelling or bruising in the affected area
- Pain when bending the knee
- Difficulty straightening your leg or walking
What Does a Hamstring Injury Feel Like?
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The pain associated with a hamstring injury can vary depending on the severity of the injury. With a grade I hamstring injury, you may only feel a slight twinge of pain when the injury occurs. However, with a more severe grade II or III hamstring injury, you may feel a sharp, burning pain in the back of your thigh.
If you’re suspecting a hamstring injury, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. A doctor or certified chiropractic practitioner trainer will be able to properly diagnose your injury and create a treatment plan that’s tailored to your needs.
If You’re Suspecting a Hamstring Injury, Do This
If you think you may have a hamstring injury, the first thing you should do is stop all activity, and elevate and rest your leg. Continuing to put pressure on an injured hamstring can only make the injury worse.
Once you’re off your feet, apply an ice pack to the affected area for 20 minutes at a time. This will help reduce any swelling and pain. You can also take over-the-counter pain medication if you’re in a lot of discomforts.
If the pain and swelling persist, it’s time to see a doctor or certified chiropractic practitioner. With their expertise, they can evaluate the problem and rule out any other possible causes of your pain.
Chiropractor For Hamstring Injury
A chiropractor is a trained medical professional who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal problems. When it comes to hamstring injuries, chiropractors often use a combination of manual therapy and targeted exercises to help patients find relief.
One of the most common manual therapy techniques that chiropractors use to treat hamstring injuries is called myofascial release. This therapy involves applying pressure to the injured muscle to help release any knots or tension that may be present.
Myofascial release is often used in conjunction with other chiropractic techniques. By using a combination of manual therapies, chiropractors can help to break up the scar tissue that can build up around a hamstring injury. This, in turn, can help to speed up the healing process.
In addition to manual therapies, chiropractors may also prescribe a series of exercises to help strengthen the muscles around the injury. These exercises are designed to help improve flexibility and range of motion in the affected area.
Chiropractors may also recommend lifestyle changes to help prevent future hamstring injuries. For example, they may suggest that you wear proper shoes when participating in activities like running or playing sports. They may also recommend that you warm up properly before engaging in any physical activity.
If you’re suffering from a hamstring injury, don’t hesitate to seek out the help of a certified chiropractor. With their help, you can find relief and get back to your normal activities as soon as possible.
What’s The Recovery Process Like?
The recovery process from a hamstring injury can vary depending on the severity of the injury. For grade I and II hamstring injuries, the recovery process is typically fairly short. Most people are able to return to their normal activities within a few weeks.
However, for more severe grade III hamstring injuries, the recovery process can take several months. In some cases, surgery may even be necessary to repair the damaged tissue. Understanding what to expect during a chiropractic treatment for a hamstring injury can help you set realistic expectations for your recovery. Chiropractic after-care following a hamstring injury treatment should also be expected.
If you’ve suffered a hamstring injury, it’s important to follow your doctor or chiropractor’s instructions for treatment. This will help ensure that you heal properly and avoid further injury.
Book a Chiropractor in Colorado
Suffering from a hamstring injury can be a frustrating and painful experience. Regaining the full function of your leg can take weeks or even months. However, with the help of a certified chiropractor for hamstring injury, you can find relief and begin the road to recovery.
At Concise Chiropractic, our experienced team of Gonstead chiropractors are dedicated to helping you find relief from your pain. We offer a variety of services, as well as custom treatment plans to fit your individual needs.
If you’re suffering from a hamstring injury, don’t hesitate to contact us today to book an appointment. We’ll help you get back on your feet in no time!
