Nutrition / Fitness content provided by G-Force

Hamstring Injuries by Dr. Eric Pierra

Hamstring strains are one of the most common injuries in soccer athletes. Tight hamstrings are prone to injuries, but few athletes actively stretch to prevent injury. Repeated studies show that static (stretch and hold versus active or ballistic stretching) stretching can reduce injuries. Some studies suggest that core strength may also play a role in injury prevention for the hamstrings.

There are a variety of ways to stretch the hamstrings. To avoid overstretching the back, you can lay on your back and either have someone else stretch your hamstring or hold the back of your knee and actively straighten your leg and hold for 30 seconds repeating it 3 times. Stretching before and after practices and games will give you an advantage in obtaining added length to your hamstring. An overall conditioning program that strengthens your core may be helpful in preventing hamstring injuries as well.

Hamstring strains that occur in the middle of the muscle are easier to recover from. There is plenty of blood in the muscle and it has an easier time healing. Higher hamstring pulls where the muscle connects to the ishium (bone that you sit on) are harder to recover from. There is not as much blood in the tissue that connect the muscle to the bone and healing occurs more slowly. A common mistake with hamstring pulls is to try to return to sports activities and re-injuring the hamstring, sometimes making it worse.

If you or your young athlete suspects that the hamstring is injured try ice, rest and light stretching. If it does not heal or the pull is high on the hamstring, contact your local sports medicine professional. If your near our facility, feel free to contact for a free consultation.