Hamstring Strain (Pull) Stage 1

Below you will find advice as to how to deal with this injury – by becoming a member, you can
also access all our video advice.

Remember to have this confirmed by your sports doctor, or sports therapist.

You can diagnose other running injury’s here.

  • Step 1
  • Step 2
  • Step 3
  • Step 4 - current step

Follow the information and Video advice below

Hamstring Strain (Pull) Stage 1

  • It is vitally important that treatment for a pulled hamstring starts immediately following injury.
  • The most important phase for treatment is the first 48 hours post-injury.
  • Stop running (you probably won’t be able to anyway).
  • Perform the ‘IMPORTANT’ video advice below.
  • Perform the ‘ESSENTIAL CHECKS’ videos below, which assess if you need orthotics, how stable your hip muscles are (if they are not, then click here),  if there is a difference in your leg lengths, whether you need new shoes, if your core stability is strong enough (if it isn’t, then click here).
  • Ensure you check you are running with good form (click here)
  • Before following the rehabilitation advice, read our treatment precautions.
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen help reduce the pain and inflammation.
  • Acupuncture can be helpful at any stage of the injury.
  • Perform the RICE procedure for 20 minutes every two hours for the first 48 hours (see videos below).
  • Keeping the injury compressed with special sports taping when not icing will help it to heal (see videos below).
  • After 48 hours you can go on to STAGE 2 of rehabilitation.

Attention!

If care is not taken with correct rehabilitation lasting stiffness and weakness can occur in the hamstring, as well as reoccurence of the injury itself.