Physiotherapy Newsletter
Torn Hamstring
Your hamstrings are a group of three muscles on the back of
the thigh which flex (bend) the knee and extend (straighted) the
hip. They are injured mainly in sprinting or sudden stretching
(for example, kicking a ball).
What is a torn hamstring?
The severity of the injury can vary from mild microscopic tears,
(Grade 1), moderate muscles tears with more bruising (Grade
2) or, very rarely, a complete rupture (Grade 3).
How do I know if I’ve torn my hamstring?
 It hurts! A sudden sharp, often tearing feeling on the back
of the thigh
 Pain on stretching the hamstring
 Pain on resisted knee flexion
 Bruising, swelling and tenderness
 You will feel a gap in the muscle in severe tears
What Can I do to help?
 Stop playing immediately
 Apply ice
 Compress the leg
 Elevate the leg
 Gently keep the knee and hip moving, using crutches or a
stick if necessary
 See a physiotherapist
What can a physiotherapist do?
 Fully assess the problem to ensure that there aren’t other
problems too – often torn hamstrings accompany sciatic
nerve problems
 Gentle massage to reduce the amount of scar tissue
 Ultrasound to improve the rate of healing
 Prescribe a graduated programme of rehabilitation
exercises to prevent further injury.