Treatment
Hamstring injuries are initially treated with rest, ice, compression, and elevation (known as RICE) and alternating ice and heat has also been proven to be helpful. Medications to reduce pain and inflammation such as ibuprofen may be helpful but you much check with your GP if it is ok to take this if you have any underlying medical conditions or are on prescriptions medications. After RICE treatment of up to a week, physiotherapy is required to increase range of motion and to return the muscle to full strength and activity if required. This will incorporate deep soft tissue and friction massage to realign scar tissue, trigger point release work and dry needling as well as home exercise programmes to rehabilitate the muscle . Adherence to these programmes is very important because if the hamstrings do not return to full function, they are at risk for recurrent injury and developing chronic pain and weakness. Occasionally, surgery may be required to repair fully ruptured hamstrings to reattach them.