Managing Soft Tissue Injuries - Hamstring tear
Immediate Treatment;
In the Immediate treatment of a hamstring tear, we use the RICER method, this is, Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation, Referral. We use this method to manage soft tissue injuries.
Rest;
In the first 24-48 hrs after injury it is critical that activities are stopped as this is considered a critical treatment period. Gradually using the injured extremity as much as tolerable, avoiding any activities that cause acute pain. In the case of a hamstring tear, it may be necessary depending on the severity of the tear to use crutches in at least the first 24hrs.
Ice;
For the first 48 hrs post injury it is important to ice in 20 minute increments every 3-4 hours so that swelling can be reduced.
Compression;
Compressive bandage along with Ice (previous step) can/should be used to reduce swelling at the torn hamstring.
Elevation;
Try to keep tear/injury above the level of the heart if possible, and complete this at night by placing a pillow under the ankle or knee, depending on where the tear is on the hamstring, not wanting to further irritate the sight of injury.
Referral;
All these steps would most likely be performed by a parent or coach, so it is extremely important to seek medical evaluation after these 4 steps (RICE).
Further Treatment;
Treatment of a torn muscle in this case the hamstring is determined by the severity of the tear (grade I,II or III). The resting of the torn/pulled hamstring is key in the recovery process. Any activities that aggravate the recently injured sight should be avoided. Rest until the sight of injury is pain free, giving time for the injured hamstring to heal, Insufficient rest may prolong the recovery process.
Some common treatments used for hamstring injuries are as follows;
Rest
Allowing time for the muscle to rest and repair, letting swelling and inflammation subside. Crutches may be necessary in order to sufficiently rest the muscle.
Stretching
Stretching that is done must not be done aggressively otherwise the injury could be worsened, stretching should be gentle and not painful. a proper stretching program can be formulated by a physiotherapist.
Physical Therapy
Physical Therapy is important for athletes as a lot of athletes find relief in electrical stimulation and ultrasound of the hamstring as well as possible therapeutic massage. With the correct guidance therapeutic exercise can start e.g. light cycling or pool workouts
Icing
After the 48hrs post injury, ice can help to limit the swelling and inflammatory reactions of the hamstring once light therapeutic exercise has started, and can also help to stimulate blood flow to the hamstring.
Heat Applications
Prior to stretching or exercising heating the injured hamstring can help to loosen the tissue warming up the injured hamstring. (Heat before activity, and ice after activity)
Anti-inflammatory Medication
Anti-inflammatory medications can be taken to calm inflammatory response of the injury and help to relieve pain.
In the Immediate treatment of a hamstring tear, we use the RICER method, this is, Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation, Referral. We use this method to manage soft tissue injuries.
Rest;
In the first 24-48 hrs after injury it is critical that activities are stopped as this is considered a critical treatment period. Gradually using the injured extremity as much as tolerable, avoiding any activities that cause acute pain. In the case of a hamstring tear, it may be necessary depending on the severity of the tear to use crutches in at least the first 24hrs.
Ice;
For the first 48 hrs post injury it is important to ice in 20 minute increments every 3-4 hours so that swelling can be reduced.
Compression;
Compressive bandage along with Ice (previous step) can/should be used to reduce swelling at the torn hamstring.
Elevation;
Try to keep tear/injury above the level of the heart if possible, and complete this at night by placing a pillow under the ankle or knee, depending on where the tear is on the hamstring, not wanting to further irritate the sight of injury.
Referral;
All these steps would most likely be performed by a parent or coach, so it is extremely important to seek medical evaluation after these 4 steps (RICE).
Further Treatment;
Treatment of a torn muscle in this case the hamstring is determined by the severity of the tear (grade I,II or III). The resting of the torn/pulled hamstring is key in the recovery process. Any activities that aggravate the recently injured sight should be avoided. Rest until the sight of injury is pain free, giving time for the injured hamstring to heal, Insufficient rest may prolong the recovery process.
Some common treatments used for hamstring injuries are as follows;
Rest
Allowing time for the muscle to rest and repair, letting swelling and inflammation subside. Crutches may be necessary in order to sufficiently rest the muscle.
Stretching
Stretching that is done must not be done aggressively otherwise the injury could be worsened, stretching should be gentle and not painful. a proper stretching program can be formulated by a physiotherapist.
Physical Therapy
Physical Therapy is important for athletes as a lot of athletes find relief in electrical stimulation and ultrasound of the hamstring as well as possible therapeutic massage. With the correct guidance therapeutic exercise can start e.g. light cycling or pool workouts
Icing
After the 48hrs post injury, ice can help to limit the swelling and inflammatory reactions of the hamstring once light therapeutic exercise has started, and can also help to stimulate blood flow to the hamstring.
Heat Applications
Prior to stretching or exercising heating the injured hamstring can help to loosen the tissue warming up the injured hamstring. (Heat before activity, and ice after activity)
Anti-inflammatory Medication
Anti-inflammatory medications can be taken to calm inflammatory response of the injury and help to relieve pain.