healing hamstrings--advice

Krista Bocko started this discussion · 1/22/2014

I still feel tightness/pain from an old (1.5 years ago) hamstring injury. I'm looking into finding a sports massage therapist to help me with it. Do you have any recommendations for how to find one? And now, I have an injury on my *other* hamstring. Good lord. My hamstrings make me want to cry. :( Any advice for speeding up the healing process (heat, ice? Combination? Foam rolling when it feels better? When to start getting massages??)

5 replies

Kobajo84 · 1/22/2014
I see a sports massage therapist monthly. If it's an injury though, you may want to inquire through your insurance for a medical reason. Your primary care may be able to direct you in the right direction.
RockNAngel · 1/22/2014
Hamstrings are the worst!!! Make sure you are stretching and strengthening I take a stretch band and tie one end to pole and other to ankle square shoulders with pole and pull leg straight back... Lifts your bootie too!!
Veena · 1/22/2014
HEAT and foam roller! :)
ErinHClark007 · 1/22/2014
I have a mild case of scoliosis which causes me to wake up every morning with very stiff hamstrings and lower back. Stretching is definitely a must in order to keep the stiffness at bay. Warm up the muscles first, though, or it won't be effective. Along that vein, I find that heat helps, as it allows the muscles to loosen. I haven't tried cold therapy, though, so I'd be curious to hear how that works. If there's pain, however, then I would take Kobajo84's advice and talk to your doctor. Not only will your doctor have an idea of where to send you, but a doctor's recommendation may mean that your insurance will cover some or all of the cost of a therapist.
Krista Bocko · 5/4/2014
update...I have been seeing a dr (chiro) who specializes in ART therapy. Basically, in ART the dr shortens the injured muscle, finds the scar tissue, and while the patient moves the muscle to the end range, the provider is pressing into that tissue and breaking it up so that it can be reabsorbed by the body and blood flow can get back into the injured spot. I have gone to 4 sessions and I'm in the clear to re-start stretching. I will be taking it super duper easy. If I can at least move my legs --pain free-- even if I can never split well or at all, I will be happy (but I still want those splits). :) Anyone with soft tissue injuries...I suggest looking for an ART provider!!!