HAMSTRING TENDINOPATHY

Hamstring tendinopathy refers to a condition characterised by pain, swelling and dysfunction in the hamstring tendons, which are thick bands of tissue that connect the hamstring muscles to the bones of the pelvis and lower leg. It commonly occurs near the origin of the tendons at the ischial tuberosity, a bony prominence in the pelvis.

Causes:

1. Overuse: Repetitive strain on the hamstring tendons due to activities such as running, jumping or kicking.

2. Muscle Imbalance: Weakness or tightness in the muscles surrounding the hamstrings, such as the hip flexors or gluteal muscles, can contribute to increased stress on the tendons.

3. Poor Biomechanics: Faulty movement patterns or biomechanical abnormalities during physical activities can lead to excessive strain on the hamstring tendons.

4. Aging: Degenerative changes in the tendons as a result of aging can make them more susceptible to injury.

Symptoms:

1. Pain in the buttock region, especially during activities such as running or bending forward.

2. Tenderness and swelling at the site of the hamstring tendons.

3. Stiffness and reduced range of motion in the hip joint.

4. Weakness and difficulty with activities that involve bending or straightening the knee.

Physiotherapy Treatment:

1. Pain Management: Initially, the focus is on reducing pain and inflammation through modalities such as ice therapy, ultrasound or electrical stimulation.

2. Stretching and Flexibility Exercises: Gentle stretching exercises help improve flexibility in the hamstring muscles and reduce tension on the tendons. This may include static stretches and dynamic stretches.

3. Strengthening Exercises: Strengthening the muscles around the hips and thighs can help improve the stability of the pelvis and reduce strain on the hamstring tendons. Exercises may target the hamstrings, glutes, hip abductors and core muscles.

4. Biomechanical Assessment and Correction: Physiotherapists assess movement patterns and identify any biomechanical issues contributing to the tendinopathy. They may prescribe corrective exercises or techniques to improve movement mechanics.

5. Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques such as massage, myofascial release or joint mobilizations can help reduce muscle tension, improve circulation and promote healing of the tendons.

6. Activity Modification: Temporarily modifying or avoiding activities that exacerbate symptoms can help prevent further irritation of the tendons.

7. Gradual Return to Activity: Once symptoms improve, a gradual return to sports or physical activities is recommended to avoid re-injury. This may involve a progressive increase in intensity, duration and frequency of exercise under the guidance of a physiotherapist.

It's essential for individuals with hamstring tendinopathy to seek professional guidance from a physiotherapist or sports medicine specialist for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan tailored to their specific needs and goals. Additionally, maintaining good overall conditioning, proper warm-up and cool-down routines and using appropriate equipment and footwear can help prevent recurrence of hamstring tendinopathy.