Hamstring

I've recently been to see a physio through my GP after spending a fortune on unsuccessful private physio appointments, they all told me I had a hamstring tear and to do lots of stretches. This went on for about 12 months with no real development ad I consistently struggle with my hamstrings but other problems also, all down the same leg. I always felt the problem was rooted in my buttock so went back to the GP and he referred me for (free!) physio. This physio instantly got to the rot of the problem by looking for cause rather than treating symptoms. She advised me that I had piriformis and that it was caused by neurological inflexibility in my back. She told me to be careful when I stretch as it could be aggravating the problem rather tan helping it and suggested some gentle nerve stretches and core and glute strengthening exercises but mainly advised me to do back compressions whenever problems with my hamstring arise when running. Her advice has proved invaluable and is the first person who has been able to suggest anything that has actually improved my symptoms, so I'm hoping that over time my hamstring trouble may subside. I don't know if this helps anyone but I found the info on nerve inflexibility to be exactly suited to my problems. I think a lot more of our leg and foot problems begin in our back than we realise without any direct symptoms.

Hi

my left hamstring is tighter than my right. I don't know how this happened as they used to be pretty equal.

When I perfom a hamstring stretch, placing one leg in front of the other and stretching the back leg, I can tough the floor with my knuckles on the right but struggle to touch the floor with my left.

So far so what, but I am also getting tightness, stiffness and some pain in my lower left back when I run. On long runs this holding me back and spoiling the fun. I'm guessing the two things are connected.

before i go t'physio, any ideas? any particular stretches anyone could recommend?

thanks in advance

I have had a lot of back problems lately and only lately realised the connection with the hamstring, same as you; physio gave me back stretches and a stretch which seems to help: lie on back, cross right knee over left leg (right leg bent), put left hand on right knee and push down - it's a standardish stretch I think, seems to work the glutes (are they yer buttocks??) which are very tight on my left side, but other than those I have been doing common stretches for hamstring flexibility. be careful with your posture. My back 'went' about 5 years ago and since then I have been very wary of any core exercises etc. as they would set off twinges in my back , but actually I think I should have done lots as loss of core flexibility stored up lots of back problems.

Oh and I am trying to swim at least once a week which I think helps a lot.

grouse

I used to swim regular but last year and a half have struggle to make it. Think this hasn't helped.

Your comment about "glutes" made me think. Have googled glute stretches and found this http://www.fitness-training-at-home....stretches.html

Tried the stacked knee stretch and pigeon stretch and found them particularly helpful/effective/sore (all the same eh?)

cheers for reply, I think you may have pointed me in helpful direction

You must be Joe King. I could not get near those stretches.

Iyengar yoga is good for core strength and stretching your body.

We haven't had a hamstring thread for a while.

However, I'm out of action yet again with my fifth injury since May, and the hamstring has been sore for over 3 weeks now.
Reading advice on various sites, I'm struck by how much is conflicting. Some experts advise keeping jogging, whilst others say to avoid running at all costs. Some counsel rigorous stretching regimes, whilst others assert that stretching is of no proven value when it comes to averting injury or rehabilitating hamstrings, but that strengthening them is the key.

Anyone have any thoughts on these issues?

Not aimed specifically at hamstrings, but my understanding is that whilst injured, stretching is pointless and will probably aggravate things. Mild strength work and running is good provided you have no pain, pain = stop. Stretching should be used after the injury has recovered to help avoid repeat injuries in conjunction with more intense strengthening work.

Good luck

Weak muscles tear, torn muscles shorten. Stretch - gently - and strengthen with eccentric exercises - the best way to build strength. Look up the Nordic hamstring exercise.