Sports Massage For Hamstrings

Hamstring massage

Sports massage or soft tissue massage is important for recovering from pulled hamstrings as well as preventing injury. Here we explain how sports massage is applied to the hamstrings for recovery and injury prevention.

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Medically reviewed by Dr Chaminda Goonetilleke, 21st Feb. 2022

The following is for information purposes. We always recommend seeking professional advice before attempting and self-treatment.

Before beginning massage therapy your therapist will check for contraindications. If any apply to you then massage is not suitable and may cause further injury.

When can I begin sports massage?

Sports Massage can begin after the acute stage has passed, but the pressure must be very light and superficial. Later, as your injury heals, techniques can become gradually deeper.

Hamstring massage techniques

Why is massage beneficial?

Massage helps break down any scar tissue that has formed. It also helps relax tight muscles and stimulate blood flow to the area. As a result, aids the healing process and may increase flexibility.

Light massage can be applied daily initially but later on, as the techniques become deeper, more recovery time between sessions may be required.

Massage contraindications

Massage contraindications are injuries and conditions where using massage could be harmful or dangerous. The following may be relevant to hamstring strains.

Open wounds – Any cuts, lacerations, or grazes. You should wait until the scar has properly formed which is usually between one and two weeks.

Muscle ruptures (acute stage) – In the acute stage, soft tissue may still be bleeding. Massage will increase bleeding and tissue damage and prolong recovery. After the initial 48 to 72 hours, massage may be possible but it will depend on the extent of the injury.

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Tendon ruptures – The above also applies to tendon injuries. Complete ruptures are contraindications for massage and need surgery, not massage.

Contusions – These are impact injuries causing bleeding within the muscle. Massage to a contusion too soon after the injury may cause further damage and may lead to Myositis Ossificans (bone growth within the muscle).

Burns, Chilblains and Broken bones – Massaging all of these will hurt and cause damage. Don’t do it.

Myositis ossificans – A bad contusion or muscle rupture may begin to calcify (grow bone). Massage will make the damage worse.

Other conditions include:

  • Periostitis – This is inflammation of the sheath that surrounds the bone.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis and gout.
  • Bursitis
  • Infections
  • Thrombosis
  • Haemophilia
  • Tumours

Read more on massage contraindications.

Hamstring strain Rehabilitation Program

Our step-by-step rehabilitation program takes you from initial injury to full fitness.

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