Dodgey hamstrings

[Karl_james]

Hi

I'm 22 and play football (Australian Rules). I've been battling with a hamstring problem over the last football season right up until now.
first I torn my left hamstring and then when I started playing my first game back I torn my right hamstring.
When the right hamstring came good I was able to play the remainder 2 games of the season.
now I completed a full pre-season and strained my right hamstring twice just in the last month or so.
also I have tight back all the time (mid section around the spine).

I always have a good warm up and stretch.
Last year I had visits to both the Chiropractor and Physiotherapists.
this year I've had sports massage and some Bowen therapy sessions. this has not yet solved my problem.
Also I have just had the podiatrists prescribe me foot orthoses. may help?

Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks

[Heidi]

Hi

Recurring hamstring strains can be a real problem. They can be caused by a few things, these are the most common:

Inadequate rehabilitation - not strengthening fully following initial tear - include eccentric strengthening as this is when the hamstrings are commonly injured.
Weak glut (buttock) muscles - places extra strain on hamstrings.
Weak core - the pelvis needs to provide a stable base for the hamstrings to attach to.

You can find out more about these things on our hamstring page:
http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/cybertherapist/back/hamstrings/hamstringstrain.htm

If you think anmy of these might be the case, work on this for a few weeks, including stretching and massage too. Make sure you have a very gradual return to sport