Probable torn hammy

[mcneal29]

Hello all.

I am posting in regards to an injury I received Thursday night. I was playing softball and noticed that my left hammy was tightening up a little. I played baseball in college, so I took proper precautions and stretched it out a bit and jogged on it to see how if felt. Thinking I would be alright, I went back into the outfield. Shortly afterwards, I sprinted towards a ball hit down the line and a out 2/3 of the way I felt a "pop" and fell to the ground. I pretty much thought/knew that it was my hammy right away.

Since then I have been utilizing RICE and been staying off of it with the exception of getting around on crutches. The pain isn't really bad at all, but when hobbling around every now and then there are some sharp pains. There is some slight swelling and very minimal bruising.

This is my first "serious" sports injury besides a strained rotator in college. From what I have been reading, it sounds like I have a a grade 2 injury (partial tear??). I am hoping to get back to work on Monday after sitting on my ass Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. I was wondering if anyone has any advice or any further diagnoses.

Many thanks...

[Heidi]

Hi there,

Sounds very much like a grade 2 hamstring tear. You have done the right thing to rest and ice etc.

You do need to start using it again gradually so that it doesn't tighten up. You should by now be able to stretch it gently, without pain. A little aching is fine.

What you really need is some deep tissue massage towards the end of this week. Sports massage is ideal. This will help it to heal by increasing the blood flow, stretching out the muscle fibres and breaking down scar tissue. Make sure that it has stopped bleeding (no extra bruising appearing) before you get a massage.

By then you should be starting some gentle strengthening too.
Have a look at this page to get some more ideas of what you can do:

http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/cybertherapist/back/hamstrings/hamstringstrain.htm

We also have a hamstring strain ebook which you can download which provides loads of useful information about the injury, treatment, exercises and prevention. There is a link to it from the above page.

I hope this helps,

Good luck!