Hamstring Strain Assessment
A thorough assessment is important to properly diagnose a hamstring strain. We look at some simple techniques a therapist may use to diagnose a hamstring strain.
Assessment of any injury should include questions concerning the patients general health, previous injuries and current injury. The aim of these questions is to determine which structure may be causing the pain and what treatment is appropriate.
The therapist will then perform several tests and assessments, as shown in the video above and described below:
Straight leg raise
The therapist raises the leg off the couch as far as is comfortable for the patient, keeping the knee straight. This stretches the hamstring muscles and may reproduce the patients pain. The therapist should also observe how far the leg can be lifted. A normal range of motion is 80-90 degrees. Movement less than this and especially less than on the other side indicates that the hamstring muscles are tight.
Resisted knee flexion
The therapist provides resistance as the patient bends their knee. This causes the hamstring muscles to contract which will be painful in most hamstring strains. The strength of the movement should also be compared to the other side as weakness may also suggest a hamstring strain.
Slump test
The slump test can be used to determine if there is neural involvement. The patient bends the head down, straightens one leg and points the toes up to the ceiling. The therapist will then push the patient forwards to increase the stretch. Pain shooting down the leg or reproduction of any other symptoms are a positive result.
Palpation
The therapist will feel or 'palpate' the muscles, observing areas of pain, tension or gaps within the muscle.
Pain in the hamstring area can indicate a strain to one or more of these three muscles. It can however, also be a symptom of many other conditions, including contusions, adductor (groin) strains, sciatic pain, referred pain from the sacroiliac joint or lower back, gluteal trigger points and bursitis. A thorough assessment will help to determine the cause of the pain.
