Ask a PT

156 Posts
 
Posted - 08/29/2007 :  08:17:31  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
Our user asked: "Hi, I have been working out regularly and durign some weight training work on Sat. I must have strained the muscle. It didn't hurt that day, but yesterday and today...it's so sore I'm limping and it hurts to the touch. It feels like there is a lump in there, like a spasm. I'm not sure if I should bike to loosen it...because I friend of mine said that she had something similar and hurt it worse biking because she had a tear and deepened it. Ideas?"

Ask a PT Response: "With a hamstring strain a patient should not perform activities which would aggravate the injury. If biking does not increase symptoms, then it can be performed. The level and intensity should be low. Often times for a hamstring strain, there can be increase tissue tension. That may be what you are experiencing. A hamstring tear is usually sustained when performing high velocity activities or with activities which require a sudden change of direction. Should a hamstring strain be sustained, a therapist often prescribes gentle stretching and strengthening exercises to help maintain range of motion and strength. Soft tissue mobilization or massage along with modalities can be performed or utilized as well. Please see the link provided to learn more about what PT's would do for this injury: http://www.cyberpt.com/cptcondtrt6hmstrng.asp - http://www.cyberpt.com/cptcondtrt6hmstrng.asp . Thanks for using CyberPT."