Hamstring pulls, or strains, are classified by the severity of the tissue damage; Grade I is the less severe and Grade III is the most severe.
Grade I – Mild Hamstring Pull
A mild strain is classified as the overstretching of the fibers of the muscle or tendon. This type of strain causes discomfort in the upper thigh (and possibly lower back) area as opposed to acute pain. A mild muscle strain can be treated with cold compression and Blood Flow Stimulation Therapy™ to improve the health of the muscle tissue and restore the elasticity to reduce the risk of re-straining or tearing.
Grade II – Hamstring Tear
A ‘Grade II’ tear is the actual tearing of the muscle fibers and/or tendon. It would feel like a sharp pain in the back of the leg and you may hear atearing sound at the time of the injury. There will be a visiblehamstring contusion, or bruising, in the torn muscle area in the days following the injury. This grade of strain can also be effectively treated with cold compression and Blood Flow Stimulation Therapy™. It is recommended that you allow your hamstring and other leg muscles to rest when you can to allow the tear to heal.
Grade III – Hamstring Rupture
When a muscle ruptures, or tears completely, you will feel a very sharp pain at the point of the tearand you may hear or feel a ‘pop’. If you have a multi-muscle tear, it normally occurs at the point where your hamstring tendons and muscles meet near the ischium. There will be a significant amount of pain when attempting to move the leg and your range of motion will be limited. There will be a noticeable contusion(hamstring bruising) and swelling. Treatment of a complete tear usually requires surgery to re-join the muscle tissue at the point of the tear.
Cold compression and BFST® can be used prior to surgery to minimize tissue damage, resulting in a less invasive surgery. These therapies used after surgery will also help to reduce recovery time and will leave the muscle and surrounding tissue healthier, stronger, and less prone to future injury.