WHAT IS IT? REFERRED HAMSTRING PAIN
Pain which is felt in the hamstring but originates from another source.
Other sources which can refer pain to the hamstring region include the upper and lower back, sacroiliac joint, and trigger points elsewehere.
Signs & Symptoms
Tightness of hamstring
Vaguely located pain in hamstring
Onset can be sudden or gradual
No significant loss of flexibility (glutes and hamstrings may be a bit tight)
No significant loss of muscle strength
Stiff or problematic thoracolumbar spine
What Causes It?
Stiffness or pathology of lumbar spine
Stiff SIJ
Trigger points within the glutes or piriformis muscle
Positive ‘slump’ test which denotes nerve tightness
How to Self Manage
Stretch your hamstring and glute muscles
Avoid prolonged sitting as it can affect the back, and muscle length
Prognosis
Referred pain is likely to be a recurrent problem until the source is identified and managed.
How Physio Helps
Confirm the source of hamstring pain
Assess for muscle imbalance and tightness
Assess the mobility of your thoracic and lumbar spine
Assess the function of your sacroiliac joint
Soft tissue massage
Trigger point release
Dry needling
Neural mobilisation
Exercises to address areas referring pain