WHAT IS IT? REFERRED HAMSTRING PAIN
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Pain which is felt in the hamstring but originates from another source.
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Other sources which can refer pain to the hamstring region include the upper and lower back, sacroiliac joint, and trigger points elsewehere.
Signs and 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
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​WHAT CAUSES IT?
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Stiffness or pathology of lumbar spine
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Stiff SIJ
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Trigger points within the glutes or piriformis muscle
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Positive ‘slump’ test which denotes nerve tightness
HOW TO SELF MANAGE
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Stretch your hamstring and glute muscles
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Avoid prolonged sitting as it can affect the back, and muscle length
PROGNOSIS
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Referred pain is likely to be a recurrent problem until the source is identified and managed.
HOW PHYSIO HELPS?
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Confirm the source of hamstring pain
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Assess for muscle imbalance and tightness
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Assess the mobility of your thoracic and lumbar spine
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Assess the function of your sacroiliac joint
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Soft tissue massage
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Trigger point release
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Dry needling
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Neural mobilisation
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Exercises to address areas referring pain
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