Réhabital
Hamstring Strain and Tear
Sudden pain at the back of the thigh during a sprint is one of the most common sports injuries — and one of the most recurrent, precisely because people return too soon. In Côte Saint-Luc our plan combines progressive rehabilitation, rigorous eccentric strengthening and objective criteria before returning to speed.
Book an AppointmentUnderstanding This Condition
The hamstrings — biceps femoris, semitendinosus and semimembranosus — decelerate the leg at the end of swing phase during running. That moment, under eccentric load in a lengthened position, is when they are most vulnerable. Biceps femoris is involved in most cases. Sprint-type injuries near the muscle belly recover relatively well; stretch-type injuries near the proximal tendon heal more slowly. Recurrence rates are high — up to a third within a year — when rehabilitation stops as soon as pain disappears. The reason is simple: pain resolves well before eccentric strength and lengthened-state capacity are restored. Deep buttock pain, worst with prolonged sitting, points instead to proximal hamstring tendinopathy, which needs a different progression.
Common Symptoms
Common Causes
Eccentric load at terminal swing
During sprinting the hamstring decelerates the extended leg — the most demanding load and the most common injury mechanism.
Previous injury
A poorly rehabilitated earlier strain is the leading risk factor for recurrence, because of residual strength deficits.
Lack of eccentric strength
Eccentric weakness and limited lengthened-state capacity markedly increase vulnerability.
Fatigue and training load
A rapid rise in sprint volume, or the closing minutes of a match, coincides with most injuries.
Lumbopelvic mechanics
Anterior pelvic tilt, weak glutes or stiff hip flexors change the working length of the hamstrings.
Our Treatment Approach
The acute phase protects without immobilising: reduced load, normal walking as soon as possible, gentle mobilisation and pain-free isometrics within the first days, because prolonged rest delays recovery. The intermediate phase introduces progressive strengthening through increasing range, emphasising eccentric work — Nordic hamstring curls, Romanian deadlifts, lengthened-position exercises — plus glute strengthening and lumbopelvic control. The final phase adds graded running, accelerations, then sprinting and sport-specific movements. Return is validated by criteria: no tenderness on palpation, eccentric strength symmetry, tolerance to graded sprinting. Manual therapy and massage support surrounding tissue mobility, and osteopathy helps when the hip or pelvis restricts mechanics.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
The first visit lasts about 60 minutes: injury assessment, strength testing and the start of the programme. Mild strains rehabilitate in three to six weeks, moderate in six to twelve, and proximal involvement can take several months.
At-Home Self-Care Tips
- Walk normally as soon as possible, without forcing a limp.
- Avoid aggressive passive stretching in the acute phase.
- Do the prescribed isometrics daily.
- Resume running only along the agreed progression.
- Maintain cardiovascular fitness (bike, swimming).
- Never stop eccentric strengthening once pain has gone.
Prognosis & Recovery Timeline
Mild strains heal in three to six weeks, moderate ones in six to twelve. The key to a durable outcome is continuing eccentric strengthening for months after pain resolves — that is what lowers recurrence.
When to See Us at Réhabital
Come in within the first days after a strain, or if back-of-thigh pain persists despite rest. Seek medical assessment for very severe pain, major strength loss or extensive bruising, to rule out tendon avulsion.
Why Réhabital Clinic
In Côte Saint-Luc our physiotherapy team does not end rehab when the pain stops: we measure eccentric strength and validate sprint tolerance before return to play.
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Our Core Treatments in Côte Saint-Luc
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Why Choose Réhabital?
Frequently Asked Questions
Address
D4-5800 Cavendish Blvd
Côte Saint-Luc, QC H4W 2T5
Phone
(438) 842-3550Hours
Mon–Fri: 10AM–8PM
Sun: 10AM–4PM
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