Welcome to Ottawa Health: Performance and Rehabilitation in Ottawa, where you’ll find state-of-the-art care combined with personalized treatment for hamstring strains. Our team is dedicated to not only easing your pain but also ensuring a strong recovery process that helps you get back to your daily routine and beloved sports with increased strength and safety.

Insight into Hamstring Strains

Hamstring strains happen when the muscles at the back of your thigh are stretched beyond their limit and tear. These injuries are common among athletes engaging in activities like sprinting, jumping, and sudden movements. Hamstring strains range from Grade 1 (mild) to Grade 3 (severe), each presenting different levels of pain, swelling, and mobility issues.

Common symptoms include sudden, sharp pain in the back of the thigh, swelling, and bruising. Severe strains may lead to leg weakness, making walking or bearing weight challenging.

Signs to Monitor

Immediate Discomfort: Sudden pain, especially during fast movements or jumps.
Swelling and Discoloration: Noticeable swelling or discoloration in the thigh region.
Weakened Muscles: Difficulty in leg movements, particularly stretching or contracting the hamstring.
‘Popping’ Sensation: Some individuals feel a ‘pop’ when the injury occurs.

Causes of Hamstring Strains

Several factors contribute to hamstring strains:

Inadequate Warm-up: Failing to properly prepare muscles before intense activity.
Muscle Imbalance: Significant strength difference between front thigh muscles and hamstrings.
Overexertion: Repeated stress without sufficient recovery time.
Flexibility Issues: Tight muscles are more prone to injury.

Customized Physiotherapy for Hamstring Strains

At Ottawa Health: Performance and Rehabilitation in Ottawa, we offer a personalized approach to treating hamstring strains.

Thorough Evaluation

Your treatment process begins with a detailed assessment to understand the extent of your injury and its impact on your daily life.

Advanced Treatment Strategies

Based on your evaluation, we may suggest various treatment methods, including:

Tailored Exercise Programs: Focused on strengthening and stretching the hamstring to aid recovery and prevent re-injury.
Manual Therapy: Hands-on methods to facilitate recovery and reduce pain.
Activity Adjustment Advice: Techniques to modify your activities while maintaining fitness during recovery.

Complete Assistance and Rehabilitation

We are committed to your long-term recovery and preventing future injuries:

Continuous Physiotherapy Assistance: Adapting your treatment as you progress through recovery.
Advanced Rehabilitative Exercises: Geared towards fully restoring hamstring strength and flexibility.
Comprehensive Health Recommendations: Guidance on nutrition and lifestyle changes to aid your recovery.

Additional Services Available

Explore the broad range of services provided by Ottawa Health: Performance and Rehabilitation, designed to address various conditions and support your overall health and wellness journey.

Trust Ottawa Health: Performance and Rehabilitation for Expert Hamstring Strain Care

Choosing Ottawa Health: Performance and Rehabilitation in Ottawa means selecting a team deeply invested in your recovery and long-term well-being:

Experienced Team: Our team has extensive knowledge of hamstring-related injuries, providing top-notch care.
Personalized Care Plans: Acknowledging your unique circumstances, we offer customized treatment plans tailored to your specific needs and recovery objectives.
Innovative Approaches: Utilizing the latest techniques in treatment and physiotherapy to ensure effective relief and rehabilitation for your hamstring injury.
Continuous Assistance and Education: From your initial consultation to recovery, we are committed to providing valuable advice on managing your condition and preventing future injuries.

Your Companion for a Quick Recovery

Don’t let a hamstring strain hinder your progress. Reach out to Ottawa Health: Performance and Rehabilitation in Ottawa to kickstart your journey toward recovery. Our devoted team is here to support you every step of the way, aiding you in regaining strength, flexibility, and confidence in your movements.

Effective Treatment for Various Sports Injuries

Meniscal Injury Treatment
Rotator Cuff Tear Treatment
Shin Splints Treatment
ACL Tears Treatment

Hamstring Strain Treatment
Groin Pull Treatment
Concussion Treatment (Mild Traumatic Brain Injury)

Frequently Asked Questions about Hamstring Strain Treatment in Ottawa

What Is the Recovery Time for a Hamstring Strain?

The recovery period for a hamstring strain varies based on the injury’s severity. Mild strains (Grade 1) may heal within a few days to two weeks, allowing a gradual return to normal activities. Moderate strains (Grade 2) could take four to eight weeks for a full recovery, necessitating a structured rehabilitation program. Severe strains (Grade 3), involving a complete muscle tear, might require several months to heal. Following a tailored physiotherapy program significantly boosts recovery, ensuring a safe and efficient return to daily activities and sports.

Can I Still Exercise With a Hamstring Strain?

Yes, but it’s crucial to modify your exercise routine to prevent further injury. During the initial recovery phase, focus on low-impact activities that don’t strain the hamstring, such as swimming or stationary bike cycling. As you progress in recovery, your physiotherapist will introduce specific exercises to gradually strengthen and stretch the hamstring without risking re-injury. Listen to your body and communicate any pain or discomfort during exercises to your healthcare provider to ensure your activities support recovery.

How Can I Prevent Future Hamstring Strains?

Preventing future hamstring strains involves a comprehensive approach centered on strengthening, flexibility, and proper warm-up routines. Regularly engage in exercises that strengthen both the hamstrings and their opposing muscle groups, like the quadriceps, to maintain muscle balance. Include flexibility exercises and stretching in your daily routine to improve range of motion and reduce muscle tightness. Always warm up adequately before engaging in physical activity to prepare your muscles for exercise stress. Additionally, gradually increase workout intensity to avoid overstraining muscles.

Should I Use Ice or Heat for a Hamstring Strain?

Following a hamstring strain, it’s advised to use ice to reduce inflammation and numb pain. Apply an ice pack (or a bag of frozen peas) wrapped in a thin towel to the affected area for 15-20 minutes every two to three hours during the initial 48-72 hours post-injury. After the acute phase, when swelling decreases, you can incorporate heat therapy to enhance blood flow and muscle relaxation. Heat can be applied through a heat pack or warm bath. Always ensure that any heat application is at a safe temperature to prevent skin burns.

Ottawa Health: Performance and Rehabilitation
1535 Bank St, Ottawa, ON K1H 7Z1, Canada
(613) 728-9414

Hours:

Monday to Thursday: 8 AM – 7:30 PM
Friday: 8 AM – 8 PM
Saturday: 10 AM – 2 PM
Sunday: Closed