Physical Therapy for Pulled Hamstring
If you’ve ever played a sport, like football or soccer, and ran toward the ball or another player, you might remember how you piled on the speed and gave it your all in the contest. These are the types of situations where injuries sometimes happen, and that can include a hamstring injury. Like a rubber band snapping, a person can pull their hamstring in a split second, resulting in pain, tightness, and the feeling of spasming muscle.
Whatever the scenario, as non-athletes can also overextend their leg and experience a pulled hamstring as well, this injury can be very painful or at best, extremely uncomfortable in the most mild cases.
At Evolution, we see athletes for this particular injury all the time. And even if you weren’t playing sports at the time, we are experts at treating and rehabilitating those with a strained hamstring.
What is a Hamstring Strain?
A pulled hamstring usually strikes fast, with a sudden, sharp pain in the back of the thigh—often during sprinting, jumping, or changing direction quickly. Some people describe it as feeling like they were “hit” or that something snapped inside the leg. In more serious injuries, you might even hear a pop at the moment it happens.
Other symptoms can include:
- Swelling and bruising that develops within hours or days, often along the thigh or behind the knee.
- Tenderness when pressing on the muscle, especially at the site of the strain.
- Stiffness or weakness when trying to bend or straighten your leg.
- Pain while walking—you might limp or find it hard to put weight on the leg.
- Muscle cramping or spasms during or after the injury.
- The severity of symptoms depends on how badly the muscle is injured:
- Grade 1 (Mild): Feels like a light pull or tightness with little to no loss of strength.
- Grade 2 (Moderate): More noticeable pain, possible swelling or bruising, and reduced strength.
- Grade 3 (Severe): A complete tear of the muscle, significant pain and swelling, and major loss of function.
If you’re dealing with any of these symptoms, especially if they affect how you move, a physical therapist can help you recover safely and effectively.
Can a Hamstring Strain Go Away on Its Own?
Hamstring strains happen when one of the muscles in the back of your thigh—typically the biceps femoris, semitendinosus, or semimembranosus—is overstretched or torn. While mild strains may improve with rest and self-care, it’s important to understand what causes the injury in the first place to avoid setbacks.
Most hamstring injuries occur during explosive movements like sprinting, jumping, or quick changes in direction. These actions put intense pressure on the hamstring while it’s lengthening, which can lead to strain. Muscle imbalances—especially if your quads are much stronger than your hamstrings—can also increase your risk, as can general fatigue, tightness, or a poor warm-up.
Overuse is another common cause. Repetitive motion from running, cycling, or certain sports can gradually stress the muscle over time. And if you’ve had a hamstring injury before, that area is more vulnerable to re-injury, especially without proper rehab.
While some hamstring pulls may ease up with rest, many don’t fully heal without targeted recovery. Working with a physical therapist can help you regain strength, restore mobility, and reduce the risk of a repeat injury.
Is a Pulled Hamstring and a Torn Hamstring the Same Thing?
Yes—and no. A pulled hamstring and a torn hamstring both describe the same type of injury to the muscle, but the terms reflect different levels of severity. “Pulled hamstring” can be used to describe mild to moderate strains, while “torn hamstring” usually refers to more severe injuries.
Additionally, hamstring injuries are classified into three grades. A Grade 1 strain is mild and involves overstretching or tiny tears in the muscle fibers and this is typically what people mean when they say they’ve “pulled” a hamstring. A Grade 2 strain is more significant, with a partial tear that causes pain, swelling, and limited movement. A Grade 3 strain is a complete tear that often requires more intensive treatment or even surgery.
Thus, while the terms are used interchangeably, the real difference is in how badly the muscle has been damaged.
Can a Physical Therapist Treat a Pulled Hamstring?
Physical therapists are often the best providers to treat and manage a pulled hamstring, especially when the injury is mild to moderate. Treatment starts with a detailed evaluation to determine the severity and create a recovery plan that targets pain, flexibility, and strength.
In the early stages, therapy may involve ice, heat, manual techniques, and gentle stretching to ease discomfort and reduce inflammation. As healing progresses, your therapist will guide you through targeted exercises to rebuild strength in the hamstring and supporting muscles like the glutes and quads. The goal is to restore movement, prevent reinjury, and get you back to your regular activities safely.
In more severe cases, like a complete tear that requires surgery, physical therapy is essential after the procedure to help you recover and return to full function. Whether you’re rehabbing from a small strain or bouncing back from surgery, physical therapy plays a central role in long-term recovery.
Physical Therapy Treatments for Hamstring, Groin, and Quad Strains
Recovery starts with RICE, AKA rest, ice, compression, elevation, and in the first 48–72 hours to manage pain and swelling. After that, physical therapy focuses on restoring movement, building strength, and preventing reinjury through a progressive rehab plan.
Common treatments may include:
- Manual Therapy
- Therapeutic Exercise
- Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Therapy
- Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM)
- Sports Performance Training
Each rehab phase is tailored to your recovery stage, beginning with gentle mobility and ending with a safe return to full activity.
When to see a Physical Therapist for Hamstring Strain
If you’re experiencing pain in the back of your thigh or think you may have a hamstring strain, it’s important to connect with a licensed physical therapist. At Evolution Physical Therapy, our expert providers in California, Colorado, Connecticut, and Long Island offer personalized treatment plans to help you recover safely and effectively. We’re here to support you with the care, education, and tools you need to get back to doing what you love. Call us today to schedule an appointment at a location near you, or fill out our Request an Appointment form to get started.
When to see a Physical Therapist for your Injury of the Hamstring, Groin, or Quads
If you are experiencing pain in your hamstring, groin, or quads or similar type of injury, please visit us at Evolution. We are here to help you on the road to recovery. Our specialized team is here to help you and offer customizable plans to ensure that our patients are receiving the best-suited treatment. At Evolution Physical Therapy, we have convenient locations throughout California, Colorado, Connecticut, and Long Island, with specialist PT providers. Our physical therapy services will provide you with the treatment, education, and additional support you need as you get back into the game or your daily routine. Reach out to us today by calling us to set up an appointment at a location near you, or fill out our Request an Appointment form.
