Proximal Hamstring Tendinopathy Treatment

Proximal Hamstring Tendinopathy Treatment

Proximal Hamstring Tendinopathy, also known as ‘hamstring origin tendinopathy’, occurs due to damage or irritation to the proximal hamstring tendons, causing pain. At Vitalis Physiotherapy, our treatment of proximal hamstring tendinopathy aims to:

Alleviate Pain

Reduce Inflammation

Restore Movement

About the condition

What is Proximal Hamstring Tendinopathy?

Tendons are fibrous tissue which connect muscle to bones. The proximal hamstring tendons connect the three hamstring muscles to the ‘sit bone’ (ischial tuberosity) under the pelvis/buttocks.

Tendinopathyrefers to a failed healing process of a damaged tendon, causing microtears, degeneration and irritation. Tendon pain is not not well understood.  The current thinking is that the tendon has a continuum from healthy, reactive, dysrepair and degenerative.  The tendon can move along the continuum as it overloads or reduces load.  Proximal Hamstring Tendinopathy develops as a result of this, causing thickening of the tendon, pain and discomfort in the hamstrings and buttocks.

Causes

What are the causes?

This condition is triggered and worsened by sustained pressure and force to the hamstrings, underside of the pelvis and buttocks. Some common factors which influence injury include:

  • Repetitive overload/stress due to sports – e.g., running, biking, soccer, etc
  • Overstretching the hamstring frequently – e.g. yoga, pilates, etc.
  • Sustained pressure due to prolonged periods of sitting
  • Previous tendon tears
Symptoms

What are the symptoms?

  • Deep pain in the hamstring/upper thighs/buttocks Gradual onset (depends on severity)
  • Gradual onset (depends on severity)
  • Swelling at the injury site
  • Limited range of movement
  • Bruising/tenderness/blotchy skin
  • Tingling/numbness of the hamstring (similar to sciatica)
  • Muscle spasms
  • Reduced upper leg strength
  • Pain with direct use of the hamstring (e.g. cycling, running, etc.)
Treatment

Treatment for Proximal Hamstring Tendinopathy

If you suspect you have hamstring tendinopathy, it is important to see a physiotherapist or medical professional. You may also be referred for imaging tests to determine the location and extent of the condition, or to rule out a differential diagnosis.

Physical therapy is highly beneficial in restoring movement and normalising loading. At Vitalis Physiotherapy, we tailor a unique treatment plan to aid in your recovery through:

If the pain and reduced movement is severe, strenuous activity should be avoided. Your physiotherapist may also advise heat or ice application, rest and if necessary, pain medication. Additionally, they might recommend for you to use supportive braces or straps.

  • Stretching, strengthening and/or conditioning exercises
  • Restoring range of movement
  • Soft tissue mobilisations (massage)
  • Shockwave Therapy
  • Dry needling
  • Taping
  • Ice
  • A unique home exercise program
  • Graded Exposure to load program

Need Help?

Are you in pain caused by a proximal hamstring tendinopathy? Contact Vitalis Physiotherapy now to book in your treatment. Call our friendly team on 0410 559 856. We’d love to help.