What Is a Hamstring Strain?

A hamstring strain occurs when one or more of the muscles at the back of the thigh are overstretched or torn. The hamstring muscle group includes the biceps femoris, semitendinosus, and semimembranosus, which are responsible for bending the knee and extending the hip. Strains are categorized by severity — from minor overstretching (Grade 1) to partial (Grade 2) or complete tears (Grade 3).

Common Causes & Risk Factors

Hamstring strains commonly occur due to:

• Sudden explosive movements such as sprinting, jumping, or lunging

• Insufficient warm-up or poor flexibility in the posterior chain

• Muscle imbalances, especially if the quadriceps are significantly stronger than the hamstrings

• Poor core or pelvic stability, leading to overload on the hamstrings

• Lumbar spine or sacroiliac joint dysfunction, altering biomechanics and stressing the posterior thigh

• Previous hamstring injuries, which increase the risk of recurrence

Symptoms of a Hamstring Strain

You may experience:

• Sharp pain in the back of the thigh during movement, especially when running or kicking

• Swelling or bruising in the hamstring region

• Tenderness or a palpable lump where the muscle has torn

• Stiffness and reduced range of motion, especially when bending the knee or flexing the hip

• Pain when walking, particularly uphill or when trying to extend your leg

• Muscle weakness, especially during resistance testing or acceleration

How We Diagnose Hamstring Strains at Advanced Chiropractic & Spine Center

At our Souderton office, Dr. Keith Miller and Dr. Matthew Booth perform a full clinical evaluation to identify the location, severity, and underlying contributors to your hamstring injury. This includes:

Patient History & Activity Review

We’ll assess how and when the injury occurred, what makes symptoms worse, and your activity level or sport.

Physical Examination

Includes palpation of the hamstring muscles, range of motion and strength testing, and flexibility screening to determine the degree of strain.

Gait & Posture Assessment

We examine how you walk, stand, and move, including pelvic alignment and lumbar spine mechanics, to find contributing biomechanical issues.

Imaging (if necessary)

Ultrasound or MRI may be recommended for suspected Grade 2–3 tears or if symptoms persist despite conservative care.

Treatment Options at Our Office

We offer comprehensive, conservative care for hamstring strains to reduce pain, restore function, and minimize reinjury risk.

Treatment Type	What It Involves	Benefits for Hamstring Strain
Chiropractic Adjustments	Gentle adjustments to the lumbar spine, sacroiliac joints, and pelvis	Improves alignment and biomechanics, reduces strain on hamstrings
Soft Tissue Mobilization & Myofascial Release	Hands-on therapy targeting the hamstrings, glutes, and posterior thigh fascia	Breaks down adhesions, improves circulation, reduces muscle tightness
Active Release Techniques (ART)	Precision muscle release work to lengthen and restore function	Especially effective when scar tissue limits flexibility or causes pain
Graston Technique / Instrument-Assisted Therapy	Tool-assisted soft tissue mobilization on the hamstrings and gluteal area	Speeds up healing and tissue remodeling
Corrective Exercise	Progressive rehab plan: hamstring stretching, eccentric strengthening, glute/core activation	Restores strength and flexibility, reduces reinjury risk
Pain & Inflammation Modalities	Cold therapy, Class IV laser, or electrical stimulation as appropriate	Reduces pain, inflammation, and enhances tissue repair

What to Expect: Timeline & Recovery

• Mild (Grade 1) — Often resolves in 1–3 weeks with early care and activity modification.

• Moderate (Grade 2) — May require 4–8 weeks depending on tear extent and compliance with treatment.

• Severe (Grade 3) — Full or near-complete tears may take several months, with referral for orthopedic consultation if surgical care is needed.

We tailor the care plan to your activity level and recovery goals and closely monitor your progress.

Why Choose Advanced Chiropractic & Spine Center in Souderton, PA?

• Experienced Providers: Dr. Keith Miller and Dr. Matthew Booth specialize in muscle, joint, and sport-related injuries.

• Personalized Treatment Plans: Each recovery plan is based on your exam findings, sport/work demands, and injury severity.

• Local & Convenient: Located in Souderton, PA — serving Telford, Franconia, Harleysville, and surrounding areas.

• Holistic, Drug-Free Approach: We focus on resolving the root cause without pain meds or surgery.

• Corrective Exercise Emphasis: We help you get stronger to prevent future hamstring issues.
  
  

Let us help you get back to doing what you love — faster, safer, and stronger.

📞 Call today to schedule your appointment with Dr. Miller or Dr. Booth at Advanced Chiropractic & Spine Center in Souderton, PA.