Hamstring Strains : A Common Injury Among Soccer, Football, and Lacrosse Players
Hamstring strains are one of the most common injuries faced by athletes, particularly in high-demand sports like soccer, football, and lacrosse. Locally here inBelmont, NC, where youth and adult sports leagues thrive, understanding this prevalent injury is crucial for both prevention and recovery. At Carolina Movement Doc, we specialize in helping athletes recover and return to their sport stronger than ever using advanced techniques such as Dry Needling, Cup Therapy, and proper loading exercises.
Why Are Hamstring Strains So Common in Soccer, Football, and Lacrosse?
Hamstring strains occur when the muscles in the back of the thigh are overstretched or torn. These injuries are particularly prevalent in soccer, football, and lacrosse due to the explosive movements these sports demand. Athletes frequently sprint, decelerate, change direction, and kick—all of which place significant stress on the hamstring muscles. Poor flexibility, muscle imbalances, and fatigue can further increase the risk of injury. We also often find that our youth athletes have a gross level of de-conditioning and strength deficits that doesn’t quite meet the demands of the sport they play. This is a nasty recipe for disaster in most cases.
Signs and Symptoms of a Hamstring Strain
Hamstring strains can vary in severity, but common symptoms include:
Sudden, sharp pain in the back of the thigh during activity (this may seem obvious but definitely the first sign)
Swelling or bruising
Difficulty walking or running
Tenderness to touch
Weakness in the affected leg
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s essential to seek professional evaluation to ensure proper treatment and recovery. Time does matter in this case so DO NOT WAIT to get this addressed as soon as it happens.
How Carolina Movement Doc Helps Athletes Recover
At Carolina Movement Doc in Belmont, NC and Cramerton, NC, we take a comprehensive approach to treating hamstring strains. Our goal is to address the injury while also reducing the risk of re-injury. In fact, our goal is to build you back BETTER than you were before. Here’s how we do it:
Dry Needling
Dry needling is an effective technique for reducing pain and releasing tension in the hamstring muscles. By targeting trigger points, dry needling promotes blood flow and accelerates the healing process. Hamstrings take a little longer to recover from and the muscle tissue tends to get aggravated quickly. Our gentle and expert Dry Needling approach helps knock down pain and get back reduce the amount tension and guarding.
Cup Therapy
Cup therapy, or cupping, is another innovative treatment we use to alleviate muscle tension and improve circulation. This therapy helps reduce stiffness and promotes mobility, which is essential for a full recovery.
Proper Loading Exercises
Rehabilitation isn’t complete without proper loading exercises. This is what REALLY sets us apart. Our exercises are actually tough and meaningful! These exercises strengthen the hamstring muscles, improve flexibility, and enhance overall athletic performance. The also include POWER and EXPLOSIVENESS. We design individualized programs to ensure you build resilience and return to sport with confidence.
Preventing Hamstring Strains
Prevention is always better than cure. Here are some tips to minimize your risk of hamstring strains:
Warm Up Properly: Always include dynamic stretches and light aerobic activity before intense training or games. We have A TON of warm up videos on our YouTube channel to help you out.
Strength Training: Incorporate exercises that target the hamstrings, glutes, and core. Not only strength, but POWER and EXPLOSIVENESS training. We have the facility inside Immortal Athletics
Maintain Flexibility: Regular stretching can improve muscle elasticity.
Rest and Recovery: Allow adequate recovery time between practices and games to prevent fatigue-related injuries. Booking with our Sports Massage Therapist Mikey Black is a great way to stay recovered!
Professional Guidance: Consult with a physical therapist or movement specialist for personalized recommendations…which would be US!!!
Why Choose Carolina Movement Doc ?
Recovering from a hamstring strain requires more than just rest. At Carolina Movement Doc, we combine the latest techniques with personalized care to help athletes of all levels get back on the field faster and safer. Whether you’re a soccer player sprinting down the sideline, a football player making game-winning tackles, or a lacrosse player dodging defenders, we’re here to support your journey.
Don’t let a hamstring strain sideline your season. Contact Carolina Movement Doc today to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward recovery!
