With races coming around the corner, like the Big Half or the Royal Park Half marathon, it made us think of the injuries runners might experience along their training. One of them is called a hamstring tendinopathy. If you've been struggling with pain high up at the back of your thigh or deep around your sitting bone, especially when running, climbing hills or sitting for long periods, you may be dealing with a hamstring tendinopathy. Unlike a sudden hamstring strain, tendinopathies develop gradually when the tendon is repeatedly overloaded. It's a common condition that can be frustrating, especially as it typically doesn't settle with rest alone.
Who gets hamstring tendinopathy?
This condition is most common in runners, cyclists, and people involved in sports that require repeated sprinting or jumping. However, it's not just athletes who are affected. Anyone who suddenly increases their activity levels or spends long periods sitting while remaining active can develop hamstring tendon pain.
What's happening in the tendon?
Your hamstring tendon connects the muscles at the back of your thigh to the bone. When it's exposed to more load than it can tolerate, small changes occur within the tendon. Instead of healing effectively, the collagen fibres become less organised, making the tendon less able to cope with everyday stresses.
How long does recovery take?
Tendon injuries unfortunately require patience. Recovery can take anywhere from 6 to 12 weeks in milder cases, while more persistent symptoms may take 3 to 6 months or longer. The key to recovery is gradually rebuilding the tendon's strength rather than avoiding activity completely. This is something to keep in mind when you need to take a decision as to whether you will run your race or not. At Osteo Jura, we highly recommend coming in for an assessment to discuss your injury and plans for the race. Not only can we take care of your recovery, but we can also help you make decisions about the race.
How can osteopathy help?
During your Osteo session, we take the time to understand not just where your pain is, but why it's there. We'll assess how your body moves, identify factors contributing to the overload, and create a treatment plan tailored to you. This includes manual therapy, exercise therapy and kinesiotaping to help your tendon regain its capacity over time.
If you're living with persistent hamstring pain, book your appointment to get your injury assessed. We’ll be delighted to help you remove the nagging pain you’re experiencing and help you return to the activities you love.
