Hamstring treatment depends on the grade or level of injury. Ideally there are three levels. For injury of the first degree a strict rest period of 2-3 weeks should follow. For the second degree the resting period varies between 6-8 weeks. For injuries of the third degree the treatment may end with surgery and a proper rehabilitation program. For a clear diagnosis an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) or ultrasonography is advisable.
Third degree injuries cause a complete rupture of the muscle and so the rehabilitation period is very crucial. Any minute mistake could make things worse and one could end up loosing a lot of time in proper recovery.
The best treatment for hamstring injury is by preventing any kind of stress or pressure and involving in training programs that work on increasing power, strength, flexibility co-ordination and the like.
The treatment for hamstring muscle pull ideally begins with the most traditional and initial technique of the cold therapy i.e. Rest Ice Compress and Elevation. As soon as there is an injury the injured need to succumb to rest, an ice pack should be applied on to the affected area, put a compression bandage and elevate the limb.
If the injured is a sports person then referring a sport injury specialist would help organize things better. The specialists are aware of certain sport massages that not only help relieve pain but also helps speed up the process of recovery.
Right after the RICE therapy the injured needs to start off with a proper rehabilitation program. As stated earlier that; if the injured is a sports person then a sport injury specialist would design the program giving adequate importance to rest and rebuilding of the muscle, its strength and flexibility.
Treatment for torn hamstring is more or less similar as stated above. The degree of the injury may vary and so it is always wise to have a scan. This would further help you estimate the minimum amount of time that you would require to recover fully. Remember, it may take time but it’s worth it. Make sure you wait for the injury to heal entirely else it will only increase your pain and recur in a big way even for a minute injury.
Hamstrings are not a matter of concern for people in general. But if your activities involve running, or any sporting activity then you better take care and ensure proper flexibility and stretching in the warm up sessions!