Ask the PT: Tight Hamstrings
Balanced Movement Studio
Q: I’ve tried stretching my hamstrings daily, foam rolling, massage, and all sorts of yoga, but they still remain tight and painful! What’s the deal?
A:The real question on tight hamstrings that remain tight despite best efforts is to understand the function of the dysfunction. What I mean is that the hamstring tightness must in some way be helping your body achieve something that it needs. Stability forward and back, rotationally or laterally can all be assisted by hamstrings, but that is not the best use of them. Their best use is to drive the body forward. If something else is slacking in the stability department, then hamstrings can get called upon. They can’t continuously hold tension for stability and quickly stretch then contract to drive you forward. We use this premise as a starting point to figure out what is needed to allow the hamstrings to then function fully.
Physical therapy can help you to discern your body’s pattern and begin to go about changing it. In your initial visit, we’ll get video of your running form, complete a good functional screen and a thorough physical evaluation.
Call our office at 919.942.0240 to schedule your appointment!
Categories: Articles, Ask the PT