How Long Does It Take For Hamstring Tendonitis to Heal?
Symptoms, Causes, and Physio Treatments
Like a slow-burning fire, hamstring tendonitis can simmer in the background, waiting to flare up and sideline you from your favourite activities.
You may feel a dull ache or sharp pain in the back of your leg, just above the knee, which intensifies with every step or stride.
As you wonder what’s causing this nagging discomfort, you’re probably asking yourself: How long will it take to heal?
The answer depends on several factors, including the severity of your condition and the effectiveness of your treatment plan. Discover the recovery schedule and the most effective treatments in our latest blog.
What Is Hamstring Tendonitis?
When you experience pain and inflammation in the lower region of your hamstring tendons, it may be a sign of hamstring tendinitis, a condition often resulting from overuse or sudden increases in training intensity.
You’ll likely feel a sharp pain at the back of your knee, which can worsen during activities like jogging or cycling. Stiffness can accompany this painful hamstring behind the knee, and you may even experience hamstring aches while sitting.
Hamstring tendinitis primarily affects the ischial tuberosity, a bony prominence in your buttocks / glutes. The pain in your upper hamstring and buttocks can be a debilitating condition that requires immediate attention.
While it may start as a mild annoyance, it can quickly progress to a more severe issue if left untreated. If you’re experiencing persistent hamstring tendon pain, it’s essential to seek medical attention for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
A well-structured physiotherapy treatment plan can help alleviate the pain and promote healing, allowing you to return to your normal activities with ease.
Common Symptoms and Causes
Lower hamstring tendinitis symptoms often result from overuse, manifesting as pain and stiffness in the affected area, which can intensify during high-impact activities such as running, cycling, or weightlifting.
If you’re experiencing a dull ache or sharp pain in the back of your thigh or buttock, especially after engaging in these activities, you may be suffering from lower hamstring tendonitis.
Here are three common causes of lower hamstring tendinitis:
When the back of your thigh hurts, it’s crucial to recognise the signs of lower hamstring tendonitis and intervene early to prevent further damage. Understanding the symptoms and causes will better equip you to pursue effective treatment and return to your activities with freedom from pain.
Physio Treatments and Rehabilitation
To effectively manage hamstring tendinitis, you’ll work closely with a physiotherapist to develop a personalised rehabilitation plan that incorporates gradual loading, controlled strengthening exercises, and load management strategies tailored to your specific needs and pain levels. This plan will focus on restoring tendon strength and flexibility, vital for a successful return to activity.
Initial treatment may involve relative rest, ice application, and pain management, followed by a structured physiotherapy plan. Key rehabilitation exercises include isometric holds, eccentric hamstring curls, and controlled bridging. We will encourage you to monitor your pain levels during rehabilitation to ensure that the exercises don’t exacerbate the condition, thereby facilitating a safe progression in activity.
Regular assessments by your physiotherapist are essential to adjust rehabilitation strategies based on recovery stages and prevent potential setbacks. Working together will alleviate pain and promote recovery. With a well-structured rehabilitation plan, you’ll be on the path to restoring function and preventing re-injury, ultimately achieving freedom from hamstring tendonitis.
Factors Affecting Recovery Time
Recovery time for hamstring tendonitis varies considerably from person to person, influenced by a range of factors including the severity of the condition, adherence to treatment protocols, and individual health characteristics.
You can impact your recovery time by recognising the factors that influence your recovery time can have an impact. Here are a few key considerations:
Additionally, your overall physical health and modifications to activity levels play a significant role in reducing recovery time.
Early intervention also aids in preventing chronic issues and ensuring a successful return to activity.
Typical Healing Time and Prognosis
How long does hamstring tendonitis take to heal, and what’s the expected prognosis for a full recovery? The severity of your condition and your treatment compliance determine the answer:
| Recovery Stage | Typical Recovery Time |
|---|---|
Acute / Reactive | Several weeks |
Dysrepair | 4 - 9 months |
Degenerative | 12 -18 months |
Post-Surgical | 6 - 12 months |
If you’re experiencing a mild case of hamstring tendonitis, you can expect to recover within a few weeks. However, if your condition is more severe or has progressed to the degenerative stage, recovery may take several months.
Early intervention is key to preventing chronic issues and ensuring a successful return to activity. By following a structured rehabilitation plan and managing your activity levels, you can alleviate pain, promote recovery, and regain freedom of movement.
When to Seek Professional Help
Several signs indicate that you should consult a physiotherapist for further evaluation and treatment of hamstring tendonitis, particularly if your symptoms are severe, worsen over time, or greatly impact your daily activities.
If you’re experiencing persistent pain, swelling, or bruising that doesn’t improve with home care, it’s time to seek professional help.
You should consult an experienced physiotherpist in the following situations:
Early intervention is essential in preventing chronic issues and ensuring a successful return to activity.
Don’t hesitate to seek professional help if you’re experiencing any of these signs. A healthcare professional will help you develop an individualised rehabilitation plan to alleviate pain and promote recovery.
In Closing...
You can recover from hamstring tendonitis with proper physiotherapy and rehabilitation. A study on a 25-year-old soccer player with acute hamstring tendonitis showed significant improvement after six weeks of targeted exercises and rest.
Your recovery time will depend on the severity of your condition, but with early intervention and adherence to a personalised treatment plan, you can reduce your symptoms and return to your normal activities. Regular follow-up with a physiotherapist is essential to prevent further damage.
You don’t need to put up with Hamstring Tendinitis any longer. Our team of experienced Physios have the education and experience to get you moving pain free again.
Take control today by booking in online or call us today on (03) 8104 9270 to get this issue sorted once and for all.
Rosanna Physiotherapy
Rosanna Physio has been serving the people of Rosanna and its surrounding suburbs since 1989. We have the experience and education to effectively treat any muscle or joint injury that requires expert physical therapy care.
References and further reading:
If you would like to know more about hamstring tendonitis, please feel free to click on the links below to read more from the sources we referenced to write this blog:
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. (2020). Hamstring Strains. https://www.orthoinfo.org/en/diseases–conditions/hamstring-muscle-injuries/
- American Physical Therapy Association (2019). “A Physical Therapist’s Guide to Hamstring Strains.” https://www.choosept.com/guide/physical-therapy-guide-hamstring-injuries
- Mayo Clinic (2020). Hamstring Injuries: Symptoms and Causes https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hamstring-injury/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20372990
