![]() | Tight Hamstring MusclesThe hamstring group of muscles are 3 long muscles (biceps femoris, semitendinosus, and semimembranosus) that cross 2 joints, the hip and the knee. Your hamstring muscles in the back of the thighs, quadriceps muscles in the front, and adductor muscles on the inside of the hips and upper legs are responsible for the legs' multi-directional movements. The hamstring group is primarily responsible for bending the knee and extending the hip. They are used most during running, especially at higher speeds. ![]() Having tight hamstring muscles is a common complaint from runners, and other active people, as well people who sit at a desk all day. When hamstrings tightened up, there is less blood flowing through the muscles which prevents them from working at 100%. By improving blood flow you will loosen your tight muscles, allowing you to use your hamstrings to their full potential. Limited athletic performance may be a mild consequence of having tight hamstrings, however, a group of tight muscles is more prone to injuries such as strains, pulls, and tears. Tight hamstrings can also cause the pelvis and hips to tilt backward resulting in a flattened lower back and poor posture. This can create problems in the sacroiliac joint or back causing further pain. To measure the tightness of the hamstring muscles, check the range of your hip flexion. Lay flat on your back and raise your leg off the floor keeping your knee straight. The normal range for hip flexion is 80-90 degrees; if it is less than 80 degrees the hamstring muscles are considered tight. Tight Hamstring Causes
Tight Hamstring Symptoms![]() Tight hamstring muscles do not have many symptoms, however, there may be physical indicators that suggest you have tight hamstring muscles.
Treating Tight Hamstring MuscleTight hamstring are frustrating to live with especially when trying to run or participate in sports. Regular massaging and stretching of the hamstrings is a great way to loosen the muscles to prevent tightness, as well as preparing them before activity. There are also home therapy options - passive hamstring stretching (assigned by your physician or physical therapist), and most importantly, the Leg T•Shellz Wrap® - a powerful home treatment tool to heat deep tissue (ie. your hamstring). Heat from the T•Shellz Wrap® stimulates local blood flow in the area, temporarily improving the body's localized healing response to help rehab damaged muscles, tendons and ligaments. Heat from a T•Shellz treatment will increase flexibility and length of your hamstrings and tendons, so if you apply a T•Shellz Wrap® before activity, you will reduce the risk of straining your hamstrings (and other soft tissue) as the treatment has "warmed them up". Over time, increased stretching without the accompanying re-straining will give you the ability to achieve longer hamstrings, reducing the risk of hamstring muscle injury and chronic tightness. Learn more about Tight Hamstring Treatments by clicking here Learn More About Leg Injuries & TreatmentsI want to learn more about Surgery & Post-Surgery Recovery I want to learn more about Deep Tissue Regeneration Therapy I want to learn more about Ice & Heat: Which Is Better For Treatment? I want to learn more about Stretching for the Hamstring I want to learn more about Soft Tissue Injury Treatments During your recovery, you will probably have to modify and/or eliminate any activities that cause pain or discomfort at the location of your soft tissue injury until the pain and inflammation settle. Always consult your doctor and/or Physical Therapist before using any of our outstanding products, to make sure they are right for you and your condition. The more diligent you are with your treatment and rehabilitation, the faster you will see successful results! Product specialists are available 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Eastern Standard Time Monday to Friday. If any question or concern arises, call us or simply send us an email at any time (we check our emails constantly all throughout the day and night.. even on holidays!). We will respond as soon as possible. North America Toll Free 1-866-237-9608 | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |