Hamstring
Hamstring Adhesions

A Hamstring Adhesion happens when scar tissue forms in the hamstring after an injury and sticks to nearby muscles or tissues. Instead of moving smoothly the tissues can become stuck together causing tightness pain and reduced movement. Hamstring adhesions often develop after a strain bruise or repeated hamstring injuries and may continue causing problems long after the original injury has healed.

  • Tightness in the back of the thigh
  • Deep aching pain
  • Pulling sensation in the hamstring
  • Stiffness during activity
  • Stiffness after resting
  • Reduced flexibility
  • Trouble stretching the leg fully
  • Weakness in the hamstring
  • Pain during running
  • Pain during sprinting
  • A hamstring adhesion usually feels like a deep ache tight pulling sensation or stiffness in the back of the thigh. Some athletes feel like they constantly need to stretch their hamstring but never get relief. The area may feel weak tight or restricted and running sprinting and stretching can become uncomfortable. Range of motion is often reduced because the scar tissue limits normal movement.
  • Previous hamstring strain
  • Previous hamstring tear
  • Repeated hamstring injuries
  • Returning to sports too soon after an injury
  • Repetitive running or sprinting
  • Excessive stress on the hamstring
  • Have I injured this hamstring before?
  • Does my hamstring always feel tight even after stretching?
  • Do I feel pain or pulling when I run or sprint?
  • Is one hamstring less flexible than the other?
  • Does the area feel stiff after resting?
  • Do symptoms keep coming back during sports?

Educational only — not a medical diagnosis.

  1. 1Rest from activities that increase pain
  2. 2Use ice if the area becomes sore
  3. 3Do gentle stretching
  4. 4Warm up before sports
  5. 5Gradually rebuild strength
  6. 6Return to sports slowly
  • Pain keeps getting worse over time
  • ,Significant loss of flexibility
  • Ongoing weakness in the leg
  • Repeated hamstring injuries in the same spot
  • Stretch gently every day
  • Warm up before activity
  • Strengthen your hamstring gradually
  • Return to sports slowly

For educational purposes only. Not a substitute for medical advice.

Tracks symptoms over time (not a diagnosis).