Hamstring Strain
Sport-specific hamstring rehab that rebuilds strength and speed while cutting re-injury risk.
Signs & Symptoms
A sudden sharp pain or 'grab' in the back of the thigh, usually while sprinting
Tenderness and possible bruising along the hamstring
Pain with stretching or resisted knee bending
Tightness or weakness pushing off and accelerating
Difficulty running at speed
How We Treat It
After calming the acute injury, we load the hamstring progressively — emphasizing eccentric strength and long-length capacity, the qualities most protective against re-injury.
Progressive eccentric loading (e.g., Nordic and tempo work)
Strength testing to track symmetry between legs
A structured walk-to-sprint running progression
Sport-specific acceleration and high-speed work before clearance
Recovery Timeline
Most hamstring strains return to sport in roughly 3–8 weeks depending on grade, progressed by criteria — pain-free maximal sprinting and restored strength symmetry — rather than time alone.
Phase 1: protect, control pain, gentle isometrics
Phase 2: progressive and eccentric strengthening
Phase 3: running progression to high-speed sprinting
Phase 4: sport-specific drills and return-to-sport testing
Why do hamstring injuries keep coming back?
Usually because the athlete returns before the hamstring regains strength at long muscle lengths and tolerance for high-speed running. Our criteria-based progression targets exactly those gaps to lower re-injury risk.
How soon can I sprint again?
Sprinting is reintroduced gradually once you're pain-free with strengthening and submaximal running. We build speed in stages and confirm readiness with testing before full-effort sprinting.
Do you take insurance?
Swift is out-of-network and cash-based — longer one-on-one sessions with a Doctor of Physical Therapy, plus a superbill you can submit for possible out-of-network reimbursement.
Hamstring Strain Rehabilitation at Swift
Hamstring strains are the most common non-contact injury in sprinting and field sports — and the most likely to return if rehab is rushed. Swift rebuilds your hamstring's strength and capacity at the long muscle lengths and high speeds your sport actually demands, so you return fast and stay healthy.
You work one-on-one with a Doctor of Physical Therapy who progresses your loading and running based on objective testing, not guesswork.