Laser Therapy & Hamstring Pain

Hamstring tears are among the most common muscle injuries, particularly affecting athletes and individuals engaged in high-intensity activities such as sprinting, jumping, and sudden directional changes. These injuries can range from mild strains to complete ruptures, causing significant pain, reduced mobility, and prolonged recovery times. At Healios Laser Therapy, we utilize Class IV cold laser therapy to accelerate the healing process, reduce inflammation, and restore strength and function in hamstring injuries without the need for invasive treatments.

Understanding Hamstring Tears

The hamstrings are a group of three muscles—biceps femoris, semitendinosus, and semimembranosus—located at the back of the thigh. They play a crucial role in knee flexion and hip extension, making them highly susceptible to tears when overstretched or subjected to excessive force.

Types of Hamstring Tears:

• Grade 1 (Mild Strain): Minor overstretching with slight discomfort but minimal loss of function.

• Grade 2 (Moderate Tear): Partial tearing of muscle fibers, resulting in pain, swelling, and reduced strength.

• Grade 3 (Severe Tear/Rupture): A complete muscle tear causing significant pain, bruising, and difficulty moving the leg.

How Laser Therapy Works for Hamstring Tears

Cold laser therapy, also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT) or photobiomodulation (PBM), uses specific wavelengths of light to stimulate cellular repair and reduce inflammation in the injured muscle. Unlike traditional treatments that merely manage pain, cold laser therapy activates natural healing mechanisms at the cellular level.

Key Benefits of Laser Therapy for Hamstring Tears

• Deep Tissue Penetration for Muscle Healing
  The Class IV cold laser device penetrates deep into the hamstring muscles, reaching the damaged fibers and initiating cellular regeneration. This allows for faster muscle repair and reduced scar tissue formation, crucial for full recovery.

• Reduces Inflammation and Accelerates Recovery
  Hamstring tears often result in inflammation that delays healing. Cold laser therapy has been clinically proven to reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines and enhance blood circulation, allowing for a quicker resolution of swelling and pain.

• Non-Invasive Pain Relief
  Unlike steroid injections or surgical procedures, cold laser therapy provides a drug-free, painless solution for managing discomfort. It works by modulating nerve activity, reducing pain perception, and stimulating the release of endorphins.

• Enhances Muscle Regeneration and Strength
  By stimulating ATP (adenosine triphosphate) production, cold laser therapy energizes muscle cells, promoting protein synthesis and accelerating tissue regeneration. This helps restore hamstring strength and function more effectively than passive rest alone.

• Improves Blood Flow and Oxygenation
  By increasing circulation, cold laser therapy delivers essential nutrients and oxygen to the injured hamstring while flushing out metabolic waste, expediting the healing process and reducing stiffness.

Why Choose Our Laser Therapy?

Unlike lower-powered laser devices, our FDA-cleared Class IV cold laser device provides deeper penetration, stronger stimulation, and faster results. Sessions are quick—typically 15-30 minutes—and most patients experience noticeable relief within just one session.

The Healios Laser Therapy Experience

At Healios Laser Therapy, we develop personalized treatment plans tailored to the severity of the hamstring tear. Our state-of-the-art Class IV cold laser device, combined with expert care, helps clients recover efficiently and return to their active lifestyle.

70% of our clients report significant improvement after just one session, with most achieving long-term relief within 1 to 4 sessions.

Conclusion

If you’re dealing with the pain and mobility limitations of a hamstring tear, cold laser therapy offers a safe, non-invasive, and effective treatment option. By stimulating deep tissue healing, reducing inflammation, and accelerating recovery, Healios Laser Therapy can help you regain strength and mobility faster.

References

• Askling, C. M., Tengvar, M., Saartok, T., & Thorstensson, A. (2008). Acute first-time hamstring strains during high-speed running. The American Journal of Sports Medicine, 36(2), 237-244.

• Heiderscheit, B. C., Sherry, M. A., Silder, A., Chumanov, E. S., & Thelen, D. G. (2005). Hamstring strain injuries: Recommendations for diagnosis, rehabilitation, and injury prevention. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 37(2), 67-81.

• Malliaropoulos, N., Mendiguchia, J., Pehlivanidis, H., Papadopoulou, S., Valle, X., Malliaras, P., & Maffulli, N. (2012). Hamstring injury rehabilitation and prevention of reinjury using an eccentric strengthening protocol: A randomised controlled trial. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 42(6), 464-471.

• Opar, D. A., Williams, M. D., & Shield, A. J. (2012). Hamstring strain injuries: Factors that lead to injury and re-injury. Sports Medicine, 42(3), 209-226.

• Petersen, J., & Holmich, P. (2005). Evidence-based prevention of hamstring injuries in sport. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 39(6), 319-323.