Hamstring issue

[markmiller]

Okay, so if your lower back is too curved, it could be the opposite- lordotic, which is a very different set of stretches and exercises. Lordotic would mean you have weak hamstrings instead of tight ones. In any case, here is a really good upper hamstring stretch. Put your leg on a chair and make sure you are facing forward and your back foot is straight. Now, bend the knee of the leg that is on the chair and keep your back straight as you gently bend forward. This is a great upper hamstring stretch that should hit that area.

[physiomitch]

Hi

All the above could be true, but you also need to understand that most hamstring strains are actually an end result of biomechanical chains that have been around longer than you think. In most sports that involve running there are 2 common areas that tend to tighten from overuse in short ranges of motion. One is the front of the hip (psoas muscles) and the other is the back of the leg (hamstrings). So these are generally tighter than they should be unless stretched daily. I find most hamstring problems begin as hip flexor tightness, which in turn causes weakness of the hip extensors. This then causes compensatory overuse of the hamstrings to support the weak hip extensors. Overuse of the hamstrings cause a tightening of the sheath of the hammies (fascial shrinking) and thus they are an accident waiting to happen. Treating the hammies on their own is not sufficient. You will require an assessment of the strength and flexibility of all hip muscles as well as the hamstrings, and as mentioned above check the low back as well. Slump pain does not always mean sciatic nerve, but keep an open mind about that one just in case. Unfortunately stretching will tend to only maintain what you already have as far as range of motion is concerned. You will most likely require a treatment involving myofascial release of the hips, low back and hammies to recover fully. Not to mention the autonomic nervous system that may not be controlling the blood flow to your legs correctly...causes stiffness and weakness, often the start of these problems.