From the Guidelines
Recovery time for a mild hamstring strain is typically 1-3 weeks, with the most critical factor being adequate rest and limiting the use of the injured extremity. When managing a mild hamstring strain, it is essential to follow a structured approach to ensure proper healing and minimize the risk of re-injury.
- The initial management involves the RICE protocol: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation, although the provided evidence 1 does not specifically mention the RICE protocol, it emphasizes rest and limiting the use of the injured extremity.
- Cold application, as recommended by the 2024 American Heart Association and American Red Cross guidelines for first aid 1, can help decrease pain and swelling in the acute phase, with the greatest tissue cooling achieved by using a bag filled with ice and water surrounded by a damp cloth.
- The guidelines suggest limiting the duration of cold application to 20 to 30 minutes for 3 to 4 times daily to prevent cold injury 1.
- While the evidence does not provide specific details on the use of pain medications or the progression of exercises for hamstring strains, general medical knowledge suggests that over-the-counter pain medications and gradual progression of exercises can be beneficial in managing pain and promoting recovery.
- It is crucial to prioritize rest and avoid activities that aggravate the injury, allowing the damaged muscle fibers to repair themselves, and to progress gradually to more demanding exercises as pain allows, to prevent re-injury.
From the Research
Recovery Time for Mild Hamstring Strain
- The recovery time for mild hamstring strain can vary depending on the treatment approach.
- A study published in 2014 2 found that patients who received a single autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection combined with a rehabilitation program achieved full recovery significantly earlier than those who received a rehabilitation program only, with a mean time to return to play of 26.7 days compared to 42.5 days.
- Another study published in 2021 3 found that PRP injection plus physical therapy non-significantly favored a reduced mean time to return to play compared to physical therapy alone, with a mean difference of -5.67 days.
- A systematic review and meta-analysis published in 2015 4 found that rehabilitation (lengthening) exercises significantly reduced time to return to play, but PRP injection had no effect on acute hamstring injury.
Treatment Approaches
- PRP injection has been proposed as a novel treatment for proximal hamstring injuries, with some studies suggesting its effectiveness in reducing pain and improving function 5, 2.
- Rehabilitation exercises, including lengthening exercises, have been shown to be effective in reducing time to return to play and improving outcomes for hamstring injuries 4.
- Other conservative interventions, such as physical therapy, activity modification, and anti-inflammatories, may also be beneficial in the treatment of hamstring injuries 6.
Complications and Risks
- The complication rate for PRP injection has been reported to be low, with a mean rate of 5.2% for postinjection discomfort, pain, or sciatic nerve irritation 3.