KT Tape: Hamstrings

Hamstring

The hamstrings are the large set of powerful muscles that span the back of the thigh from the buttocks to the calves and serve to flex the knee and extend the hip. Strains involving micro-tears in the muscles, cramping, and tightness can be felt when the hamstrings are injured or not performing properly. These injuries often heal very slowly and put the individual at risk for recurring injuries if not treated properly.

Hamstring strains occur most often in active individuals and occurrence increases with age. Strains are not caused by contact, but rather by bursts of speed or an abrupt change in direction. Inadequate flexibility, lack of sufficient training prior to sport, muscle fatigue, poor form, and return to activity prior to complete healing of a prior injury are all potential causes of a hamstring injury.

In less severe hamstring strains, the tearing is microscopic. The muscle fibers are essentially stretched too far, and some bleeding occurs within the muscle. In very severe hamstring strains, the hamstring muscle can completely rupture, and may require surgery to repair the torn ends of the muscle. Pain can range from nagging to severely sharp and radiating.

Use KT Tape to relax the injured muscles and increase circulation to the area, as well as provide significant pain relief. Hamstring problems can be very painful and keep you off your feet for quite some time if not treated properly. Combine KT Tape with light progressive stretching, icing after activity, and appropriate rest in order to speed healing.

The following helps identify the severity of the strain:
• Grade I Strain: Mild discomfort, often no disability. Usually does not limit activity.
• Grade II Strain: Moderate discomfort, can limit ability to perform activities such as running and jumping. May have moderate swelling and bruising associated.
• Grade III Strain: Severe injury that can cause pain with walking. Often people complain of muscle spasm, swelling, and significant bruising.

KT tape application is an appropriate use for Grade I and II hamstring strains. Seek professional medical evaluation for grade III strains and use KT Tape as part of a larger treatment plan.

[kathygiles]

I swear by this tape, I need knee surgery but can't have it yet, this tape is the difference in walking some days and sitting. I used it on my husband's rotator cuff he swears by it too. you have to do it right but it's like adding a layer of support muscle to an injured area. love it !

[CarlosMartinez-glcm]

the tips about shaving your leg wouldve been helpful at the beginning of the video

[KTTapevideos]

You use it during your activity. The tape is designed to help you stay active while you heal from an injury rather than having you just sit out.

[KTTapevideos]

It does. Give it a try and see for yourself.

[seymourcuts]

fucked my hamstring up dunking yesterday, just picked some up and hopeful it’ll help recovery.

[KTTapevideos]

Yes it does. Just go on any social media and ask people. Give it a try and see!

[KTTapevideos]

Yes it does. Just go on FB or Twitter and ask people. Give it a try and see!

[KTTapevideos]

I would start with this newer one. You can also search our "ask an expert" forum on our website that features customized applications created by PTs and other Drs.

[adonate]

My pain is like right under the glut, will this application help with that or should I seek elsewhere?

[BuzWeaver]

The Olympics made KT Tape nearly fashionable.

[sophiamariee]

I pulled my hamstring can this method be used for this

[redrum]

I don't have pain but have a tightness that I believe will turn into pain if I don't sort it out. I don't know the name of the injury, but the tightness is located here...
If you stand in front of someone looking at their kneecap. Now walk directly behind that person but keep your eyes at the same height. That's where the tightness is - at the back of the knee (not at the back of the kneecap - in the middle of the leg  - but right at the back) where the crease is. Where can I find your video for KT application for that area?

[KTTapevideos]

It will depend on the severity of the strain/tear. It will only help to tape.

[ameiradunn]

I do track and my legs hurt everyday, but I did a 400 yesterday and my hamstring and thighs hurt really bad!!

[GlennHanna]

I tried this with magic marker. Works just as well as the tape.

[Piratekk]

Does it matter if it’s different color

[KTTapevideos]

Yes. The tape can actually help the bruise go away.

[ellapeebles]

I pulled it right under my gluts so should I use this?

[cassiestyles]

I'm a dancer so I'm really flexible, should I just do what she is doing in the video to stretch my hamstring or should I do a more intense stretch until I feel a stretch?

[RenenMelulShnider]

Where do I out the tape? Around the area that hurts? And I used bengay is the tape necessary then?