A hamstring pull or strain occurs when the muscles and/or tendons along the back of the upper leg hyperextend; you may tear the muscles or tendons with varying degrees of severity. When you injury a hamstring, it is imperative to immediately begin treatment to isolate the damage and reduce recovery time.
RICE
RICE is a commonly used acronym in sports medicine which stands for rest, ice, compression and elevation. As soon as you pull a hamstring, elevate the affected leg and apply ice to the injured hamstring as soon as possible. Elevating the leg above the level of the heart will discourage blood flow, and icing the area further slows blood flow; both actions reduce swelling and inflammation. Apply ice for 15 to 20 minutes every few hours. When you're not icing your hamstring, apply a compression bandage to the area to limit blood flow. Don't place any weight on the injured leg after a pull; even if the strain is minor, you must rest---or risk causing more damage to your leg.
Rehab Exercises
As long as the leg is pain free, you can begin some mild rehab exercises two to three days after the strain. First, try a simple hamstring stretch: stand with the foot of your healthy leg crossed in front of the injured leg, and then bend at the waist and reach toward your toes. Proceed very slowly, only leaning forward enough so that the hamstring is stretched slightly; as you heal, you can deepen the stretch. Consider doing some light weight-lifting exercises, such as leg curls, but respect your leg's limited range of motion. You should not experience any hamstring pain while exercising.
Severe Pulls
Third-degree hamstring pulls happen when the muscles or tendons in the hamstring tear completely. A severe strain will take much longer to heal than a moderate strain, and bearing weight on the affected leg will be difficult for many weeks. If you suspect you have suffered a third-degree strain, you should seek help from a doctor as soon as possible. Use crutches for four weeks or more. Rehab the leg slowly, doing only gentle exercises for the first few weeks. In some cases, you may need surgery to repair a torn muscle.
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