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Running Free: How SoftWave Therapy Accelerates High Hamstring Tendinopathy Recovery in Runners

Published October 28th, 2023 by Dr. Sam Camarata

Running is more than just exercise for many; it's a passion, a lifestyle, and a way to find freedom on the open road or trail. However, like any sport, running comes with its fair share of injuries. High hamstring tendinopathy is one such condition that can plague runners, causing pain and disrupting their beloved activity. In this blog, we will explore what high hamstring tendinopathy is, its causes and symptoms, traditional treatments, and the role of SoftWave Therapy in accelerating recovery for runners.

Understanding High Hamstring Tendinopathy

High hamstring tendinopathy is a common overuse injury in runners. It affects the tendons that attach to the ischial tuberosity, a bony part of the pelvis. These tendons play a crucial role in stabilizing the hip joint and controlling the movement of the leg. When they become damaged or inflamed, runners can experience significant pain and discomfort.

Causes and Symptoms

High hamstring tendinopathy typically develops due to repetitive stress on the hamstring tendons.

Common causes include:

Overtraining: Pushing too hard or increasing mileage too quickly can strain the tendons.

Poor Running Form: Inefficient biomechanics can lead to increased stress on the hamstrings.

Muscular Imbalances: Weakness and/or imbalances in the lower extremity can place extra strain on the hamstrings.

Tightness: Inflexibility in the hamstrings or hip flexors can contribute to the problem.

Runners with high hamstring tendinopathy may experience symptoms like:

Pain: Typically felt deep in the buttocks or the back of the thigh.

Tightness: Sensation of tight hamstrings.

Weakness: Difficulty generating power while running.

Tenderness: Increased sensitivity to touch around the sit bone area.

Pain with Activities: Pain is often aggravated when running, climbing, or sitting for prolonged periods.

Traditional Treatments

The initial response to high hamstring tendinopathy often involves conservative treatments:

Reducing or modifying running to allow the tendons to heal.

Physical Therapy for specific exercises can help strengthen imbalanced muscles and improve flexibility.

Anti-Inflammatory Medications: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be recommended by your doctor to reduce pain and inflammation.

Corticosteroid Injections: In some cases, your doctor may suggest injections may be used to reduce inflammation and pain. *We do not recommend this here at Camarata Chiropractic & Wellness*

Can I Still Run?

The big question for runners with high hamstring tendinopathy is whether they can continue running. The answer varies depending on the severity of the injury. Here are some guidelines:

Find a Manageable Distance: Experiment with shorter distances or slower paces to find what is manageable without increasing or causing pain.

Focus on Muscle Imbalances: Incorporate exercises that target weaknesses or imbalances in the muscles. Exercises like single-leg RDLs with weights, eccentric bridges, and Nordic hamstring curls are excellent choices.

Recovery can be a slow process, with some running experts saying, "taking 3-6 months." But the good news is that many runners return to their previous levels of performance after proper rehabilitation.

The Power of SoftWave Therapy

Now, let's talk about the game-changer: SoftWave Therapy. SoftWave Therapy, available at Camarata Chiropractic & Wellness under the expert guidance of Dr. Sam Camarata, is a revolutionary non-invasive treatment option for high hamstring tendinopathy recovery.

Science Behind SoftWave Therapy:

SoftWave Therapy employs electrohydraulic supersonic acoustic waves that penetrate deep into the affected area. These waves stimulate angiogenesis, increase blood flow and circulation, activate stem cells for repair and regeneration, and break up scar tissue.

SoftWave Therapy and High Hamstring Tendinopathy

Specifically, for high hamstring tendinopathy, SoftWave Therapy offers several benefits:

Pain Reduction:

SoftWave Therapy helps decrease pain and discomfort.

Inflammation Control:

It aids in reducing inflammation in the affected tendons.

Blood Flow Enhancement:

The therapy improves blood flow and circulation to the injured area.

Tissue Repair and Regeneration:

By activating stem cells, SoftWave Therapy supports the body's natural healing processes.

Experience at Camarata Chiropractic & Wellness:

Dr. Sam Camarata has extensive experience using SoftWave Therapy to treat high hamstring tendinopathy in runners. Patients at our clinic have reported significant pain relief and accelerated recovery.

In addition to SoftWave Therapy, runners are encouraged to work alongside their chiropractor for spine and pelvis alignment, as well as extremity adjustments.

At Camarata Chiropractic & Wellness, our team offers a comprehensive approach to address the root causes of high hamstring tendinopathy and get runners back on track.

High hamstring tendinopathy can be a frustrating setback for runners. However, with the right approach and the inclusion of SoftWave Therapy, recovery and a return to pain-free running are within reach. Dr. Sam Camarata and the team at Camarata Chiropractic & Wellness are dedicated to helping runners regain their freedom on the open road or trail. Don't let high hamstring tendinopathy keep you from the sport you love – explore the benefits of SoftWave Therapy and get back to running free.