September 10, 2013

Pulled hamstring muscle? Tight hamstrings? What a pain!

Hamstring tightness and reduced elasticity of the hamstring may lead to injury for men and women. (1) But Johnson Chiropractic notes how women may be a bit more at risk. Read on to find out why and how some good Richmond chiropractic care and exercise stretching guidance can help avert such injury.

First, comparing men to women in hamstring health, gender, physicality of the job, years spent in sports, hip flexion and fat content are influential factors. Hip flexion and fat content are only indirectly related to hamstring strength. But physically active women show greater hamstring muscle strength. So kudos to you active Richmond ladies! Keep it up! Greater hamstring elasticity reduces the risk of muscle strain. (1)

Secondly, the hamstring stiffness in women with a history of back pain and women without a history of back pain differs. Women with such a history tend to have more stiffness 2 and 3 days after aerobic exercise. (2)  What should a woman with back pain in her past do? Stretch gently and properly. That’s where your Richmond chiropractor comes into play. Just ask! We can help relieve back pain and hamstring flexibility!

Lastly, it doesn’t take much stretching to positively influence the hamstring muscle. Stretching daily or just three times a week twice a day is equally effective. (Ladies, get your Richmond men involved too! The same holds true for them: stretch hamstrings daily or just 3 times a week for better more flexible hamstrings!)  (3) Let Johnson Chiropractic share with you how to best stretch your hamstrings. There are a variety of ways to do this. Let’s find the best way for you.

So, men and women find a friend in your Richmond chiropractic physician. Contact Johnson Chiropractic to have your hamstring flexibility assessed today!