Hamstring Strain Physical Therapy in Ahwatukee & Phoenix, AZ
Expert One-on-One Physical Therapy to Relieve Pain and Get You Back to Running, Sports, and Daily Activities
If you've recently pulled your hamstring or are dealing with persistent pain in the back of your thigh, physical therapy can help you recover safely and reduce your risk of reinjury. At Movewell Physical Therapy & Performance, we provide personalized, one-on-one physical therapy to relieve pain, restore strength, and help you return to work, sports, and the activities you enjoy.
Every visit is completed one-on-one with a Doctor of Physical Therapy, ensuring your treatment plan is individualized to your goals and designed to address the underlying cause of your injury—not just the symptoms.
Ready to get started? Schedule your evaluation today.
What Is a Hamstring Strain?
A hamstring strain occurs when one or more of the three hamstring muscles on the back of the thigh are overstretched or torn. Hamstring strains commonly occur during sprinting, jumping, sudden acceleration, or quick changes in direction. They are one of the most common injuries in runners and athletes participating in sports such as soccer, football, baseball, basketball, and track.
While mild strains may recover within a few weeks, returning to activity too quickly can significantly increase the risk of reinjury. A structured rehabilitation program helps ensure the muscle heals properly while restoring strength and performance.
Common Symptoms
You may have a hamstring strain if you experience:
✔ Sudden pain in the back of the thigh
✔ A popping or tearing sensation during activity
✔ Pain while walking or running
✔ Pain with sprinting or jumping
✔ Tenderness along the hamstring muscles
✔ Bruising or swelling
✔ Weakness with bending the knee
✔ Difficulty returning to sports or exercise
Common Causes
Hamstring strains commonly occur from:
Sprinting or running at high speeds
Sudden acceleration or deceleration
Jumping and landing
Rapid changes in direction
Inadequate warm-up
Muscle weakness or fatigue
Previous hamstring injuries
Limited flexibility or poor movement mechanics
During your evaluation, we'll identify the factors that contributed to your injury so treatment focuses on preventing it from happening again.
How Physical Therapy Can Help
Your treatment plan at Movewell is customized to promote healing while safely restoring strength and performance. Treatment may include:
Hands-on Manual Therapy to improve mobility and reduce muscle tightness.
Progressive Hamstring Strengthening with an emphasis on eccentric loading.
Glute and Core Strengthening to improve lower extremity stability.
Mobility & Flexibility Exercises to restore normal movement.
Balance and Neuromuscular Training to improve control and coordination.
Running and Sprint Mechanics Training to reduce reinjury risk.
Plyometric and Agility Progressions to prepare for return to sport.
Return-to-Sport Testing to ensure you're ready to safely resume athletic activity.
Our goal is not only to help your hamstring heal, but also to improve strength, movement quality, and performance so you can return with confidence.
Why Choose Movewell?
At Movewell Physical Therapy & Performance, you'll receive:
100% one-on-one treatment with a Doctor of Physical Therapy
Expert orthopedic and sports rehabilitation
Evidence-based treatment plans
Hands-on manual therapy
Personalized exercise programs
Return-to-sport testing for athletes
Clear education throughout your recovery
A fun, welcoming environment focused on helping you move your best
Our mission is simple:
Help you move well, reduce pain, and return to the activities you love.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do hamstring strains heal without surgery?
Yes. Most hamstring strains recover successfully with conservative treatment and physical therapy. Surgery is generally reserved for complete tendon avulsions or severe injuries.
When can I return to running or sports?
Return to activity depends on the severity of the injury and your progress during rehabilitation. Many mild strains recover within 2 to 6 weeks, while moderate or severe injuries may require several months. Objective strength and functional testing help determine when it is safe to return.
Should I stretch my hamstring right away?
Not always. Aggressive stretching during the early stages of healing can sometimes worsen symptoms. Your physical therapist will guide you through the appropriate progression based on your stage of recovery.
Why do hamstring injuries keep coming back?
Hamstring strains have a high recurrence rate if strength, sprint mechanics, and muscle function are not fully restored before returning to activity. A comprehensive rehabilitation program helps reduce the risk of reinjury.
Ready to Get Back to Pain-Free Movement?
A hamstring strain doesn't have to keep you from running, competing, or enjoying an active lifestyle. At Movewell Physical Therapy & Performance, we'll develop a personalized rehabilitation program to help you recover safely and return stronger than before.