I’m straying of our Tuesdays on the Run topic (how do you store/display/organize your running stuff?) today because frankly, after the basement flood, lots of my stuff is a mess. A big one. I’m going to spare you (and myself that heartbreak) and bring you some hamstring info instead. I recently rediscovered an exciting product that has been a game changer for me. Let’s have a little chat about hamstrings, shall we?
If there’s one injury that plagues me, ornery hamstrings take the prize. While ITBS was the first running injury I ever sustained back in 2007, hamstring issues have reared their ugly head on more than one occasion.
There are many avenues one can take to heal a hamstring but I’m especially excited about a certain one, which I’ll share in a minute. But first, let’s cover a few things:
What is a hamstring strain? It’s a pull, partial tear or complete rupture of one of the hamstring muscles found at the back of the thigh. Hamstring strains are common among athletes who sprint, like runners, soccer players and basketball players. Hamstring strains occur when the muscles are overloaded by being stretched beyond capacity.
What Factors Put You Most at Risk?
Muscle Tightness. Tight muscles are most vulnerable to strain. That’s why it’s important to follow a year-round stretching/conditioning program.
Muscle Imbalances. When one muscle group is stronger than the opposing one, strains are more likely to occur. Runners are notorious for their strong quads and weak hamstrings.
Poor Conditioning. Weak muscles are less likely to withstand the stress of exercise.
How to Treat a Hamstring Strain
In the acute phase (right after a hamstring injury occurs, rest ice and compression are ideal.
Once the acute phase has passed, there are a number of treatments that may be appropriate, depending on the location and severity of the injury.
- Ktape
- Graston
- Eelectrical stimulation
- Active release therapy
- Vibration plate
- Topical Magnesium
- Epsom Salts bath
- Address muscle imbalances
- Strengthening exercises
- Myofascial release
- Acupressure
The healing technique I’m going to focus on is Acupressure because I found a new product that has been a game changer for me. The breakthrough came several years ago when I visited a Myofascial Release Therapist (read about that experience here), who was a trainer for the 1984 Romanian Women’s Olympic Gymnastic Team. At the time I was recovering from a partially ruptured high hamstring. This therapist used a mat I’d never seen or heard of before. Before he started the therapy he had me lay on what felt sort of like a bed of nails. Not horribly painful, but not exactly comfy either. I never learned what that mat was but I can tell you the Myofascial Release and Acupressure I received was life changing for my hamstrings. Before I tell you more, here’s a little more about Acupressure:
What is Acupressure?
Acupressure is an ancient healing art developed in Asia over 5,000 years ago. By compressing key healing points on the body, acupressure effectively reduces muscular tension, pain, stress, improves circulation, and promotes deep relaxation.
Before my Romanian Therapist administered Myofascial Release, he had me lie on an Acupressure Mat. Sadly he relocated after only a couple of sessions and I never discovered the secret of that magic “bed of nails”. Until now.
Recently I had the opportunity to try the Spoonk Acupressure Mat. It’s basically a hemp mat with thousands of ABS plastic acupressure points.
By lying on the mat, the acupressure points stimulate increased circulation helping relieve tension and pain as well as rejuvenating and rebalancing the body.
How I Use my Spoonk Acupressure Mat
Post-run stretching. Be careful with your tech shorts/capris/skirts because they can snag
Back massage. Lay with your back on it and bring knees to chest and roll from side to side
- Gently roll the feet on it to help relax them. Great for plantar fasciitis
- Roll it and place behind the neck to relieve tightness
- Nap on it
While it may not be the most comfy thing in the world to lie on, depending on your discomfort threshold, it is certainly very effective and your body will adapt to the way it feels. I am able to fall asleep on it. So is the Caveman. He swears it helps him sleep better as it promotes deep relaxation.
Have you tried an acupressure mat? What are your go-to tools to help keep you injury free?
OMG girl! Those things hurt so good!! I had to stand on one of those mats for several minutes a few sessions at the chiro. It was craaaaaazy!!!!
Sorry again about your basement flood. I’ve never tried acupressure – I have to admit that that looks a bit scary to lay on, but I’d be intrigued to test it out! Hamstring pulls are the worst!
I’ve been dealing with a hamstring injury forever! I’m highly intrigued by this mat!
Julie they can become quite chronic if you don’t let them heal fully and address what may be causing them.
Wow, I’ve never heard of accupressure before, but the mat looks pretty cool! IT’s always great when you can find something that really helps with an injury, especially cranky hamstrings.
I have never seen a mat like that! The hamstrings are where I have the most discomfort …. this might be something for me to explore 😉
I have seen those mats, but never tried one. Of course now I’m interested, because you know me — first in line to try just about anything.
I have a TENS unit that I actually found really, really helpful & it wasn’t expensive. Although at the moment nothing is really bothering me so it’s been quite some time since I’ve used it.
I need that!!!!!! Old age is creating issues with me! 🙂
I NEED this mat!! Just when I thought my hammies couldn’t get any tighter ….cycling proved me wrong!
I am an ART girl – I go once every two weeks.
The guy who does my ART sells these mats and I must admit they scare me a bit.
Ok, that thing looks like a torture device! I’m going to meet you for lunch and I want all the details on that mat.
That mat looks painful! No way!!!
I used to have a pair of sport flip-flops that felt a little like you describe the mat, but probably less intense. When I first got them, it hurt a little to wear them. Eventually my feet got used to them and they felt good.
Oh, wow, my Mom gave me this for Christmas. I should use it more often …
That thing looks scary!! Interesting but scary!
I’ve never had a hamstring pull but that mat looks great for all sorts of aches and pains. How interesting!
This is great info- I have never dealt with a hamstring issue and know little about it. For me, it’s always been the left shin! Stress reaction years ago and more recently, tendonitis. It’s funny how our bodies have one weakness or imbalance that we each continuously have to watch out for!
while I’ve heard of acupressure, I’ve never heard of one of those mats… looks interesting.
I have never seen that! I am intrigued. My hammies can be finicky for sure.
You what is crazy, the pain will flip between my glutes and hammies, if one is feeling good the other is bound to be aching.
I’ve never even heard of an accupressure mat – but it looks and sounds intriguing! I wonder if something like this would help my tight hip flexor…?
Thankfully, my hamstrings have stayed pretty healthy. That mat looks like some serious business!
ok I’ve been saying for ages that I was going to get a mat and now you’ve got me like, I NEEEEEED it asap!! i love all that stuff at the dr, so why not get it at home?!
Amanda you will freaking love this mat! I swear I’m on it every day.
I’ve never heard of an acupressure mat, but it sounds very intriguing. Do you really like it or is it one of those things you get and then hardly use?
Thanks for linking up!
Deb I’ve wanted one ever since my Myofascial Release guy relocated because it helped me SO much. Now that I’ve got one I’m on it almost daily. My hubby uses it a ton too!