Hamstrings Origin Tendinitis
High hamstring tendonitis (also called hamstring origin tendonitis) is inflammation of the hamstring tendon where it attaches to the pelvis. It commonly causes deep pain in the lower buttock area and is often seen in runners, athletes, or individuals who sit for long periods. Physiotherapy is an effective treatment to reduce pain, restore strength, and safely return to activity.
What is High Hamstring Tendonitis?
High hamstring tendonitis occurs when the hamstring tendon becomes inflamed at its origin on the pelvis, specifically at the ischial tuberosity.
The hamstrings are a group of muscles located at the back of the thigh that help with:
- Running and sprinting
- Jumping
- Bending the knee
- Extending the hip
When the tendon at the top of these muscles becomes irritated or inflamed due to repeated stress, it can cause pain in the lower buttock or upper thigh.
Many people search for this condition as:
- pain under the buttock when sitting
- high hamstring pain
- buttock pain when running
How Does High Hamstring Tendonitis Happen?
High hamstring tendonitis is usually caused by repetitive strain on the hamstring tendon.
Common causes include:
- Running or sprinting
- Jumping or explosive movements
- Sports involving kicking (football, rugby, athletics)
- Sudden increase in training intensity
- Prolonged sitting on hard surfaces
- Tight hamstring muscles
These activities place repeated stress on the tendon, leading to irritation and inflammation.
What Are the Symptoms of High Hamstring Tendonitis?
The most common symptom is deep pain in the lower buttock area, near where the hamstring attaches to the pelvis.
Other symptoms may include:
- Pain during running or sprinting
- Pain after physical activity
- Discomfort when sitting for long periods
- Pain when stretching the hamstrings
- Tightness in the back of the thigh
- Weakness in the hamstring muscles
- Pain when climbing stairs or walking uphill
Symptoms often worsen with repetitive or explosive movements.
What Should I Do If I Have High Hamstring Tendonitis?
If you experience persistent pain near the upper hamstring or buttock, it is important to consult a physiotherapist.
Early treatment helps prevent the condition from becoming chronic.
Initial self-care may include:
- Reducing activities that trigger pain
- Applying ice for 15–20 minutes to reduce inflammation
- Using light compression to support the area
However, full recovery usually requires a structured physiotherapy rehabilitation programme.
Physiotherapy Treatment for High Hamstring Tendonitis
Physiotherapy is the most effective approach for treating hamstring tendon injuries.
At ACE Physio Sports, physiotherapists will assess your symptoms, identify contributing factors, and create a personalised rehabilitation programme.
Treatment may include:
- Progressive strengthening exercises for the hamstrings
- Stretching exercises to improve flexibility
- Manual therapy to release muscle tension
- Electrotherapy (TENS or ultrasound) for pain relief
- Dry needling or acupuncture if appropriate
- Soft tissue massage for muscle tightness
- Biomechanical analysis to identify movement issues
- Education on activity modification
The goal is to restore strength and allow the tendon to tolerate load safely.
What Should I Avoid With High Hamstring Tendonitis?
Certain activities can worsen symptoms during recovery.
Avoid:
- Sprinting or explosive running
- Deep hamstring stretching early in recovery
- Sitting for prolonged periods on hard surfaces
- Ignoring persistent buttock pain
Continuing activity without treatment may cause the injury to become chronic.
Can There Be Long-Term Effects?
High hamstring tendonitis usually heals well with proper physiotherapy treatment.
However, if left untreated it may lead to:
- Chronic buttock pain
- Persistent hamstring weakness
- Difficulty running or exercising
- Recurrent hamstring injuries
Early physiotherapy significantly improves recovery outcomes.
Why Choose ACE Physio Sports
At ACE Physio Sports, our physiotherapists specialise in treating sports injuries, tendon injuries, and running-related conditions.
Our clinic provides:
- Comprehensive musculoskeletal assessments
- Personalised rehabilitation programmes
- Evidence-based physiotherapy treatments
- Return-to-sport rehabilitation
We help patients return safely to sport, work, and daily activities.
Book an Appointment
To arrange an appointment, please call +65 81535374 or visit acephysiosport.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I get pain in my buttock when running, sprinting, or heavy lifting?
This is a classic sign of Hamstrings Origin Tendinitis. The tendon becomes irritated and sensitive to load, particularly during activities that stress it repeatedly. Physiotherapy helps by gradually reloading the tendon at levels it can tolerate, building resilience and reducing pain over time.
Should I rest completely with Hamstrings Origin Tendinitis, or keep moving?
Complete rest is rarely the right answer. While you should avoid activities that cause sharp pain, guided movement and progressive loading through physiotherapy are essential to tendon recovery. "Active rest" — modifying rather than stopping activity — consistently gives the best results.
How long will Hamstrings Origin Tendinitis take to heal with physiotherapy?
Most tendinopathy cases show meaningful improvement within 6–12 weeks of a structured rehabilitation programme. Full recovery, especially for athletes returning to sport, can take 3–6 months. Consistency with the progressive loading programme is the key factor.
Ready to start your recovery?
Our specialist physiotherapists are here to help. Book a consultation today.
Book an Appointment