Need Help?

Speak to one of our specialists about Pulled Hamstring.

Book NowContact Us

Pulled Hamstring

A pulled hamstring causes sudden pain at the back of the thigh due to muscle strain or tear. Physiotherapy in Singapore helps reduce pain, restore strength, and prevent re-injury.

Vineet Bansal
Medically Reviewed By
Vineet BansalCLINICAL DIRECTOR / PRINCIPAL MUSCULOSKETAL & SPORTS PHYSIOTHERAPIST
Last reviewed on 29 May 2026
Pulled Hamstring

What is a Pulled Hamstring?

A pulled hamstring (hamstring strain or tear) occurs when one or more of the muscles at the back of your thigh are overstretched or torn.

This is a very common sports injury, especially in activities involving sprinting or sudden acceleration.

Patients often describe: 👉 “Sudden sharp pain in the back of my thigh” 👉 “Felt like something snapped while running” 👉 “Cannot walk properly after injury”

If you are looking for hamstring injury physiotherapy in Singapore, ACE Physio Sports provides expert rehabilitation to help you recover safely and return to activity.

Causes

A hamstring strain usually occurs when the muscle contracts forcefully while stretched.

Common causes include:

  • Sprinting or sudden acceleration
  • Rapid changes in direction
  • Kicking movements
  • Poor warm-up or flexibility
  • Muscle imbalance or weakness
  • Fatigue during activity

This is why many patients say: 👉 “Pulled my hamstring while sprinting” 👉 “Injury happened during sudden movement”

Symptoms (What patients actually feel)

Symptoms vary depending on severity but often include:

  • Sudden sharp pain at the back of the thigh
  • Tearing or snapping sensation at injury
  • Tenderness when touching the muscle
  • Bruising or discoloration
  • Stiffness and reduced movement
  • Weakness in the leg

Patients commonly say: 👉 “Pain when walking or stretching” 👉 “Cannot straighten my leg properly” 👉 “Back of thigh feels tight and weak”

What Should I Do?

The first 24–48 hours are critical:

  • Rest the injured leg
  • Apply ice for 15–20 minutes every 1–2 hours
  • Avoid excessive movement
  • Use crutches if needed (severe cases)
  • Book a physiotherapy assessment early

Early care reduces swelling and speeds recovery.

What Shouldn’t I Do?

In the early phase, avoid:

  • Stretching the hamstring
  • Heat or hot showers
  • Massage directly on the injury
  • Alcohol consumption
  • Running or sports activity

These can worsen bleeding and delay healing.

Physiotherapy Treatment for Pulled Hamstring

At ACE Physio Sports, rehabilitation is structured to ensure safe and complete recovery.

1. Detailed Assessment

  • Identify injury grade (mild, moderate, severe)
  • Assess muscle damage and function
  • Estimate recovery timeline

2. Pain & Swelling Management

  • Ice therapy
  • Electrotherapy (TENS, ultrasound)
  • Gentle movement

3. Mobility Restoration

  • Gradual range of motion exercises
  • Reduce stiffness
  • Restore flexibility

4. Strengthening Programme

  • Progressive hamstring strengthening
  • Glute and core strengthening
  • Restore muscle balance

5. Soft Tissue Treatment

  • Massage (after early stage)
  • Improve circulation and recovery

6. Supportive Techniques

  • Taping or strapping
  • Protect muscle during recovery

7. Functional Rehabilitation

  • Gradual return to walking, running
  • Sport-specific drills

8. Injury Prevention

  • Strength and flexibility training
  • Movement correction

Learn more about our sports injury rehab at https://acephysiosport.com.

Recovery & Long-Term Effects

  • Mild strain: 2–3 weeks
  • Moderate strain: 4–8 weeks
  • Severe tear: longer recovery

With physiotherapy:

✔ Pain reduces ✔ Strength returns ✔ Flexibility improves ✔ Safe return to sport

Without proper treatment:

❌ Increased risk of re-injury ❌ Chronic tightness ❌ Reduced performance ❌ Prolonged recovery

Why Choose ACE Physio Sports

✔ Expertise in sports injury rehabilitation ✔ Personalised recovery programmes ✔ Structured return-to-sport protocols ✔ Focus on preventing re-injury ✔ Conveniently located near East Coast Road, Singapore

If you are searching for hamstring injury treatment in Singapore, ACE Physio Sports provides expert care for fast and safe recovery.

Book Appointment

Recover faster and get back to your activity safely.

👉 Book now: https://acephysiosport.com 📞 Call / WhatsApp: +65 81535374

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my upper leg hurt when I run, sprint, or do explosive activities?

Pulled Hamstring typically occurs when the muscle or tendon is placed under repetitive high loads during running and explosive movements. Physiotherapy helps by identifying training errors, correcting biomechanics, and progressively building tissue capacity to handle sport demands.

How long will I be off sport with Pulled Hamstring?

Most athletes return to training within 3–8 weeks, depending on severity. Your physiotherapist will guide a safe return-to-sport programme using objective strength and function tests before clearing you for full activity.

Should I stretch my upper leg if I have Pulled Hamstring?

Gentle stretching can provide relief, but aggressively stretching an acutely irritated muscle or tendon can worsen symptoms. Your physiotherapist will prescribe the right type and timing of stretching as part of your individualised programme.

Ready to start your recovery?

Our specialist physiotherapists are here to help. Book a consultation today.

Book an Appointment