Chiropractors/Chronic Hamstring problems.

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Expert: Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman - 5/1/2007


Question
Hi, I'm a short sprinter in track and field and have been experiencing chronic hamstring problems since I was 18. I broke my pelvic bone when I was 17 and the hamstring problems have been occuring on and off since. I warm up and stretch prior to hard sprinting all the time, I have the "Stick" which I use on my hamstrings as well. Is there anything else that I can do to prevent these chronic hamstring problems. I've been running all track season without any serious problems until lat night when I strainged my hamstring in practice.

Answer
Dear Anthony,

The most common reason for chronic hamstring problems is inappropriate rehabilitation post injury, or a premature return to sport after injury.  In your case this is likely scenario as well due to the previous pelvic fracture.  

At this point you likely have increased scar tissue formation in the hamstrings themselves, which will always cause some level of problem due to the fact that scar tissue is always weaker, less resilient/elastic, and more prone to pain generation.  This does not mean that you can't go on competing, but rather that you need to take your conditioning more seriously than other athletes.

Stretching is a must, but does not constitute an effective warm-up, the actual aspect of heat generation in the body has been proven more beneficial for pre-competition conditioning to reduce injury.  The stretching is more important as an ongoing overall pursuit for flexibility which will also reduce injury risk.  Additionally, you need to have your form and function analyzed by a critical eye to target areas for rehab...likely some hip or glute dysfunction/weakness that when stabilized and strengthened will further reduce more injury and increase performance.  Moreover, there may be a functional decrease in strength in the problematic hamstring versus the healthy one.  this should be addressed as well to make sure that the strength ratio is as equal as possible.

For a qualified professional, a certified chiropractic sports physician, or certified athletic trainer would be a good choice...a personal trainer may be able to help you with this, but many are not qualified.  You will probably need to do some local community research to find one.

To find a chiropractor certified in sport injuries and rehab, or a personal trainer with high level qualifications
such as the strength and conditioning specialist check out the below websites:

www.acbsp.com
www.nsca-lift.org

Good Luck Anthony!

Respectfully,
Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman
www.suncoasthealthcare.net

Chiropractors

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Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman

Expertise

I can answer questions on general chiropractic care, sports injury, whiplash and auto crash, mild traumatic brain injury, structural and functional rehabilitation of the spine, nutrition for inflammation and repair, fitness training, nutrition for sports performance and other general health and nutrition related inquiries. I currently lecture on automobile trauma, occupant kinematics, and forensic risk analysis to local EMS, Fire and Police, as well as nutrition and sports injury to community groups. Rest assured all answers are generated from my clinical experience, and scientific research.

Experience

I have accumulated over 1100 hours of post-doctoral training to include; Certifications in Spinal Trauma and Mild Traumatic Brain Injury from the Spine Research Institute of San Diego, Certification in Chiropractic Spinal Trauma from the International Chiropractic Association, Certification in Low Speed Auto Crash Reconstruction and Certification in Forensic Risk Analysis from The Center for Research Into Automotive Safety and Health, Certified Proficiency in spinal and extremity diagnostic procedures from The Motion Palpation Institute, Certified in Sports Injury and Rehabilitation from the National University of Health Sciences and The American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians, Nationally Certified Fellow of Structural Rehabilitation from The Chiropractic Biophysics Organization, and I have advanced training in manipulation under anesthesia and nutrition. Feel free to check out my website for course listings: www.suncoasthealthcare.net

Organizations
International Chiropractic Association, Florida Chiropractic Association, American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians, American Academy of Pain Management, Chiropractic Biophysics, Spine Research Institute of San Diego, Center for Research Into Automotive Safety and Health, Motion Palpation Organization, American Academy of Manual and Physical Medicine, Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce

Education/Credentials
B.A. (Psychology)The University of Cincinnati B.S. (Human Biology)Cleveland Chiropractic College D.C. (Doctor of Chiropractic) Cleveland Chiropractic College C.C.S.T. (Certification in Chiropractic Spinal Trauma)The International Chiropractic Association C.C.S.P. (Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician)The American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians. *CCST and CCSP 120 hour certification courses are not recognized by the Florida Chiropractic Board due to the fact that they are not 300 hour diplomate level courses*

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