Q&A: Global PHT awareness/tendon strength assessment/rehab after recovery/mid-belly soreness
Title: Overcoming Proximal Hamstring Tendinopathy: Your Comprehensive Guide
Introduction
Welcome to another episode of the Proximal Hamstring Tendinopathy (PHT) podcast! In today’s episode, we’ll be addressing some of the most pressing questions related to PHT. Whether you’re an athlete or not, our goal is to provide you with valuable insights and evidence-based treatments to help you overcome this condition. I’m your host, Brody Sharp, an online physiotherapist, recreational athlete, and someone who has battled PHT personally.
Understanding the Origins of Proximal Hamstring Tendinopathy
Is PHT a 21st-Century Condition?
Julia kicks off our questions by asking whether PHT is a relatively recent condition, amplified by our sedentary lifestyles and hours spent sitting at work. While it’s challenging to pinpoint the exact origins of PHT, Brody shares his insights. He discusses how PHT wasn’t covered in his physiotherapy education, but rather emerged as an area of study in recent years. Brody suggests that PHT may have existed in the past but often went misdiagnosed or misunderstood.
Assessing the Strength of Your Hamstring Tendon
How to Determine the Strength of Your Tendon
Harvey raises an important question about assessing the strength of the hamstring tendon. Brody explains that determining tendon strength can be complex, involving factors such as irritability and sensitivity. He emphasizes the need to look beyond isolated instances of pain and assess an individual’s overall capacity and response to exercise. Brody also highlights the influence of pain’s complexity and the role of a hypersensitive nervous system.
Post-Recovery Protocol
What to Do After Becoming Pain-Free
Trina seeks guidance on what to do after achieving a pain-free state following PHT rehab. Brody outlines two scenarios: one for individuals with a sedentary lifestyle and another for athletes. For sedentary individuals, the goal is to maintain their current strength and rehab routine. If flare-ups occur due to specific activities, rehab frequency can temporarily increase. For athletes, the emphasis is on continuing to progress strength and conditioning to meet athletic demands while periodically adjusting rehab intensity and frequency.
Muscle Belly Pain and PHT
Understanding Pain in the Muscle Belly
Jen inquires about experiencing pain in the mid-portion of the hamstring muscle, separate from the high tendon attachment. Brody suggests that while it is relatively uncommon, it’s not unheard of. He discusses the possibility of sciatic nerve involvement or overworked hamstring muscles due to rehab. Brody advises treating it as PHT initially but widening the scope if symptoms persist to consider other diagnostic tests.
Conclusion
In this episode, we’ve delved into various aspects of PHT, from its origins and assessment to post-recovery protocols and muscle belly pain. Remember, PHT is a complex condition, and individual experiences may vary. If you have questions or concerns about your specific case, it’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional.
Stay tuned for more insightful episodes on PHT, and keep taking control of your rehab journey!
