Comparison of the effectiveness of two approaches in rehabilitation of partial rupture of the hamstring muscles

Injuries of the hamstring muscle group are frequently encountered traumas in athletes. The most common form of injuries are partial and complete ruptures. These injuries lead to the loss of psychomotor qualities but also represent a field for secondary lesions such as disruption of the neurodynamics of the n. ischiadicus and vascular disorders (Heiderscheit et al. (2010), Opar (2020), Butler (2022),
Shacklock (2018). Many authors can be found in the literature (Renstrom (2021), Bandy et al. (2019), Feland et al. (2021)) who suggest stretching in the rehabilitation of these patients. The aim of this research is to compare the effects of different manual stretching techniques on the elasticity of the hamstring muscles and the level of
pain and muscle strength. A total of 20 individuals with partial rupture of the hamstring muscles were included in the study. Of them, 11 were men and 9 were women. The patients were aged 18 to 26 years.
The research was conducted from 15.05 to 15.06.2023 in the
Physiotherapy office Physiotema Kochani. In all patients, we
observed reduced muscle elasticity with at least 20 degrees of shortening of the active extension in the knee. Patients were divided into two groups: control and Group B experimental. The treatment methodology in both groups included kinesitherapy aimed at improving hip and knee mobility and increasing muscle strength. In Group A, as a supplement, the kinesitherapy program was enriched with post-isometric relaxation of all affected muscles. In Group B, we applied dry needles along the sciatic nerve. The results show a positive effect of the applied therapeutic agents. In the experimental group, the reduction of pain is more pronounced, and in the control group, the recovery of mobility.