Hamstring injuries often result from pushing too hard in your yoga class. The best treatment is to avoid an injury by warming up the muscles and gently stretching the hamstrings to increase flexibility. If an injury occurs, it is best to rest the muscles and give them a chance to heal.
Many people find that ice is beneficial for a hamstring pull. Ice helps reduce swelling. You can apply an ice pack to the affected area for ten to fifteen minutes at a time. Repeat this treatment a few times each day until the muscles heal. Sometimes elevating the feet can help reduce swelling too.
For some people, massage is a helpful technique for treating a hamstring injury. If the hamstring strain is serious, use precautions before trying massage. When attempting to heal a hamstring injury, leave the massage to the professionals. An experienced massage therapist knows the right amount of pressure and massage techniques for the hamstrings.
If all else fails, try medication to reduce the inflammation in the hamstrings. The best option is an anti inflammatory medicine, such as ibuprofen or Aleve to reduce swelling and pain in the muscles. Take these medications sparingly and always take them with food.
There are some poses to avoid, if you have a hamstring injury. The poses that stretch the hamstrings may cause pain when these muscles are strained. For the time being, limit standing and seated forward bends, triangle pose and other poses that stretch the hamstrings or cause pain.
When you are ready to resume your practice, focus on opposing movements to reduce the strain on the hamstrings. Poses such as locust and camel pose contract the hamstrings, which helps over stretched hamstrings.
As the hamstrings heal and you are ready for a full yoga practice, take extra care in the poses that stretch the hamstrings. Always move slowly, breathe into the pose and move only as far as feels comfortable. You should always listen to your body, but pay close attention when stretching the hamstrings after an injury.