Tight hamstrings (the muscles on the back of the thighs) are often reported as a problem by people we treat. So why might your hamstrings stay tight even after you’ve stretched them?
1. The hamstrings are 3 muscles that run from the base of the pelvis to the back of the knee but they function as one part of a chain of muscles that actually runs from the sole of the foot, up the back of the leg and right up and across to the opposite shoulder and arm.
2. If any part of that chain of muscles is weak it might cause your hamstrings to tighten. A common cause is low back pain. If the back is sore or has been sore and stayed weak as a result, your brain cleverly tries to compensate for the weakness by tightening your hamstrings to support your back. Hence, if your back stays weak or is not functioning optimally, you may never be able to stretch your hamstrings with lasting results.
3. The hamstring tension is often a symptom of an underlying cause. The body functions as a single entity, rarely does stretching just one part benefit the system as a whole.
