Hamstring Strain and Tightness Treatment in Mineola, NY

MULLIGAN CONCEPT

Hamstring Problems

Hamstring problems range from a pulled muscle during sprinting to tightness that never seems to loosen, and pain at the sitting bone in runners. Sometimes the low back or sciatic nerve is part of the picture. At Enhanced Physical Therapy in Mineola, we use the Mulligan Bent Leg Raise, spinal techniques and progressive strengthening to help you get back to running and sport.

Certified Mulligan Practitioner Over 10 Years of Experience

Our clinics director is a Certified Mulligan Practitioner (CMP) with over a decade
of experience using this evidence-based approach. Each treatment is customized to
your specific diagnosis and movement limitations to achieve optimal outcomes.

Common signs of hamstring problems

Sudden pain at the back of the thigh while sprinting or kicking
Tightness that never seems to loosen with stretching
Pain at the sitting bone when sitting or running
Pain bending forward
Bruising at the back of the thigh after an injury

What causes it

Strains happen when the hamstring is stretched quickly under load, such as sprinting. Ongoing tightness can come from the muscle itself, a sensitive sciatic nerve, or protection after back pain.

How we examine it

Before any hands-on treatment, we ask about your health and screen for anything that needs a doctor first. We assess hamstring strength and length, nerve sensitivity and back movement, then test whether the Bent Leg Raise or a spinal glide improves range.

Mulligan techniques we use

Bent Leg Raise. Gentle traction along the thigh with the knee bent, to ease hip bending.
Traction Straight Leg Raise. A sustained pull along the leg while it is raised.
Spinal Mobilization with Leg Movement. If the back or nerve is involved.
Pain Release Phenomenon (PRP). For pain at the sitting bone lasting more than six weeks. Pain Release Phenomenon, not platelet rich plasma.

What the research says

A small trial (Hall et al. 2006) found the Bent Leg Raise improved straight leg raise range in people with low back pain. Most other studies are in people without injury, and we found no Mulligan trial in hamstring strains, where progressive strengthening is the main treatment.

What else is in your treatment plan

Your plan includes manual therapy where it helps, progressive hamstring strengthening, sprint and running drills and a staged return to sport.

How long recovery takes

Mild strains often recover in 2 to 4 weeks, more severe strains in 6 to 12 weeks. Pain at the sitting bone can take several months.

When to see a doctor first

Call your doctor, or get urgent care, if you have any of the following:

A pop with large bruising and weakness after an injury (possible tendon tear): see a doctor promptly
Numbness or weakness in the leg
Numbness in the saddle area or bladder or bowel changes
Calf swelling and pain
Fever

Hamstring problems treatment near Mineola

Enhanced Physical Therapy is at 137 Willis Ave, Suite 100, Mineola, NY 11501, a short walk from NYU Langone Hospital-Long Island. We see patients from Mineola, Garden City, Williston Park, New Hyde Park, Carle Place, Westbury, Albertson and Manhasset, and across central Nassau County.

Frequently asked questions

Why are my hamstrings always tight?

Sometimes it is nerve sensitivity or protection after back pain rather than a short muscle.

Is stretching enough?

Stretching helps some people. Strengthening and techniques like the Bent Leg Raise often help more.

When can I sprint again?

When strength and running tests are close to the other leg. We guide you.

Can my back cause hamstring pain?

Yes. The back and sciatic nerve can feel like a hamstring problem, which is why we check both.

Written and clinically reviewed by Jacob Kurian, PT, MSPT, CMP, DPT, Certified Mulligan Practitioner, Enhanced Physical Therapy, Mineola NY. Last updated October 14, 2026.

Move Better, Feel Better

If this is limiting your work, sleep or activity, call Enhanced Physical Therapy at (516) 833-5880 to book an evaluation with Jacob Kurian, Certified Mulligan Practitioner. Mulligan treatment may help reduce pain and improve movement, and we will tell you honestly what to expect.