How to Wrap Your Hamstring

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If you have suffered a hamstring injury in the past, you should wrap your leg in order to reinforce it if you are going to go hiking or walking. Even if your doctor gives you the go-ahead to start physical activity again, you may want to wrap your hamstring while you are still feeling some tenderness in your muscles. Always talk to your physician before attempting any type of physical activity after you have been injured.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

2-inch athletic tape Razor Shaving cream
2-inch athletic tape
Razor
Shaving cream

Step 1

Stretch before wrapping your hamstring. This will ensure that your hamstring is properly loosened before attempting any physical activity. Do gentle lunges and knee bends as well as massaging the injured hamstring with your fingers to loosen the muscle and avoid further strain.

Step 2

Shave the hair off of you your hamstring area. To avoid the tape pulling on your body hair and causing further pain, use shaving cream and a razor to remove all hair from the afflicted area. This will allow the tape to stick better and be removed more easily.

Step 3

Start just above the knee, and wrap 2-inch athletic tape around the entire thigh. Overlap the tape carefully, and stop 2 inches short of the groin.

Step 4

Walk around for several minutes and pay attention to the tightness of the tape. If the tape it too tight, it could do more harm than good while you are hiking. Loosen the tape if necessary, or if more support is needed, tighten it. If there is any bulging above or below the tape, it is most likely wrapped too tightly.

Tips & Warnings

Use a bandage for hamstring support during daily activities.

If you have any bruising or swelling in your hamstring area, go to the doctor.

Resources

AidYourHamstring.com: Pulled Hamstring

Article Written By Megan Smith

Megan Smith has been a freelance writer and editor since 2006. She writes about health, fitness, travel, beauty and grooming topics for various print and Internet publications. Smith earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in writing from New York University.

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