Page 74 - Life In Naples March 2022 Flipbook

A Slice of Italy in the Heart of Naples
health & fitness

The Imp
The Importance of the Hamstring Musclesortance of the Hamstring Muscles

by Paula Allia - PT, DHSc, MTC, OCS

he hamstring muscles are the All of the above are extremely important in regards to the
muscles that are located on the hamstrings and their involvement in supporting the bony
Tposterior aspect of the upper leg. framework of the low back and leg. It can be confusing but
There are three of them (semimembranosus, understand that:
semitendinosus, and biceps femoris). Two of • Hamstrings have direct action at the hip, pelvis, and knee.
the muscles are on the medial posterior thigh
• Tight hamstrings can contribute to a flatter back.
and one to the lateral aspect of the thigh.
• Proper strength and flexibility allow for appropriate
The muscles taper and the tendons associated
with these muscles attach down below to the knee. support to the joint they cross.
Muscles have the potential to act on the joints that they cross • Tight hamstrings can contribute to low back, hip and
over and attach. All three hamstring muscles attach proximally to knee dysfunction and pain.
the ischial tuberosity which is up on the pelvis and travel down to • Tight hamstrings can cause the quadriceps in the front of
attach below the knees. Thus, the hamstrings contract to extend the knee to have to work harder to straighten the knee. Cosmos uses only the freshest ingredients. Our menu features fresh
the hip proximally. Distally contraction of these muscles flexes homemade pastas, specialty pizzas, seafood, sandwiches and more!
• Weak hamstrings can decrease the support to the ACL.
(bends) the knee. The two most medial hamstrings also can cause
• If the medial hamstrings are tight versus the biceps
medial rotation of the tibia in the lower leg. Introducing his family’s generations-old recipes and the experience of
femoris, excess medial rotation can occur and contribute to
All muscles are affected by the flexibility and extensibility that
knee dysfunction. his career, owner Gianluca Corso has given Cosmos Ristorante and
are present. Because these are two joint muscles, the angle of one
joint will have an effect on the action at the other joint it crosses. • Stretching the hamstrings holding and anterior tilt will Pizzeria that unique, intimate and irresistible Sardinian-style Italian
Proximally, the hamstrings attach at the lower part of the stretch them more. flair that you’ll find nowhere else.
pelvis. In pilates these are referred to as the sit bones. Because Strengthening the hamstrings can be done with exercises that
of this attachment, the position of the pelvis can alter the length flex the knee and extend the hip.
of these muscles. For example, if one or more hamstrings are It is fair to say that the muscles should be stimulated and
shortened, they may pull on the pelvis. This may cause the pelvis strengthened throughout the entire excursion of the muscles.
to rotate posteriorly. If this occurs, the low back may flatten some This will help to ensure that there will be no specific areas of
and be vulnerable to injury. Proper tension of the hamstring group vulnerability.
helps to stabilize the low back by supporting the ligament that Stretching is a key component to keeping the hamstrings
attaches from the sacral bone (triangular bone at the base of the healthy. A quick slip with a leg going forward as in slipping on ice
spine) and the pelvis. or sliding on a tennis or pickleball court can cause a sudden stretch
If the abdominal muscles are weak the pelvis may fall into an that could tear the muscle or tendon if there is too much tightness
anterior tilt. This position will tighten the hamstrings. and limitation.
The most lateral hamstring, the biceps femoris, lies above the There are various ways to stretch and strengthen the hamstring
sciatic nerve so addressing this muscle and others (piriformis) is to keep the body most prepared for any activity. Seek out the right
necessary in a thorough evaluation. Tightness here may cause people to guide you as proper execution will keep you healthy and
pressure to the sciatic nerve. safe from injury in most instances.
Here’s To Your Health!
The hamstrings distally flex the knee. These muscles help to
control the bone in the lower leg (tibia) from moving excessively
forward. This control works with the anterior cruciate ligament Find that professional that understands the body fully and help to
(ACL). Thus, strong hamstrings are important with this guide you to your longevity in activities. Exercise smart and undo
ligamentous injury. excessive strains. For further information, please call
Fitness Together in downtown Naples at (239) 263-9348.

Fitness Together, 335 14 Ave South , Naples, FL 34102 - 239.263.9348 www.fitnesstogether.com/naples
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