Everything to Expect with a Proximal Hamstring Avulsion Injury - Part 1

[@StephanieWingo]

Thank you so much for your videos. I’m currently 3 weeks post surgery and actually cried when I watched your videos. I live in Germany as an American and the language barrier has been very difficult. I had 3 complete tears with one retracted 11cm. I really appreciate you sharing your journey and insights and for all the comments people have left. You have no idea the positive impact you have had on me🥰🥰 Here’s hoping for a complete and healthy recovery for everyone❤️‍🩹

[@kimberlykinch]

This is so amazing, I appreciate you so much for leaving this comment and I'm SO happy that the videos have been helpful. Once you get through those first few weeks, it does get better!!

[@carolschultz103]

Thank you so much Kimberly for posting these videos, they are so helpful! I am 62 and a fitness instructor plus work out every day. This injury has been devastating to me, but I'm hopeful I'll make a full recovery. I'm 2 weeks post op using a walker because I was very unsteady with crurches. No brace, non weight bearing on the leg for 2 weeks. As you said, the doctor doesn't really tell you much about the recovery. I'm happy to see all the comments, and that you are doing ok! Your videos saved me today, I was getting really down!

[@kimberlykinch]

Hi! I'm so happy these videos have been helpful!! This injury is definitely a tough one and it's a long road. But I think with proper rehab and strengthening, you'll be able to get back to your usual activities :)

[@doctamoneystacks]

Tore all three hamstrings from the pelvis and had 5.5cm retraction (with a few fibers still attached) on one and the other two with 1.8cm retraction. This happened in late June and I'm trying to get a surgery date ASAP. Met a consulting surgeon and he could not decide if I needed surgery or not because when I saw him in mid July, I was no longer in any severe/chronic pain and I could walk normally again. So he referred me to one that is pretty familiar with the injury. Met with that guy a week ago (mid-August by this point) and he flat out told me he didn't think I'd need surgery and I could manage, but still offered it. I'm 30 and I rock climb, ski, hike, participate in ultramarathons, etc. I thought he was out of his mind. Now I'm (impatiently) waiting to see his colleague. He said at this stage, like 7 weeks out from the injury, the surgery is a bit tougher and the recovery is worse. I know I present well but I'm super concerned for my long term prospects. Like you, I was in denial about the severity of my injury. I remember the feeling of dread when I read my MRI, but even then I was still trying to convince myself I didn't need surgery. Now I'm just fully committed to getting it so I don't have to worry about the quality of repair my body does. The human body is amazing at what it does to heal itself, but I do not want to roll the dice on my future. Thanks for posting these videos, super helpful for me, the lack of available information is dumbfounding.

[@kimberlykinch]

I'm sorry you're dealing with doctors that aren't super helpful! This injury is tough and finding any information about it is even tougher. I completely agree - our body is amazing at healing itself, but I didn't want to take a chance on the future of my athletic ability. I hope that you find a surgeon soon that you feel comfortable with!

[@Susan-hs6qu]

Thank you for posting! I am scheduled for surgery on 1/30/24 for a full thickness hamstrings avulsion with approx 3 cm of separation. I'll be about 4 1/2 weeks out from the date of the accident (did a one-let split on wet tile on a scuba diving trip). My surgeon was very upfront about the recovery, calling it "brutal," but as a 62-year old woman with an active lifestyle surgery was the optimal route. Post-surgery, my leg will be braced to include keeping the knee bent at somewhere around 90 degrees for four to six weeks. I'll use a knee scooter to move around, augmented by crutches. Your videos (I've watched several this morning) took some of the unknown out of the recovery. As did the multiple comments from others sharing their experiences. Thank you for that and the Facebook group recommendation. That's my next stop!

[@kimberlykinch]

Hi! I'm sorry to hear that you're going through this too :( But I'm happy the videos were helpful and that group will definitely give you a TON of insight as well!! Personally, the injury was so traumatic for me that the surgery itself was the easiest part lol! The first 4 weeks are the toughest physically, but every day and every week is one step closer to normalcy. Wishing you the best!

[@Susan-hs6qu]

Thank you so much!!@@kimberlykinch

[@melindahodges3933]

Thanks for posting this! I was in that group of people who went to a surgeon who told them they could not have the surgery because I was 50 years old and overweight. However, I was not satisfied with that. I have thyroid disorder which causes me to be overweight although I am extremely active. The second surgeon I saw didn't even want to touch this injury so he referred me to another surgeon. The third surgeon actually listened and together, we decided that surgery was the best route for me. Unfortunately, it was 6 weeks post injury before I got surgery. But, having an awesome surgeon, was a great benefit. My tendons were already starting to attach to my sciatic nerve, so he had to dissect them from the nerve before he could reattach them. The surgery was a success, no nerve damage, and I am now 14 weeks post-op and now the real work begins!

[@kimberlykinch]

Love hearing success stories!! Happy recovery has been going smoothly, and yes, now you can strengthen and put in that work 🎉🎉

[@amyblossom7486]

ATTACHING TO YOUR SCIATIC NERVE?????!!!!! Oh, the horror! I'd never even considered that possibility. I have bad sciatica on my "good" leg, so can only imagine the joys of that event. I am now six weeks out from injury, saw one surgeon who told me I wasn't a good candidate. Scared the beejesus out of me. Then I talked to an Ortho PA and he referred me to another surgeon, who I am meeting tomorrow. Kinda scared because I have a lot of retraction.

[@juliestoner4947]

This video was so helpful! I had surgery five days ago for a stage 3 proximal hamstring tear. Everything you described has been so true for me. There are two things that are different though. I do not have to wear a brace. I also have a waterproof bandage put on my incision. I have been able to shower with a handheld showerhead, and sit on one cheek on the shower chair. No problems there. I am also using a walker. I sit on ice all day. I also keep a pillow under my leg. Every day I am getting more and more mobile. I am very careful. I’ve had lots of help from friends and neighbors. I lost my husband 18 months ago, so I have not had a caretaker in my home. One thing you never talked about was what you sat on while you worked. I’ll be going back to work in a couple of weeks and I’m so anxious to sit in an office chair all day. I’m also nervous about driving. It’s my right leg that is injured. How did you know when you were ready to drive?

[@kimberlykinch]

Hi Julie, happy to hear the initial stage of recovery is going smoothly! I actually didn’t sit on anything special when I worked, so thats why I didn’t mention it hehe :D I would alternate between my couch and my barstools at the dining table. When I sat at the barstools, I would just keep my injured leg and hip off of the stool. When that would start to get tiring, I’d just go back on the couch lol. But being completely upright for a period of time helped me feel less sluggish and more normal. I didn’t start driving until I got my brace off. Once I got it off, I felt totally fine driving. By that point, my body was ready to get out of the brace and start doing things somewhat normally. It was still uncomfortable to sit directly on that injured side, so I’d just put more weight into my good side while driving and sitting. The key was just being super aware of my body, what felt right, what didn’t and where I could push the limit a little bit. I hope all of this helps!

[@juliestoner4947]

Thank you ❤

[@chriskuhn11]

Hello Kimberly I can not begin to tell you how much I appreciate your video. I am three weeks post injury and scheduled for surgery in 2weeks. I actually have been getting pretty nervous about the recovery process. Your video is full of so much information compared to what I have been able to find. I was just fitted for my brace today. The first week after the injury was difficult but I really am not in much pain now and I am back to work so I too have been thinking is it really necessary to proceed with this surgery. I know that I do live an active lifestyle and want to continue. Your encouragement to get up everyday and keep moving is so encouraging. Thank-you so much!

[@kimberlykinch]

So happy this video was helpful!! The same thing happened to me - I started feeling better and even questioned if I needed the surgery lol. But I have zero regrets going through with it! Best of luck with your recovery!!

[@kristirenfroe184]

I am about to have the surgery too. Did you have it? How are you doing?

[@kristirenfroe184]

@chriskuhn11

[@letsbeforeveryoung]

I just got home from this surgery today and found your video. Very depressed at the moment Thank you for sharing I am anxious to watch the next one ❤️

[@stephanielafferty7078]

How are you doing now?

[@JustinUrban1]

I’ll be 6 months out from surgery on the 28th of April. I’m in a return to sport program for snowboarding, and it has been a long long process getting better. I still have a lot of swelling after going through my workouts, but I’m slowly starting to feel stronger. If anyone needs advice it is definitely not an easy search to find information on this surgery. Glad this channel is still posting about it as it was my first find in terms of finding another individual who was going through the same procedure around the same time.

[@kimberlykinch]

Happy the videos have been helpful for you!

[@user-mm5vr3zc8o]

Kim-Thanks for posting this. This is the first video that offers a detailed explanation about the injury. I am an active 52 year old male (I was walking 50 miles per month before this) and completely agree that this injury is tough (if not brutal). I had a 6cm retraction from the bone caused by a slip and fall (all 3 tendons) so surgery was the only option in my opinion. I was fortunate to have surgery within 2 weeks of the incident while the tendon integrity was still good. According to my surgeon if you wait more than 6 weeks you are venturing into dangerous waters as the tendon develops atrophy and can turn into mushy chewing gum making it difficult to reattach it to the bone. I am in my 12th week now and hopefully will get the green light next week to start finally strengthening the hamstring. Like yourself I am really looking forward to this as the waiting game can be taxing. Below are the most challenging issues in my opinion so far: 1. Sitting-I can only sit comfortably on one cheek. When driving I continue to use a wedge pillow which is raised on my non injured side. Barstools are your best friend. 2. Hamstring-It still feels like a balloon is attached to my hamstring. Previously it felt like a bowling ball was attached so at least it's progress even if minimal. LOL 3. Upper Body Muscle strains-Early on (the first 6 weeks) I highly favored my non impacted side for leverage to move around in bed, get up, etc. This put a great amount of stress on my ribs on the opposite side of my body which are still sore today (6 weeks later). I would encourage others to be cautious of this early on and not overdo it if possible. 4. Bending down-Remains challenging. Sometimes it's easier just to get on the ground if you need to get something. 5. Sleep-Prop a pillow beneath your hamstring to minimize tension. This helps. 6. Work-I bought a stand up desk for work along with an ergonomic standing pad. I finds it is much easier to stand but find myself taking a few breaks throughout the day. I borrowed a cushioned leather couch from a co worker and use it regularly. 7. PT-Make sure you go to a facility that provides hands on PT. You will develop lots of scar tissue around the wound. The wound will get hard over time making the area extremely tight. To make things more challenging your wound is in in a place where the sun does not shine making it difficult to get to. To combat this (i.e. break up the scar tissue-soften the area) enlist an active therapist who can provide laser therapy on the wound itself to stimulate blood flow. A-stem treatment is also recommended around the wound (this is not comfortable and will hurt a lot) They take a plastic scupper and roll it across your surrounding muscles to break up the scar tissue. It makes me cringe writing this but keep in mind its for the greater good. That's it for now. Will provide additional updates as things progress along. Hang in there all :)

[@kimberlykinch]

Hey! Sorry for the delayed reply - how's recovery going???

[@user-mm5vr3zc8o]

@@kimberlykinch making headway. Found a new pt facility and am working with someone who is familiar with our injury. He has worked with 6 others that had same injury. Lots of heavy massage around the wound at the start of pt and then plenty of exercise after (cone touches, hamstring press, leg lifts with weights, etc.) feel like I turned a corner at 16 weeks and things are starting to get easier. Took a 4.5 mile walk on Saturday thru the hills around my home and felt good after. Walked extra slow going up the hills but feel like I am making headway. Sitting still a little uncomfortable but getting easier 👍 on the mend for sure

[@hopelinderman2506]

My surgery is scheduled on 10 days , arthroscopic. It’s a Tuesday, do you think I would be up to working with a laptop at home in 1 week?

[@jenj883]

Thanks so much for this-looking forward to part 2 as I prepare for my surgery in 2 days! Thank you!

[@kimberlykinch]

I’ll be finishing up the editing today so be on the lookout for part 2 tonight! I hope your surgery goes smoothly - you’re gonna do great!!

[@jenj883]

Thank you so much!

[@Khaos969]

How did it go?

[@TheOctagonman]

Thank You for taking the time to share🙏

[@kimberlykinch]

Thank you for watching!

[@alphacharlieco.]

Semitendinosus detached 4.27 CM from the pelvic bone. Extremely active at 40 and 2 teens. Surgery scheduled for Monday afternoon 🙏. We'll see how it goes. Thank you for helping me cope with the decision of getting the surgery. Blessings

[@kimberlykinch]

Thanks so much for watching - glad this video was helpful! How did surgery go ??

[@alphacharlieco.]

@Kimberly Kinch You where right, easiest part was is over. Everything went smooth. Just laying in bed for hours at a time is definitely painful. I get up from time to time, just don't want to risk falling. Only the second day, so I will stay put. Thank you so much for checking in. Encouragement is everything, that's for sure. Can't wait to lay sideways 😀.

[@kimberlykinch]

@@alphacharlieco. glad to hear all went well!! Oh my gosh yes when you can start laying sideways, it’s a game changer 😂😅

[@khaoulahassani7093]

I am so happy I found your video! I have been in recovery post-op for the last 2 weeks, and I am struggling to find info on recovery... my doctor keeps saying "no weight for 8 weeks" but it still feels unbelievable that I will be off my left leg for 8 weeks. 😭😭 I HAVE THE EXACT same tear as you... I was chocked up when I found out I needed surgery.

[@kimberlykinch]

8 weeks is a long time! 😭😭😭😭 how is everything else with recovery going so far?!

[@awildswirl2641]

Hey Kimberly! That tree is beautiful! Also happy you're feeling better ☺️

[@kimberlykinch]

Thank you !! ❤️

[@amyblossom7486]

Thank you Kim, for posting this. I will be watching all of your videos. I am six weeks out from a full thickness hamstrings avulsion with between 2.6 - 5.2 cm of separation. Going to see the surgeon tomorrow. I am at the same point where you were starting to feel a bit better and able to manage my life activities for the most part. Going to have to decide this yay or nay pretty quickly I think. I am 63 years old and did the splits while jumping a muddy spot that happened to be icy where my foot landed. I was out feeding my horses. 🤕

[@kimberlykinch]

Oh no I’m so sorry that you’re going through this!! It’s so much tougher than people think. What did you surgeon say???

[@sarahbagley8393]

Hi there. My 13yr old son had a complete avulsion of the ischial tuberosity attached to hamstring which took a flake of small bone with it 3 weeks ago. We are getting conflicting opinions from surgeons here in Australia. He has a 2cm separation and I am told that it can heal as it isn’t a huge separation. Is there anyone who has recovered well without surgery? He plays rugby league and surfs. He doesn’t have any pain now and is already walking on it

[@kimberlykinch]

@@sarahbagley8393 it looks like you’re getting a lot of feedback in the facebook group - that’s great! This injury is tricky because of multiple factors and there’s much less people who opt for the non-surgical route.

[@sarahbagley8393]

@@kimberlykinch thank you. It’s a very stressful road to navigate

[@kimberlykinch]

@@sarahbagley8393 It is. You really have to do some digging to find answers.

[@deborahhayes825]

At first I thought good for you, you don't have the same attitude as your surgeon in discussing older people, but then you went and recited exactily the same attitude. Don't ever underestimate "older" people. 70 is the new 40! That said, I do appreciate your posting because there is still very little out there on youtube on total hamstring tears and recoveries. I find support groups, talking with people who have or are going through the same thing is extremely helpful. I recommend the Bone Smart support group. I'm 70, was never in sports, but I was a field biologist for 40 yrs and always exercised. Believe me, tramping throught the prairies, swamps and mountains digging holes and gathering research data is just as "athletic" as football or tennis (also non smoker, no alcohol). These tendon tears are not always injury initiated. I have Ehlers Danlos syndrome (collegan mutation) and since I was 52 I've had 8 joint replacements, 3 level back fusion, carpal tunnel etc, ( neck fusion coming, and 3 other surgeries in next year and hopefully that will be it) always dealing with the worst pain next. I believe in science and medical science is advancing in leaps and bounds. Most orthopedic and sport surgeries are routine now. Why would you refuse surgery if you can get rid of pain and get back to living your life. Anyway, My proximal hamstring tear came to the top of the pain list and I'm having surgery in 2 weeks, starting as arthroscopic, going to open if needed.. There was never an injury, just gradual stretching on the tendon and tearing over the last 5 yrs. The conjoined tendons are completely torn from the bone and the 3rd is hanging on by a thread, 2 cm retraction. My surgeon is young, but after looking at my medical record, he said "You have been through a lot but I'm guessing you aren't going to be happy if I suggest you might just live with it, are you). Yup!. got that right. Both parents died in their mid 80's. I'm healthier than they were at 70 so I figure I've got at least 15 more years . I intend to spend them enjoying myself in as little pain as possible and doing lots of living. On the pain after surgery, RIDICULOUS! Pain management is normal now, if you are in pain, talk with your doctor, there are remedies until the healing is complete. I remember waking up from first surgery, hip replacement. I was astounded, after 2 years of horrendous pain, bone on bone, IT WAS GONE! Surgery was at 7 am and I was up walking to the bathroom by myself, pain free at 1 pm. yes I was on pain med, but it never got back to as bad as pre-op throughout the recovery process.

[@kimberlykinch]

I actually said I still believe what I originally thought, but can simply understand the surgeon’s point of view a little better after having gone through the recovery process. I do agree, for many people who take care of themselves and are active, 70 is absolutely still young. Hope your surgery and recovery go smoothly 👍🏻

[@TeegsKate777]

Thank you so much for sharing! I’m booked in for surgery for the same injury on Tuesday BUT also feeling like you were a week after your injury, I’m able to put weight on my leg, walk and am a little bit more mobile now doing day to day things so I’m doubting whether surgery is actually necessary! 😬 did your surgeon tell you if this is normal to feel like this a week post injury? 🤦🏽‍♀️ thanks again for sharing all of your content around this injury/surgery/recovery! There really isn’t much out there!

[@kimberlykinch]

@@TeegsKate777 hi! So sorry you’re going through this injury. Yes I spoke with my doctor when I was feeling like that and he said it’s likely because scar tissue is starting to form, so that’s what was giving me the mobility again. Almost 2 years post op now and very happy I did the surgery!

[@TeegsKate777]

@@kimberlykinchwow our bodies are insane. So positive to hear you are glad you went through with the surgery. Gives me hope I am doing the right thing especially with a strong desire to return to sport/exercise to the level I was pre-injury! You’re my inspo for the recovery journey ahead! Thank you 🙌🏼

[@kimberlykinch]

@@TeegsKate777 I truly hope all goes well for you and that you're able to return to all of your activities! If you have any questions about anything, don't hesitate to reach out :)

[@sonjadahlgren]

Thanks for this video!! It was like I could have recorded it myself - litteraly everything you said! It seems we had the exact same injury too (all three tendons, 3 cm retraction). I am 49, and stumbled, fell and did the split during a run in the woods. I am now 10 days post op, and very motivated to get back to ”normal”, but I do realize it’s going to be tough. However here in Sweden, we do have crutches for 6 weeks, but no brace. And we start already the day after surgery with very light excercises while lying down (4x each day). I think it’s from Carls Askling’s research on hamstring injuries.

[@kimberlykinch]

I hope your recovery has been going well!

[@sonjadahlgren]

@@kimberlykinch Thank you! Tomorrrow I am four weeks post op, and making progress every day! ☺️ But I realize there’s plenty of work to be done before full strength is achieved. How are things for you now? You are approx nine months post op now?

[@kimberlykinch]

@@sonjadahlgren that’s amazing, glad to hear it :) Yep I’m just about 9 months out. Still working on building strength and a lot of my other muscles atrophied also, so just building all around! My leg still isn’t normal (there’s tightness with certain exercises) and it gets sore more easily than my other leg, but overall doing well :)

[@deborahhayes825]

Motivation and determination is the answer.

[@bbfp9643]

Just had the surgery March 1st, I am active 53 years old. I do taekwondo sparring competitions. I just started putting weight on my left leg (the injured one) this week after 6 weeks..... As you said the surgery seems the easiest part so far, the sitting part for me especially on a normal chair or office chair been the worst so far. I tolerate pain, my pain threshold is pretty high I did not take any pain meds after surgery, only Tylenol couple days after as I had slight fever for 2 days....

[@kimberlykinch]

Sitting was so tough! Even now sitting on a hard surface directly on the spot is still uncomfortable.

[@kerri-lynbryant293]

9 x weeks post surgery. The sciatic nerve makes recovery very difficult.

[@vernahgindoff8550]

Hi Kimberly, thank you for these videos … so helpful as I’m about to have surgery for 3 partially torn proximal hamstring tears. Would so appreciate some personal tips … any chance we could message/chat?

[@kimberlykinch]

Hi! Yes! Am replying to your email now :)

[@stephanielafferty7078]

Hey guys how did you know for sure it’s a tear? I’m in pain all the time and I have been for 2 months. This actually seemed to happen to me gradually but after a guy in PT worked me WAY too hard it got really bad. Went through a period of agony where it was very inflamed and now it seems to be a dull ache all the time that gets worse with being on it, better after ice. I am basically disabled and have been unable to drive, sit or walk for very long for 2 months now. My ortho says it’s tendonitis- how do I know if it’s a tear or not? I need relief I am literally not sure how I am going to deal with this month after month. Pain deep in buttock and down back of thigh. Both legs, but the right it worse. Sorry this is so long but how do I know if it’s a tear or proximal hamstring tendonitis? Thanks in advance.

[@kimberlykinch]

So sorry that you’re suffering 🥹🥹 I knew mine was a tear because I heard 3 pops when I got injured 🤢 But an MRI confirmed the tear - so I’d push to get one done asap!

[@stephanielafferty7078]

Thank you so much for your reply. This has been the worst thing I have ever been through hands down. I’m going to push for the MRI. Are you glad you ultimately had the surgery? Any regrets and can you sit now? Thank you

[@kimberlykinch]

@@stephanielafferty7078 no regrets with surgery!! I’m back to training jiu jitsu and not really limited with any movements. The area definitely does get sore more easily now and is tighter, but not having surgery was too unpredictable for the activities I wanted to get back to. Wishing you the best 💕

[@stephanielafferty7078]

I wish you all the best as well. I bet it just gets better and better for you. 😊

[@stephanielafferty7078]

I’m having the MRIs done on Monday. Can I ask what your symptoms were other than the popping sound? Where your pain was? I wish I knew what on earth is wrong with my body.