Why Stretching Alone Isn’t Fixing Your Tight Hamstrings

Still stretching your hamstrings every day but nothing’s changing? You’re not alone — and the truth is, your hamstring tightness may not even be a flexibility problem.

At Peak Performance, we see this all the time: athletes and active individuals stuck in a stretch-repeat cycle without results. Let’s break down why your hamstrings might feel tight — and more importantly, what to do instead.

1. It Might Be a Nerve, Not a Muscle

What feels like a “tight hamstring” is often sciatic nerve tension — not a short or tight muscle. This can happen when the sciatic nerve becomes irritated or compressed, sometimes due to a disc issue in your lower back.

➡️ Stretching won’t help a nerve problem — and in some cases, it can make things worse. Instead, we use techniques like nerve glides or McKenzie-based press-ups to address the root cause.

2. Weak Glutes = Overworked Hamstrings

When your glutes aren’t firing properly, your hamstrings jump in to pick up the slack — leading to overuse, tightness, and soreness.

Fixing the tightness isn’t about more stretching — it’s about improving strength and coordination in your glutes and core.

At our clinic, we use targeted rehab exercises to restore balance and prevent recurring issues.

3. It Could Be a Tendon Problem, Not the Muscle Belly

Chronic hamstring tightness can also stem from a hamstring tendinopathy — often at the sit bone (ischial tuberosity) or near the back of the knee. This type of irritation builds over time and needs more than just flexibility work.

In these cases, we may use:

✔️ Active Release Technique (ART) to reduce scar tissue and improve muscle tension

✔️ Dry Needling to calm down irritation

✔️ Class IV Laser Therapy to speed up healing and reduce inflammation

What We Do Differently at Peak Performance

Instead of just treating the symptoms, we focus on the why behind your tightness.

Your treatment plan may include:

✅ Active Release Technique (ART)

✅ Nerve gliding techniques

✅ Core and glute activation exercises

✅ Dry needling and/or class IV laser therapy

Let’s Get You Back to Performing at Your Peak

If stretching hasn’t helped and your hamstrings still feel tight, sore, or limiting — it’s time to get to the root of the issue.

📞 Call us today at (785) 842-7325 to schedule your evaluation.Let’s create a plan to help you move better, feel better, and perform at your peak — without wasting time on what’s not working.

Peak Performance Health Center

Helping athletes and active individuals get out of pain and back to performing at their peak.

Let our Lawrence sports chiropractors help you achieve fast, reliable, and lasting relief, enabling you to live actively and confidently.

Let’s get you scheduled today.