Hamstrings run along the back of your knee and are the muscles responsible for bending your knee while also playing an essential role in everyday activities such as using stairs, walking, jumping and getting in and out of chairs. Exercise equipment to treat a hamstring problem can help strengthen and/or improve flexibility of the hamstrings while returning you to a functioning lifestyle. Check with your doctor first before beginning exercise treatment.
Resistance Bands
Purchase resistance bands with cuffs or as single pieces of banding similar to a large rubber band, depending upon your need and/or convenience factor. Altering the band length changes the resistance level, with shorter bands providing higher resistance levels. You also can alter resistance levels by choosing appropriate colors with the lightest colors usually signifying the lightest strength, according to MayoClinic.com. Initial stages of hamstring injuries benefit by light resistance exercises, according to the Nicholas Institute of Sports Medicine and Athletic Trauma.
Benches
Benches can be used to help gently stretch hamstring muscles after injury. Hamstring problems such as hamstring strains need gentle stretching to properly align affected tissue for healing. Standing while slowly lifting and placing your affected-side leg onto a bench will provide a smooth stretch along the backside of your knee. To achieve a proper stretch, form a 90-degree angle to the floor with your leg on the bench. Placing ice underneath your upper thigh may help control swelling and make stretching more comfortable. Support your body weight with your opposite leg.
Chairs
Firm chairs, without armrests, support body weight and allow your body to maintain proper posture while performing a variety of stretching or strengthening exercising for your hamstrings. Make certain your feet are firmly planted on the floor before starting any hamstring exercise such as straightening your leg. Holding onto the chair's seat provides extra support and balance to stabilize your upper body, according to Bodybuilding online. You can use office-type chairs with wheels to strengthen hamstrings after a hamstring pull or strain by sitting upright in the chair while pulling yourself around the room with your injured leg. Chairs offer viable exercise options for elderly or injury-prone individuals needing extra balancing support.
Bicycling
Stationary bicycling can start within the first few days after a hamstring injury, according to the Nicholas Institute of Sports Medicine and Athletic Trauma. Riding a stationary bicycle helps stretch and strengthen hamstrings. Initial stages of hamstring recuperation require using little, if any, resistance or tension levels for two to three minutes. When strong enough, increase the intensity level and time spent riding the bike.
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