Hip and hamstring injuries can stop you in your tracks, whether you are a competitive athlete or someone who enjoys weekend runs. Finding the right care matters.
Dr. Reza Jazayeri is a double board-certified orthopedic surgeon. He completed a sports medicine fellowship from the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic in Los Angeles.
His clinical focus includes shoulder, knee, and elbow care, supported by over 15 years of experience treating active adults and athletes. He takes a non-surgical-first approach and uses minimally invasive techniques when procedures are needed. If you need treatment for a hip or hamstring injury in Los Angeles, you want a plan built on orthopedic knowledge and practical recovery strategies.
Common Symptoms Of Hip And Hamstring Injuries
Hip and hamstring injuries often share overlapping signs, but each has distinct patterns. A hamstring strain usually causes a sudden, sharp pain at the back of the thigh. You might feel a pop during sprinting or a quick change of direction.
Bruising, swelling, and tenderness often follow. Hip injuries, such as a labral tear, tend to produce a deeper ache in the groin or front of the hip. You may notice clicking, catching, or stiffness after sitting for long periods.
Both types of injury can make walking, bending, or climbing stairs uncomfortable. Recognizing these symptoms early helps you seek care before a minor strain becomes a chronic problem.
Initial Steps For Managing Hip And Hamstring Injuries
What you do in the first 48 hours can shape your recovery timeline. Stop the activity that caused the pain immediately. Continuing to push through a hamstring strain or hip injury can worsen the tear or inflammation.
Apply a cold pack to the area for 15 to 20 minutes at a time, several times a day. Avoid heat during this early phase, as it can increase swelling. Keep weight off the leg if bearing down causes sharp pain.
A simple over-the-counter anti-inflammatory may help manage discomfort, but check with a medical professional first. These initial steps create a foundation for the more structured treatment that follows.
RICE Method For Effective Injury Treatment
The RICE method stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. It remains a reliable first-line approach for mild to moderate hip and hamstring injuries. Rest means avoiding activities that stress the injured muscle or joint.
Ice reduces swelling and numbs sharp pain when applied correctly. Compression with an elastic bandage can limit fluid buildup, but wrap it snugly without cutting off circulation. Elevation helps drain excess fluid away from the injury site.
For a hamstring strain, prop your leg above heart level when sitting or lying down. This protocol works best when started early and paired with a gradual return to movement under guidance.
Physical Therapy Options For Recovery And Strengthening
Physical therapy plays a central role in recovering from hip and hamstring injuries. A structured program rebuilds strength, restores range of motion, and corrects movement patterns that contributed to the injury. For hamstring strains, therapy often begins with gentle stretching and progresses to eccentric strengthening exercises.
Hip injury recovery may focus on stabilizing the gluteal muscles and improving core control. Dr. Jaz integrates prehabilitation into his care model, preparing patients physically before any needed procedure.
His practice also offers a digital rehab partnership through myHealthTrack, giving patients remote support throughout their recovery. Consistent, guided rehab lowers the chance of re-injury and builds long-term resilience.
Surgical Interventions For Severe Injuries
Most hip and hamstring injuries heal without surgery, but severe cases require a different path. A complete hamstring tear, where the tendon pulls away from the bone, often needs surgical repair to restore function. Certain hip labral tears may also warrant arthroscopic intervention when conservative care does not relieve symptoms.
Dr. Jaz applies minimally invasive surgical techniques across his practice. His proprietary Bio-Fertilization Technique combines biologic augmentation, intraosseous modulation, and metabolic optimization to support the body’s healing environment.
For ACL-related procedures, he uses the BOAT Protocol, a biologically optimized reconstruction framework. These approaches reflect his commitment to precision and recovery-focused surgical care for patients in the Los Angeles area.
Preventative Strategies For Hip And Hamstring Injuries
Preventing a second injury is just as important as treating the first one. Regular stretching keeps the hamstrings flexible and reduces strain during explosive movements. Strengthening the glutes, core, and hip stabilizers creates a more balanced support system for your legs.
Warm up properly before exercise and avoid jumping into high-intensity activity cold. Dr. Jazayeri emphasizes nutritional and metabolic optimization as part of his longevity-focused care.
He checks markers like Vitamin D levels, inflammatory indicators, and muscle status to address underlying weaknesses. This whole-body perspective helps active adults in Los Angeles stay ahead of injuries rather than constantly reacting to them.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Hip and hamstring injuries can cause different symptoms. A hamstring strain often leads to sharp pain at the back of the thigh, while hip injuries may cause a deeper ache in the groin area.
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In the first 48 hours, stop any activity that caused the pain. Apply ice to the area for 15 to 20 minutes several times a day and avoid heat, as it can increase swelling.
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The RICE method stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. It is a simple and effective way to manage mild to moderate injuries, helping to reduce swelling and pain.
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Surgery may be necessary for severe injuries, like a complete hamstring tear or certain hip labral tears. These cases often require surgical repair to restore function and alleviate pain.
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Regular stretching and strengthening exercises can help prevent injuries. It’s also important to warm up properly before exercising and to address any underlying weaknesses through nutrition and conditioning.
Why Choose Us For Hip & Hamstring Care?
When it comes to hip and hamstring injuries, you want a team that understands your needs. Dr. Reza Jazayeri is a double board-certified orthopedic surgeon with over 15 years of experience.
He specializes in sports medicine and has trained at top institutions like NYU and the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic. This background helps him provide effective treatment options for your specific injury.
We focus on a non-surgical-first approach. We explore physical therapy and other conservative treatments before considering surgery.
If surgery is needed, Dr. Jaz uses minimally invasive techniques to promote quicker recovery. Our goal is to help you get back to your activities with confidence and strength.
We also emphasize prevention. Dr. Jazayeri integrates nutritional optimization and personalized recovery plans into your care.
This whole-body approach helps you stay active and reduces the risk of future injuries. Trust us to guide you through your recovery journey in the Greater Los Angeles area.
Meet Dr. Reza Jazayeri
Dr. Reza Jazayeri specializes in sports medicine with expertise in shoulder, knee, and elbow injuries. A Southern California native, Dr. Jazayeri combines an engineering background with elite surgical training, completing his orthopedic surgery residency at the nationally ranked NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases and a sports medicine fellowship at the renowned Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic.
After more than 15 years caring for patients within the Southern California Permanente Medical Group, Dr. Jazayeri joined DOCS Health to expand a practice focused on personalized orthopedic and sports medicine care and surgical excellence. As Director of Longevity at DOCS Health, he leads the development and implementation of optimization protocols and regenerative medicine strategies designed to improve long-term musculoskeletal health and extend healthspan.
His published work includes a 2026 coauthored review of nutritional optimization in spine surgery in the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. View Dr. Jazayeri’s research publications and training.
I am a hairdresser and I couldn’t work for the past 2 years. I saw Dr. Jayazeri and he did my shoulder replacement surgery. It was the best experience I’ve ever had. He is an amazing surgeon and human being. Now 5 weeks after my surgery, I’m back at work! I highly recommend Dr. Jazayeri.
Consult With Our Specialists For Personalized Care
Every hip and hamstring injury is different, and your treatment plan should reflect that. Dr. Jazayeri brings fellowship training from the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic and over 15 years of clinical experience to each patient he sees. His practice, with offices in Beverly Hills, Westlake Village, and Orange, serves patients throughout the greater Los Angeles area.
Virtual consultations are also available for patients across California and beyond. He explores non-surgical options first and uses advanced biologic and minimally invasive techniques when procedures are needed. If you are dealing with a hip or hamstring injury in Los Angeles, reach out to discuss a care plan built around your goals and your body’s needs.
Medically reviewed by Reza Jazayeri, M.D. on
