types of muscle strain or tear
Muscle strains are classified by a grade scale from one to three. Grade 1 strains are microtears that allow full functionality. They are caused by minor trauma, such as a hard workout. When you experience muscle soreness, you have a grade 1 strain. Grade 2 strains are more detrimental to the functionality of a muscle. This is a partial tear to the muscle, causing a noticeable decrease in strength output. When you experience muscle pain beyond normal aches and soreness, you likely have a grade 2 strain.
A hamstring strain can be a pull, a partial tear, or a complete tear. Muscle strains are graded according to their severity. A grade 1 strain is mild and usually heals readily; a grade 3 strain is a complete tear of the muscle that may take months to heal. Most hamstring injuries occur in the thick, central part of the muscle or where the muscle fibers join tendon fibers. In the most severe hamstring injuries, the tendon tears completely away from the bone. It may even pull a piece of bone away with it. This is called an avulsion injury.