Recurrent hamstring muscle injury: applying the limited evidence in the professional football setting with a seven-point programme

Br J Sports Med. 2014 Jun;48(11):929-38. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2012-091400. Epub 2013 Jan 15.

Abstract

Recurrent hamstring injuries are a major problem in sports such as football. The aim of this paper was to use a clinical example to describe a treatment strategy for the management of recurrent hamstring injuries and examine the evidence for each intervention. A professional footballer sustained five hamstring injuries in a relatively short period of time. The injury was managed successfully with a seven-point programme-biomechanical assessment and correction, neurodynamics, core stability, eccentric strengthening, an overload running programme, injection therapies and stretching/relaxation. The evidence for each of these treatment options is reviewed. It is impossible to be definite about which aspects of the programme contributed to a successful outcome. Only limited evidence is available in most cases; therefore, decisions regarding the use of different treatment modalities must be made by using a combination of clinical experience and research evidence.

Keywords: Exercise Rehabilitation; Hamstring Injuries; Muscle Damage/Injuries; Soccer; Soft Tissue Injuries.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Athletic Injuries / therapy
  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Clinical Protocols
  • Exercise Therapy / methods
  • Humans
  • Leg Injuries / therapy
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Muscle Strength / physiology
  • Muscle, Skeletal / injuries*
  • Nervous System Diseases / etiology
  • Nervous System Diseases / physiopathology
  • Recurrence
  • Relaxation Therapy / methods
  • Risk Factors
  • Running / physiology
  • Soccer / injuries*
  • Soccer / physiology
  • Yoga