Recovering from Hamstring Injury

Footy season is fast approaching, with pre-season games already underway. Did you know that 15-20% of hamstring injures re-occur in the same season, and over 1/3 of them will re-occur during the first 2 weeks of return to sport.

Even as pain decreases when recovering from hamstring strain injuries, the following risk factors still remain and are often poorly managed, contributing to recurrent injuries.

• Reduced flexibility

• Neuromuscular inhibition

• Eccentric weakness

Reduced flexibility – is often a result of the scar tissue which is stiffer than our normal muscle tissue, and can lead to shortening of the muscle. A shortened hamstring now produces less force and more importantly is now weaker at its maximum length which results in re-injury!

Neuromuscular inhibition refers to reduced activation of the hamstring muscle during activity, leading to weakness and strength deficits. Research has shown that there can be up to 40% deficit in muscle activation up to 11 months post injury, this leads to ongoing strength loss and elevated risk of injury within the same season!

Eccentric weakness – refers to deficits in strength of the hamstring muscle whilst in a stretched or lengthened position – such as in running. Lack of eccentric strength leads top recurrent straining of the healed tissue as it is put through its maximum stretch where it is at its weakest. The preventive effect of eccentric hamstring strength has significant benefits to athletes, with studies showing a 60% reduction in first time injury and 85% reduction in recurrent injuries in men’s soccer teams.

If you have experienced a hamstring injury previously, or early in this sporting season, why not come into the clinic and optimise your rehab program to lower your risk of recurrent hamstring strains! Call us today on 4861 1223 or book online via our website.