MUSCLE INJURIES

Hamstring injuries are one of the most common non-contact soft tissue injuries in football, with the main mechanism involving high speed running. There is agreement in the literature that hamstring injuries make up a substantial amount of time loss and missed matches with anywhere between 18 -90 days before return to sport (Afonso et al., 2023; Brukner et al., 2014; Danielsson et al., 2020; Hickey et al., 2017; Macdonald et al., 2019; Paton et al., 2023; Pollock et al., 2014; Schneider et al., 2023; Silvers-Granelli et al., 2021; van der Horst et al., 2017). 

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The most commonly reported mechanism of HSI occurs during high speed running and the most commonly injured muscle is the Biceps Femoris long head (BFlh). During the late swing phase of high speed running/sprinting,  there is maximum BFlh muscle length and maximal eccentric contraction and thus making it more susceptible to injury (Brukner et al., 2014; Danielsson et al., 2020; Hickey et al., 2022; Macdonald et al., 2019; Schneider et al., 2023; Silvers-Granelli et al., 2021).

After initial HSI there is a reported high reoccurrence rate 12-33% (van der Horst et al., 2017; van der Horst et al., 2016), 1.3-63.3% (Hickey et al., 2017), 12-63% (Silvers-Granelli et al., 2021), 16-68% (Afonso et al., 2023) and often will occur within the first month to 1 year after injury.

This may be attributed to inadequate rehabilitation or premature return to play (RTP) (Afonso et al., 2023; Brukner et al., 2014; Silvers-Granelli et al., 2021; van der Horst et al., 2017).

Involves a tear or strain of the muscle in the lower leg - gastrocnemius or soleus. People will often describe a pop or pull sensation. Early management is to assess the grade of injury, reduce aggravating activity. Physio will help with education to reduce swelling and when to commence gentle activity, and strength and conditioning program. Knowing when is suitable and safe return to play is important t to reduce the risk of re injury. 

More common in activity involving sprinting, kicking, sudden acceleration/ deceleration. Physio will guide you through a structured rehabilitation plan to get you back into your sport or activity.