What are hamstring injuries, and why are they so common in football players
A recent study by Ekstrand J, Bengtsson H, Waldén M, et al. 2022 looked at the incidence of hamstring injuries in professional football players from 2001 to 2022 and found a marked increase in the rate of these injuries. This increase is concerning, as hamstring injuries are associated with prolonged recovery periods and recurrent muscle strains that can severely limit an athlete’s performance. Let’s take a closer look at this study and what it means for the future of professional football.
The study has chronicled the injury incidence of male professional football players, recording individual player exposure and time-loss injuries over 21 years from 2001-2002 to 2021-2022. By using this comprehensive dataset, researchers can gain important insights that can be applied towards improving athlete safety. This long-term study aims to investigate strategies for reducing sports injuries, so athletes can enjoy their favourite activities without fear of harm. Through detailed analysis and data collection, researchers will be able to find the best lifestyle practices, equipment innovations and techniques that allow competitors to stay healthy while they compete. This research could have implications for athletes worldwide participating in professional sports activities.
Hamstring injuries are surprisingly common among athletes and appear to rise. In a study involving multiple seasons, hamstring injury accounted for 19%, up from 12% in the first season to 24% in the most recent season. This highlights not just the prevalence of hamstring injuries but how quickly they can increase without preventative measures taken by coaches, trainers, and administrators. Athletics stakeholders must remain informed on the latest trends to protect against hamstring injuries while preparing effective recovery plans in case they occur. Taking proactive measures is essential for players’ safety and long-term success.
Furthermore, it has indicated an alarming rate of hamstring injury recurrences, with nearly two-thirds of cases repeated within two months of follow-up. The pattern of repeat injuries suggests that treatment methods are not adequately addressing the underlying cause of the pulled muscle. To prevent future strains, athletes should consult with a medical professional to determine the best prevention and rehabilitation strategies that suit their needs and sports activities. Prevention should include strength exercises such as leg presses, core stability exercises like planks, and proper dynamic stretching techniques before play. This multi-pronged approach can help reduce the risk of recurrent hamstring injuries and keep athletes safe on the playing field.
Hamstring injuries are common among athletes, and the type of injury can make a big difference in return to play. Furthermore, it seems that M. Biceps Femoris represents 80% of all total hamstring injuries. In contrast, the lateral hamstring (biceps femoris) is associated with more extended absence than the medial hamstring (M. Semitendinosus/Semimembranosus). The nature of the injury can vary significantly when comparing muscle groups, making a swift rehabilitation approach imperative to get back on the field in time. That being said, careful consideration must be taken when deciding what treatment or approach should be used for any particular case.
What is known?
Hamstring injuries are more likely to occur in the last 15 minutes of match halves. They have become all too common in professional sports. Over time, research has shown that if a player experiences an injury of this nature, it is predisposed to recur within two months in the exact location. The high-intensity running during matches has increased, leading to more risks for athletes. Furthermore, player calendars are incredibly crowded due to international team travel and an abundance of matches, thus making repetitive strain injuries more likely. Coaches need to be aware of this potential risk and take precautions to help alleviate hamstring injuries among their players.
Expert opinion
- When it comes to our performance as a physio or medical team, we often think that what we’re doing is enough.
- But with the growing number of severe and long-term injuries in sports, it’s essential to recognise that more could be done. Are we genuinely screening players thoroughly with tests like the Biodex?
- Are clubs implementing standardised rehabilitation protocols to ensure their athletes are recovering correctly? These are questions that all teams should seriously consider if they want their players to stay clear of injury.
- Cosmomedics has an innovative approach to treating and preventing hamstring injuries developed by expert physiotherapists.
Sportsomics is an incredibly beneficial tool for any sports organisation hoping to increase its ability to prevent injuries and assist in rehabilitation. By examining the data generated from teams, players and even individual athletes, we have the potential to uncover insights that can be used to inform our decision-making. And since we know that injuries can take a severe toll on our teams and players, reducing the impact of these occurrences could be a real game-changer. Implementing Sportsomics as part of our injury prevention and rehab strategy will give us an invaluable edge in keeping our athletes safe, healthy, and happy.
Biodex Strength Testing is one of the critical components of the process, evaluating a player’s muscle strength and flexibility to identify any areas of weakness or imbalance. These tests measure various muscle groups against a set baseline allowing therapists to diagnose hamstring injuries with greater accuracy and confidence. Furthermore, Cosmomedics offers personalised rehabilitation plans tailored to each athlete based on their needs. The plans draw from various exercises, including strength training and dynamic stretching, to help ensure the athlete’s quickest and safest recovery. Ultimately, hamstring injuries are preventable with the right approach. It is up to coaches, athletic trainers and medical practitioners to ensure athletes have access to all necessary.
This technique combines traditional physical therapy with non-invasive laser therapy for fast, effective results. Laser therapy stimulates the muscles around the affected area, increasing blood flow and improving flexibility. This can help reduce inflammation, improve range of motion, and increase strength. Cosmomedics also employs modern techniques such as ultrasound, shock wave therapy, soft tissue manipulation, and even stem cells to promote a speedy recovery.