Michael Lee
Sheffield Sports Medicine, UK
Title: Hamstring strains: Bridging the gap from treatment to optimal performance
Biography
Biography: Michael Lee
Abstract
Soccer athletes are increasingly required to cope with asymmetrical mechanical workloads that are constantly imposed on the musculoskeletal structures of the lower extremities that can lead to injury. Hamstring strains are the most prevalent muscle injury in sport and account for 29% of all injuries in soccer. Anecdotally, athletes have increased expectations that the time spent strengthening, stretching and treating the hamstring can prevent reoccurring hamstring strains, however the literature suggests otherwise. Alarmingly, regardless of treatment modality and strict exercise programs the re-injury figures have not changed in over 28 years. These findings suggest that the current hamstring treatment and rehabilitation protocols are not effective and lead to question as healthcare practitioners are we utilizing the best evidence base practice for this population? There are several protocols for the management of hamstring strains however a depth review of modalities are warranted.