Injuries
Hamstring strain
Most hamstrings are not rehabbed for long enough. The tissue stops hurting at about week two and is nowhere near ready at week three, which is when most people go back and most people tear it again.
How long
3 to 8 weeks
The one that keeps coming back
Reinjury
—
Reinjury rate is the highest of any football injury. Almost all of it is people returning early.
The phases
The phases
A moderate strain, on a plan. The dates move; the order does not.
A moderate strain, on a plan. The dates move; the order does not.
Limb symmetry
Limb symmetry
Limb symmetry at week 6. Under 90% is not a pass, and the eccentric number is the one that matters most here.
Limb symmetry at week 6. Under 90% is not a pass, and the eccentric number is the one that matters most here.
Return to play
Return-to-play criteria
Decided on measured criteria, not on whether it still hurts. Published here so you can hold me to it — and so your club can.
| Test | Threshold | Measured by |
|---|---|---|
| Eccentric strength | ≥ 90% of the other leg | Hand-held dynamometer |
| Single-leg bridge | ≥ 90% symmetry | Repetitions to failure |
| Sprint exposure | 2 sessions at 95%+ max speed | GPS or timing gates |
| Askling H-test | No apprehension | Clinical |
Questions
Questions
Can I play with strapping?
Strapping does not meaningfully change what the muscle can tolerate. If the criteria are not met, strapping is a way of getting injured with tape on.
Why does mine keep happening?
In most cases: returning before eccentric strength came back, and a sprint exposure that jumped rather than built. Both are visible in the numbers before they are visible on the pitch.