Spinal manual therapy and exercises for chronic hamstring injuries in a sprinter: A case report

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Rehabilitation Science

Background:

• Chronic hamstring injuries present a significant challenge in athletic populations, often requiring prolonged recovery periods.
• Current rehabilitation protocols lack a definitive consensus for managing these persistent injuries.

Observation:

• A 15-year-old male sprinter experienced persistent hamstring pain for seven weeks.
• The patient underwent a treatment regimen combining manual therapy focused on the lumbosacral region and specific hamstring exercises.

Findings:

• Manual therapy provided immediate pain relief and enhanced muscle strength.
• The sprinter achieved satisfactory pain-free running status 30 days post-intervention.

Implications:

• This case suggests manual therapy of the lumbosacral region, coupled with hamstring exercises, is a promising treatment for chronic hamstring pain.
• This combined approach may accelerate return to sport for athletes with persistent hamstring injuries.