Factors associated with hamstring injuries. An approach to treatment and preventative measures

Following hamstring strain, rehabilitation is often prolonged and frustrating for the athlete and for the sports medicine clinician. Though the initial treatment of rest, ice, compression and elevation is accepted for muscle strains, no consensus exists for rehabilitation of hamstring muscle strains. This lack of agreement concerning rehabilitation of hamstring injury represents our lack of understanding of the mechanism of injury and the factors that contribute to hamstring strain. A hamstring rehabilitation model is proposed that is based on our current understanding of the aetiological factors that contribute to hamstring muscle strain. The influence and interaction of hamstring strength, flexibility, warm-up and fatigue are aetiological factors that should be addressed in the rehabilitation and prevention of hamstring strains. The rehabilitation model is, however, not without limitations and speculations. Further research is needed to clarify the etiological factors of hamstring strain and the efficacy of different rehabilitation protocols.