Therapeutic goals
Reduction of posterior thigh pain and inflammatory phenomena.
Improved knee and hip mobility.
Strengthening of the hamstrings and the hip and pelvic stabiliser muscles.
Prevention of muscle imbalances and recurrence.
Improvement of neuromuscular control.
Gradual return to sports activities.
Techniques used
Pain-relieving physiotherapy modalities as indicated. Massage therapy and myofascial release of the hamstrings, triceps surae and gluteus maximus. Soft tissue mobilisation and gentle tendon stretching.
Progressive stretching of the hamstrings and triceps surae. Gentle mobilisation of the knee and hip. Stretching of the quadriceps and gluteus medius if needed.
Progressive strengthening of the hamstrings (long and short), gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, lumbopelvic core work and quadriceps in a functional chain. Nordic hamstring exercise.
Single-leg balance exercises. Work on a cushion or wobble board. Training of hip-knee-ankle alignment control.
Progressive retraining in walking and then running. Work on postural control and dynamic weight-bearing. Education on load management and prevention.
Exercise programme
- Prone knee flexion with resistance band
- Seated knee flexion against resistance
- Eccentric hamstring exercise (Nordic hamstring exercise)
- Glute bridge, double-leg then single-leg
- Controlled step-up / step-down
- Isolated work on a ball or fitball
- Functional strengthening with partial squats and lunges