Can We Really Predict Injuries in Football? – F. Nakamura, C. Carling & C. Barnes | FSI Talks Special Edition
In this FSI Talk Special Edition from the VII Conference in Seville, leading experts discuss the real limits of injury…
Toolbox for Hamstring Injury Rehabilitation - FSI Talks #3
This FSI Talks article and podcast explores the best strategies for hamstring injury rehabilitation in football, highlighting prevention, diagnosis, recovery phases, and key measures to avoid relapses. Featuring two internationally renowned experts, it showcases their practical experiences and essential tools to ensure a safe and effective return to play.
Alberto Fílter · @alberto.filter
June 6, 2024 |
7 minutes
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In the third episode of FSI Talks, Jesús Olmo, co-founder of FSI Training, leads a discussion on hamstring injury rehabilitation. Joining him are David Joyce, founder and director of Synapse Sports Strategy, and Bart Bibrowicz, Head of Performance at Legia Warsaw. Both bring extensive experience working with elite players and addressing the challenges associated with this type of injury.
The podcast covers topics such as initial evaluation, different rehabilitation phases, and the key criteria for returning to play. Additionally, it delves into strategies to prevent recurrence and the psychological impact of these injuries on players.
The Prevalence of Hamstring Injuries
Hamstring injuries are among the most common challenges faced by footballers. These injuries often occur during high-speed actions, such as sprints or abrupt changes in direction. Given their frequency and risk of recurrence, effective management strategies are essential to ensure complete recovery and minimize the likelihood of relapse.
Initial Assessment: Injury Diagnosis
David Joyce emphasized the importance of immediate on-field evaluations to determine whether the player can continue or needs to be substituted. Key factors to assess include:
- Injury Location: Identifying whether the injury is medial, lateral, or involves specific muscles such as the biceps femoris or semitendinosus.
- Severity Indicators: Evaluating pain levels, range of motion, and strength deficits.
- Injury Mechanism: Understanding how the injury occurred (e.g., sprinting, jumping, or decelerating) provides insights into its severity and potential rehabilitation pathways.
Bart Bibrowicz added that at Legia Warsaw, they follow a structured protocol that includes early imaging diagnostics, such as ultrasounds and MRIs, combined with comprehensive functional evaluations.
Rehabilitation Phases
Both experts outlined a staged approach to rehabilitation:
Initial Phase:
- Focus on reducing pain and inflammation while restoring range of motion.
- Commonly used methods include isometric exercises, soft tissue therapy, and pool-based exercises.
- Psychological support and nutrition play a critical role in recovery.
Middle Phase:
- Progressive loading of the hamstrings through controlled strengthening exercises such as Nordics and deadlifts.
- Reintroduction of functional activities, including jogging, lateral movements, and low-intensity running drills.
- Specificity is key; rehabilitation is tailored to the player’s position and unique on-field demands.
Final Phase:
- Gradual progression to high-speed running, sprints, and agility drills.
- Focus on replicating match scenarios, including accelerations, decelerations, and directional changes.
- Monitoring via GPS and strength testing to ensure readiness.
Return-to-Play Criteria
The transition back to competitive play is a critical phase. Both experts emphasized the importance of meeting specific criteria:
- Strength Recovery: Players must regain at least 90-95% of their pre-injury strength.
- Biomechanical Normalization: Evaluations ensure that running mechanics and functional movements are symmetrical and efficient.
- High-Intensity Tolerance: Players must reach 120% of match demands during rehabilitation sessions.
- Psychological Confidence: Confidence and mental readiness are essential before returning to competitive play.
Bart highlighted the importance of scar tissue quality, ensuring elasticity and flexibility around the injured area to prevent future issues. Additionally, specific training protocols are implemented for two weeks post-return to optimize performance and reduce the risk of recurrence.
Reflections for Professionals
This discussion serves as a reminder that successful rehabilitation goes beyond physical recovery. Both Joyce and Bibrowicz highlighted the value of a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating medical expertise, performance training, and psychological support. They also emphasized the importance of learning from practical, real-world experiences rather than relying solely on academic literature.
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Post Author
Alberto Fílter holds a Ph.D. in Football from Pablo de Olavide University in Seville, as well as a Master’s in High Performance Physical and Sports Training from the same institution.
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Toolbox for Hamstring Injury Rehabilitation - FSI Talks #3
This FSI Talks article and podcast explores the best strategies for hamstring injury rehabilitation in football, highlighting prevention, diagnosis, recovery phases, and key measures to avoid relapses. Featuring two internationally renowned experts, it showcases their practical experiences and essential tools to ensure a safe and effective return to play.
June 6, 2024 |
7 minutes
In the third episode of FSI Talks, Jesús Olmo, co-founder of FSI Training, leads a discussion on hamstring injury rehabilitation. Joining him are David Joyce, founder and director of Synapse Sports Strategy, and Bart Bibrowicz, Head of Performance at Legia Warsaw. Both bring extensive experience working with elite players and addressing the challenges associated with this type of injury.
The podcast covers topics such as initial evaluation, different rehabilitation phases, and the key criteria for returning to play. Additionally, it delves into strategies to prevent recurrence and the psychological impact of these injuries on players.
The Prevalence of Hamstring Injuries
Hamstring injuries are among the most common challenges faced by footballers. These injuries often occur during high-speed actions, such as sprints or abrupt changes in direction. Given their frequency and risk of recurrence, effective management strategies are essential to ensure complete recovery and minimize the likelihood of relapse.
Initial Assessment: Injury Diagnosis
David Joyce emphasized the importance of immediate on-field evaluations to determine whether the player can continue or needs to be substituted. Key factors to assess include:
- Injury Location: Identifying whether the injury is medial, lateral, or involves specific muscles such as the biceps femoris or semitendinosus.
- Severity Indicators: Evaluating pain levels, range of motion, and strength deficits.
- Injury Mechanism: Understanding how the injury occurred (e.g., sprinting, jumping, or decelerating) provides insights into its severity and potential rehabilitation pathways.
Bart Bibrowicz added that at Legia Warsaw, they follow a structured protocol that includes early imaging diagnostics, such as ultrasounds and MRIs, combined with comprehensive functional evaluations.
Rehabilitation Phases
Both experts outlined a staged approach to rehabilitation:
Initial Phase:
- Focus on reducing pain and inflammation while restoring range of motion.
- Commonly used methods include isometric exercises, soft tissue therapy, and pool-based exercises.
- Psychological support and nutrition play a critical role in recovery.
Middle Phase:
- Progressive loading of the hamstrings through controlled strengthening exercises such as Nordics and deadlifts.
- Reintroduction of functional activities, including jogging, lateral movements, and low-intensity running drills.
- Specificity is key; rehabilitation is tailored to the player’s position and unique on-field demands.
Final Phase:
- Gradual progression to high-speed running, sprints, and agility drills.
- Focus on replicating match scenarios, including accelerations, decelerations, and directional changes.
- Monitoring via GPS and strength testing to ensure readiness.
Return-to-Play Criteria
The transition back to competitive play is a critical phase. Both experts emphasized the importance of meeting specific criteria:
- Strength Recovery: Players must regain at least 90-95% of their pre-injury strength.
- Biomechanical Normalization: Evaluations ensure that running mechanics and functional movements are symmetrical and efficient.
- High-Intensity Tolerance: Players must reach 120% of match demands during rehabilitation sessions.
- Psychological Confidence: Confidence and mental readiness are essential before returning to competitive play.
Bart highlighted the importance of scar tissue quality, ensuring elasticity and flexibility around the injured area to prevent future issues. Additionally, specific training protocols are implemented for two weeks post-return to optimize performance and reduce the risk of recurrence.
Reflections for Professionals
This discussion serves as a reminder that successful rehabilitation goes beyond physical recovery. Both Joyce and Bibrowicz highlighted the value of a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating medical expertise, performance training, and psychological support. They also emphasized the importance of learning from practical, real-world experiences rather than relying solely on academic literature.
Want to Stay Updated on the Latest News?
Stay informed about everything happening in the FSI Training ecosystem by subscribing to our newsletter and following us on social media.
Post Author
Alberto Fílter holds a Ph.D. in Football from Pablo de Olavide University in Seville, as well as a Master’s in High Performance Physical and Sports Training from the same institution.
Are you interested in learning more about this topic?
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