Hamstring Rehab Protocol
Scroll down to download the Hamstring Strain Rehabilitation Protocol.
Hamstring strains are common in sports that involve sprinting, kicking, jumping, and rapid changes in direction. They can also be difficult to rehabilitate because returning to activity before strength, control, and running tolerance are restored may increase the risk of reinjury.1
A well-planned rehabilitation program should gradually rebuild hamstring strength and prepare the athlete for the demands of their sport. Depending on the patient’s condition and stage of recovery, treatment may include isometric exercise, progressive strengthening, eccentric loading, running progressions, and sport-specific movements.1, 2
The hamstrings help extend the hip, flex the knee, and control the lower limb during running. During high-speed movement, they must manage significant force while lengthening. Sprinting-related strains frequently involve the long head of the biceps femoris, often near the musculotendinous junction.3, 4
Why Biofeedback?
Surface electromyography, or sEMG biofeedback, gives patients real-time visual information about their muscle activity. With mTrigger, patients can see when the hamstrings activate, how well they maintain a contraction, and when the muscle returns toward baseline.
This feedback can be useful when patients have difficulty feeling or controlling the target muscle. It also gives physical therapists a clear way to coach exercise performance during isometric contractions, bridges, hamstring curls, hip-extension exercises, eccentric strengthening, and functional movements.
Rather than relying only on verbal instructions, therapists can use visual biofeedback to help patients better understand each repetition. The goal is not simply to produce more muscle activity, but to improve controlled activation, relaxation, and exercise quality based on the patient’s stage of recovery.
Our downloadable two-phase protocol begins with controlled activation and strengthening before progressing toward greater loading, eccentric control, and more dynamic movement. It provides physical therapists with a structured starting point that can be adjusted for each patient’s symptoms, goals, and return-to-sport needs.
Submit the form below to access the full Hamstring protocol.
References
1. Hickey JT, Timmins RG, Maniar N, Williams MD, Opar DA. Hamstring Strain Injury Rehabilitation. Journal of Athletic Training. 2022;57(2):125–135. View article.
2. Larson JH, Fenn TW, Allahabadi S, et al. Hamstring Strains: Classification and Management. Sports Health. 2024;16(5):661–669. View article.
3. Bramah C, Mendiguchia J, Dos’Santos T, et al. Exploring the Role of Sprint Biomechanics in Hamstring Strain Injuries. Sports Medicine. 2024;54:783–793. View article.
4. Huygaerts S, Cos F, Cohen DD, et al. Mechanisms of Hamstring Strain Injury: Interactions Between Fatigue, Muscle Activation and Function. Sports. 2020;8(5):65. View article.
This protocol is intended as an educational resource for healthcare professionals. Exercise selection and progression should be based on clinical evaluation, patient response, and professional judgment.
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