hamstring muscle injuries, a rehabilitation protocol purpose

Context: hamstring acute muscle injuries are prevalent in several sports including afl football (australian football league), sprinting and soccer, and are often associated with prolonged time away from sport. evidence acquisition: in response to this, research into prevention and management of hamstring injury has increased, but epidemiological data shows no decline in injury and re-injury rates, suggesting that rehabilitation programs and return to play (rtp) criteria have to be improved. there continues to be a lack of consensus regarding how to assess performance, recovery and readiness to rtp, following hamstring strain injury. results: the aim of this paper was to propose rehabilitation protocol for hamstring muscle injuries based on current basic science and research knowledge regarding injury demographics and management options. conclusions: criteria-based (subjective and objective) progression through the rehabilitation program will be outlined along with exercises for each phase, from initial injury to rtp.