A 28 year old gentleman, playing at senior level at one of the local rugby club, presented with a hamstring injury following a training session in mid winter. On further questioning, it seems that this happened at least once or twice every season for the last 8 years. Often this has resolved with some physiotherapy and rest. This time the injury has not settled and was increasingly getting worse.
After an initial assessment, a treatment plan was developed which included intensive physical therapy and rest and some home based hydrotherapy. He missed the rest of that season while he recovered. After full recovery and following further assessments it was found that he also had relatively poor core strength and hip flexors. By adding Pilates (to strengthen the core musculature) and more targeted exercises for his hip flexors to his training program in preparation for the following season.
To date he has not had a recurrence of the hamstring injury (2 seasons and counting) and he feels that he has become stronger and playing with a lot more confidence as he’s not worried about injuring himself.