Hamstring injuries are fairly common in our more active patients. The hamstrings are vital for sprinting, much more so than for regular walking. Sports with explosive movements, such as baseball, football and soccer (and of course sprinting!), can lead to hamstring injuries.

There is plenty of research on hamstring strains: the mechanics behind the injury, what to examine and how to treat it. Today we’ll look at a recent article from the September 2026 issue of JOSPT, “Timing and Dose Matter: Late High-Speed Exposure and Higher High-Intensity Acceleration Volumes Reduce Hamstring Reinjury Risk in Elite Male Football (Soccer).”

Return to Play Is Individual

With any injury, there are several factors to consider for return to play, such as level of play, training history and injury history. Talking with the coaching staff is also vital for the best transition back to play. It allows for the right dose of activity to support recovery rather than cause a reinjury.

Image spot (optional): athlete doing a hamstring strengthening exercise

What the Research Found

The article concluded that introducing higher-speed running, sprinting and high-intensity accelerations later in the rehabilitation program was associated with a lower risk of reinjury. A gradual build-up of higher-intensity exercise also led to a lower reinjury rate.

The Takeaway

When considering any patient’s return to sport or previous level of function, we must compare their individual physical demands with their current status. Rushing back to any activity without building adequate strength, and without a gradual progression of exercise tied to their movement goals, often leads to incomplete recovery or reinjury.