Hamstring Injuries: Why They Keep Coming Back (and How PhysioDerma Stops the Cycle)

Hamstring strains are among the most common soft-tissue injuries in sport—and one of the most frustrating. Whether you're a weekend footballer, a dedicated runner in Clapham or Battersea, or someone who tweaked their leg during a gym session in Vauxhall, chances are you've either experienced or know someone who's dealt with hamstring trouble.

The real issue isn’t always the injury itself—it’s the recurrence. Studies show that up to 30% of hamstring injuries recur within the first year, often because the root causes haven’t been addressed.

At PhysioDerma Clinic, serving Lambeth, Clapham, Battersea, Vauxhall, and nearby SW8, SW9, and SW4 areas, we approach hamstring rehab holistically. We combine hands-on therapy, biomechanical assessment, strength and motor control retraining, and sport-specific reconditioning to break the cycle of reinjury.

In this article, we’ll explore:

• Why hamstring injuries are so common

• The hidden biomechanical factors

• How physiotherapy can stop the cycle

• What return to sport should really look like

Why Hamstring Injuries Happen

The hamstrings are a group of three muscles (biceps femoris, semitendinosus, and semimembranosus) at the back of the thigh. They play a crucial role in hip extension, knee flexion, and deceleration during running or jumping.

Common causes of strain include:

• Sudden sprinting or acceleration

• Eccentric overload (e.g. overstretching while the muscle is lengthening)

• Fatigue during training or competition

• Poor warm-up or flexibility deficits

But the real reasons why injuries keep coming back are often hidden below the surface.

Why They Keep Coming Back

1. Gluteal Weakness
   When the gluteus maximus isn’t firing properly, the hamstrings compensate for hip extension. This leads to chronic overload and tightness. Weak glutes are one of the top predictors of recurring hamstring strain.

2. Poor Core Control
   If the trunk and pelvis aren’t stable during running, the hamstrings act as secondary stabilisers, again leading to overuse.

3. Running Mechanics
   Overstriding, poor cadence, and excessive forward trunk lean all increase eccentric load on the hamstrings during mid- to late-swing phase of running.

4. Lack of Eccentric Strength
   Most people train their hamstrings concentrically (pulling weight in). But the hamstrings often tear during eccentric load (muscle lengthening under tension). Without eccentric training, rehab is incomplete.

5. Incomplete Rehab
   Pain disappears long before the muscle is fully recovered. If rehab ends once pain is gone, the tissue remains weak and vulnerable.

The PhysioDerma Clinic Approach

At PhysioDerma Clinic, our evidence-based rehab system addresses the root causes to prevent re-injury.

1. Comprehensive Assessment

• Gait and run analysis

• PostureScreen assessment

• Strength testing of glutes, hamstrings, and core

• Flexibility and neural tension screening

2. Manual Therapy

We release residual tension, mobilise scar tissue, and improve joint alignment through:

• Soft tissue release

• Muscle energy techniques

• Neural mobilisations (especially for sciatic nerve involvement)

3. Eccentric Strength Training

We focus on Nordic hamstring curls, single-leg deadlifts, and RDLs, with progressive loading to build true resilience.

4. Gluteal and Core Activation

Healthy hamstrings need strong glutes and trunk stability. We coach:

• Glute bridges with progression

• Side planks and Pallof presses

• Split squats and hip thrusts

5. Sport-Specific Reintroduction

For runners and athletes across Lambeth, Clapham, Battersea, and Vauxhall, we create return-to-play programs that gradually reintroduce:

• Acceleration drills

• Change of direction

• Plyometrics

• End-stage agility and sprint training

Why Physiotherapy Is Essential

Without physiotherapy:

• You may rehab too quickly and miss key strength milestones

• Underlying issues like pelvic control or glute inhibition go unnoticed

• There’s no strategy for rebuilding proper running mechanics

Physiotherapy is about more than fixing the injury—it’s about making you resilient to future ones. That’s why our team also supports patients with back pain, knee pain, and running-related injuries across SW8, SW9, and SW4.

Return to Sport: What It Should Look Like

Clearing someone for sport after a hamstring injury isn’t about being pain-free. It’s about performance readiness.

Key return-to-sport benchmarks include:

• Symmetrical hamstring strength (within 5% of uninjured leg)

• 90%+ limb symmetry in single-leg hop tests

• Eccentric hamstring strength test (e.g. NordBord where available)

• Full sprint drills at game speed without pain or fear

We also use functional tools like SquatScreen to assess full-body kinetic chain control.

Real Stories

"I used to pull my hamstring every time I trained for a 10K. At PhysioDerma Clinic, they found I wasn’t activating my glutes at all. The strength program and return-to-run plan changed everything. I’ve now run three races pain-free." — Melissa, 33, runner

"I was back on the pitch too soon after a grade 2 tear. Reinjured it. This time I stayed with the program for 10 weeks. The difference? I now sprint harder, with no fear." — Joel, 25, footballer

Take Action Today

Don’t just rest and repeat the cycle. If your hamstring injury keeps coming back—or you want to prevent one in the first place—get expert input from PhysioDerma Clinic.

📍 Serving Lambeth, Clapham, Battersea, Vauxhall, SW8, SW9, SW4
📞 Call us on 020 3576 2045
📧 Email: info@physioderma.co.uk
🌐 Visit: physioderma.co.uk