This 1998 narrative review by Clanton and Coupe covers the anatomy, pathophysiology, classification, and treatment of hamstring strains in athletes. It synthesizes EMG, gait analysis, and basic science data to explain why hamstring injuries occur and presents a structured five-phase rehabilitation protocol with objective return-to-sport criteria.
When an athlete presents with posterior thigh pain after sprinting, use the three-grade classification to guide your rehabilitation timeline — most strains are Grade I or II and follow the five-phase RICE-to-isokinetics protocol.
Before clearing anyone for return to sport, confirm objective isokinetic benchmarks: H:Q ratio 50–60% and <10% side-to-side deficit; symptom resolution alone is not sufficient.
This 1998 narrative review by Clanton and Coupe covers the anatomy, pathophysiology, classification, and treatment of hamstring strains in athletes. It synthesizes EMG, gait analysis, and basic science data to explain why hamstring injuries occur and presents a structured five-phase rehabilitation protocol with objective return-to-sport criteria.
When an athlete presents with posterior thigh pain after sprinting, use the three-grade classification to guide your rehabilitation timeline — most strains are Grade I or II and follow the five-phase RICE-to-isokinetics protocol.
Before clearing anyone for return to sport, confirm objective isokinetic benchmarks: H:Q ratio 50–60% and <10% side-to-side deficit; symptom resolution alone is not sufficient.