Weight training, muscle injury and michael owen

April 1, 2003

Nigel,

I think weight training is certainly part of the rehab process, specifically

re repetitive hamstring injuries. I have treated quite a few over the last

few years (mainly rugby and football players)and use a pretty

straightforward approach with excellent results.

Dependent upon the severity of the injury and associated problems, during the

first part of rehab I will focus on improving the extensibility (If needed,

using preferably active stretching) and tensile/contractile strength of the

hamstrings. Again dependent upon the injury I will progress through isometrics,

isotonic single leg curls progressing to a strong focus on eccentrics at a later

stage (concentric part of the movement performed with both legs eccentric

with one), I will also use deadlifts, lunges etc as needed. At the same time

I will start a jogging program commencing with short strides and straights

only progressively increasing stride length and throwing in bends and

progressive acceleration-decceleration through to explosive activities. All

very individual dependent upon injury, athlete etc. I have also found neural

mobes extremely useful (there is definitely research on neural mobes

improving outcomes in hamstring injuries, but sorry don't have to hand)

Re Owen specifically, rumours abound re actual problem was neural and

his long drives in slump position in his expensive sports cars didn't help,

has he changed his driving habits???.

Hope this is at least a bit useful, sorry if its a bit patchy but I am very

short of time at the moment. There are references and case studies out there

and I am sure I have some in boxes somewhere (just moved house) if I have

time I will try and dig them out soon.

Best wishes

Steve Aspinall BSc (Hons) GSR

CityPhysio Sports Medicine

Manchester

UK

_________________________________________________________________

Use MSN Messenger to send music and pics to your friends

Recommended Posts