BAMIC Classification & Early Rehab
Hamstring Injuries
Hamstring Injuries
Hamstring injuries are one of the most common muscle injuries in sports that involve sprinting, kicking, or sudden accelerations — such as football, hockey, rugby, and athletics. These injuries can range from a mild strain to a more serious tear, and they often have a frustratingly high recurrence rate if not properly rehabilitated.
To improve the accuracy of diagnosis and rehabilitation planning, clinicians often use the British Athletics Muscle Injury Classification (BAMIC) system. This grading tool categorises hamstring injuries based on their location (e.g. muscle belly, tendon, or myofascial junction) and severity (Grades 0 to 4). For example, a Grade 2b injury refers to a moderate strain involving the central tendon, which typically requires a longer and more structured rehabilitation plan compared to a peripheral muscle injury.
Common symptoms of a hamstring injury include:
- A sudden sharp pain at the back of the thigh during sprinting, kicking, or lunging
- Localised tenderness or swelling
- Bruising appearing within a few days
- Weakness when bending the knee or stretching the leg
How physiotherapy helps:
At our clinic, we follow a “long and strong” rehabilitation approach, which prioritises restoring the full length and strength of the hamstring muscles. Early rehab often starts with gentle range-of-motion exercises and is progressed using targeted strengthening and neuromuscular control drills. We monitor recovery using objective measures such as:
- Hamstring flexibility and length tests
- Strength testing across different ranges
- Sprint mechanics and running form (if relevant to your sport)
Injury prevention strategies include:
- Incorporating Nordic hamstring curls and other eccentric exercises into your routine
- Sprinting at near-maximal effort during the season to maintain tolerance to high-speed loads
- Addressing any underlying pelvic, lumbar spine, or postural imbalances that may predispose you to injury
A thorough, progressive rehab plan — tailored to the specific type of hamstring injury — is crucial not only for a safe return to sport but also for reducing the risk of re-injury. Early intervention by a physiotherapist can significantly improve your outcomes and speed up recovery.