Hamstring Strain Rehabilitation Protocols
5 Hamstring Strain rehabilitation protocols from 5 institutions, published 2021–2024. Weight-bearing progressions vary by institution — compare them in the table below before selecting a protocol.
Compare by institution
| Institution | Weight-Bearing | Key Restrictions |
|---|---|---|
| iOrtho — Non-Operative Management | WBAT throughout | Limit hamstring stretching (trunk flexion, knee extension) wks 0-2; limit hip/knee ROM to avoid… |
| Massachusetts General Hospital — Hamstring Injury… | WBAT throughout unless otherwise directed; no crutch requirement stated | Do NOT stretch hamstring Phase I; nerve gliding (sciatic neural flossing) if neural tension; no passive… |
| Samaritan Athletic Medicine (SAM Health) — Hamstring Strain… | FWB as tolerated; return to walking as soon as possible | No passive stretching Phase I; no kicking/sprinting/passive stretching Sub-Acute; no sprinting until… |
| Sanford Health — Proximal / Mid-Hamstring Strain… | N/A | Avoid end-range active/passive hamstring lengthening in Phase I; no end-range stretching if hamstring… |
| University of Delaware Physical Therapy — Hamstring Strain… | Full WB; assistive device if antalgic gait in acute phase; ice in lengthened position… | Pain monitoring model throughout: ≤5/10 during and after exercises (must return to baseline by next morning)… |
All 5 Hamstring Strain protocols
Hamstring Injury — Non-Operative Management
iOrtho
Hamstring Injury — Non-Operative
Massachusetts General Hospital
Hamstring Strain — Non-Operative
Samaritan Athletic Medicine (SAM Health)
Proximal / Mid-Hamstring Strain — Non-Operative
Sanford Health
Hamstring Strain — Non-Operative
University of Delaware Physical Therapy