Assessing and Managing Hamstring Injuries - Online

Hamstring strain injuries account for a significant number of all injuries in sports where running predominates. They post a challenge for practitioners as the incidence of injury and recurrence rates remain stable across a number of sports.

The assessment component of the course will focus on the subjective and objective examination of hamstring strains, with a view to providing a systematic approach for practitioners when faced with an acute injury. Participants will be provided with background learning on the anatomy and biomechanics of the hamstring muscles and the effects on varying mechanisms of injury for hamstring muscle strain injuries.

The management module of the course will provide a practical rehabilitation program with an emphasis on both gym and running based exercise progressions. Rehabilitation will be split into early, middle and late stages of rehabilitation with an emphasis on providing variations suitable for clientele across all sports. Both return to play considerations and injury prevention methodology will also be discussed.

This course has been designed for physiotherapists working with athletes in sports where running predominates, and for physiotherapists with an interest in furthering their knowledge on hamstring strain injuries. It is designed to be clinically applicable with the aim of immediately transferring information learnt to everyday clinical practice.

MODULES:

Module 1 - Introduction

Module 2 - Anatomy

Module 3 - Biomechanics & Aetiology

Module 4 - Assessment

Module 5 - Management

Module 6 - Prevention

Damian Raper is an APA titled Sports Physiotherapist working full-time as Physiotherapist at the Geelong Cats AFL club. Damian graduated from Sydney University in 2008, and commenced working in private practice whilst taking on a physiotherapy role with NSW U16 rugby union team. Damian enhanced his sports experience by working with the Australian Rugby Union National Academy program, before being offered the role of Post-graduate Scholar at the Australian Institute of Sport in 2012. Upon completing a year at the Australian Institute of Sport, Damian worked at Essendon Football Club in season 2013, before moving to the Geelong Cats. He completed his Masters of Sports Physiotherapy at LaTrobe University in 2014, and is currently undertaking a Masters of Physiotherapy Research through the University of Canberra, with his thesis focussing on the effect running biomechanics on ground reaction forces.

This course is open to all.