Muscle injuries are among the most common injuries in sport, ranging from minor strains that settle within days to significant tears requiring weeks to months of structured rehabilitation. They typically occur when a muscle is forcefully contracted while being stretched — the classic mechanism in sprinting, kicking and change-of-direction activities.
The muscles most commonly injured in sport include the hamstrings, calf, quadriceps, adductors (groin) and, less frequently, the gluteals. Accurate diagnosis and careful load progression are essential, because muscle injuries have high recurrence rates when rehabilitation is rushed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Injection therapies can play a role in specific muscle injuries but are not routine. Dr. West will discuss whether they are appropriate for your injury and stage of recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Liam West will take a detailed history of the mechanism and onset, and perform a clinical examination including palpation, range of motion, resisted strength testing and functional testing. MRI or ultrasound may be arranged for higher-grade injuries.
If you have a recent muscle injury or a recurring problem that won’t settle, book an appointment with Dr. Liam West, our Specialist Sports and Exercise Physician at Melbourne CBD Physiotherapy and Sports Medicine Clinic. You can also learn more about our complete Sports Medicine service.
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Dr Liam West is a Specialist Sport and Exercise Medicine (SEM) Physician and Head Doctor of Hawthorn Football Club. He brings extensive experience across AFL, Athletics (Track and Field) and Football (Soccer), with specialist expertise in bone, muscle, tendon and joint injuries. Liam served as Sports Doctor for the Australian Athletics Team at the 2018 & 2022 Commonwealth Games, and holds a Masters of Sports and Exercise Medicine and Fellowship of the Australasian College of Sport and Exercise Physicians.
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Tendinopathy | Ligament Injuries | Joint Injuries (Shoulder & Knee) | Injections
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Stretching in the very early phase is not recommended and may worsen the injury. Gentle, controlled movement and progressive loading are far more effective.
Not always. Low-grade muscle strains often do not need imaging. Higher-grade injuries or injuries not progressing as expected may benefit from MRI or ultrasound.
Stretching in the very early phase is not recommended and may worsen the injury. Gentle, controlled movement and progressive loading are far more effective.
Recurrent hamstring injuries are usually a sign that rehabilitation has missed something — commonly eccentric strength, sprint exposure or load progression.
