The Value of Team Care for Athlete Development 

A Holistic Approach to Athletic Recovery

Here at ATUNE Health Centres, we strive to provide Lake Macquarie sportsmen and women with holistic, patient-centred care.

This story follows the journey of one of our patients, Sarah (not her real name), and her return to competitive sport. Sarah had previously competed as a junior elite athlete in triple jump; however, this was some years ago, and a lot of work had to be done before Sarah could hope to compete at this level again.

Early Challenges and Initial Assessment

As Sarah began her training in May 2016, she was already experiencing the usual aches and pains that had troubled her in the past. Things weren’t going according to plan. A persistent niggle in her hamstring wasn’t improving with stretching, and her lower back pain had returned.

Upon assessment, it was found that Sarah had poor gluteal muscle activation and a tight hip flexor, which caused the left hamstring and lower back muscles to overcompensate during movement. There was also irritation present in the pelvic and spinal joints on the left side.

Collaborative Care and Targeted Treatment

Initial treatment focused on promoting optimal alignment of the lower back and pelvis, and restoring mobility through massage, joint manipulation, stretching, and dry needling therapy. Sarah was also given stretching and basic strengthening exercises. However, given the complexity of the issue, a more integrated care plan was recommended, involving physiotherapy to address specific muscle activation and strength concerns.

It became clear that Sarah was attempting to train at an elite level without first establishing essential functional foundations. Without proper muscle activation and base-level strength, the body cannot perform or adapt effectively to high-level training demands. Like building a house on sand, poor foundations increase the risk of injury — and that’s exactly what happened next.

The First Major Setback

Despite improvements, Sarah’s desire to progress quickly led to a Grade 2 tear of her left hamstring. The injury was linked to her existing muscular imbalances and pelvic alignment issues. Focused rehabilitation included exercises to enhance gluteal control, reduce strain on the hamstring, and increase sprinting efficiency. Releasing tension in the hip flexor muscle was also essential in restoring proper movement mechanics.

Understanding the Hamstring’s Role in Sprinting

The hamstring is responsible for bending the knee and decelerating the lower leg during sprinting — placing it under significant force. In Sarah’s case, the hamstring was already overstretched due to poor posture and compensatory movement, making it more prone to tearing. Once a hamstring is injured, the risk of future injury increases with each recurrence.

Rehabilitation and Return to Training

Recovery required time, consistency, and a structured plan. Sarah incorporated key rehabilitation strategies, including eccentric strength exercises such as Nordic curls, which are especially beneficial for hamstring health. By three months post-injury, Sarah had returned to full training and continued with 3–4 weekly treatments to maintain muscular balance and prevent re-injury.

Progress was steady until Sarah experienced a tear in her right hamstring during training. Upon review, it was determined that fatigue played a central role. Heavy gym work the night before a demanding sprint session contributed to the injury. Fatigue is a well-known risk factor for hamstring injuries and must be carefully managed in high-performance athletes.

Training Smarter: The Concept of Periodisation

To reduce risk and enhance performance, many athletes utilise training periodisation — breaking training into structured blocks based on the season and performance goals. This approach helps manage load, avoid fatigue, and ensure optimal recovery. Adjusting the volume and intensity of sessions, especially in the lead-up to competition, is key to sustainable athletic performance.

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A Faster Recovery and Looking Ahead

Fortunately, this second injury occurred in a different location and required only six weeks of rehabilitation. Stronger gluteal muscles, built through consistent pre-injury training, contributed to a quicker recovery. With Sarah back in training once more, her sights were now set on the next milestone — returning to competition.