25/03/2026
Proximal Hamstring Tendinopathy Tips for runners đââď¸
DO â
â Strengthen the tendon (this is key!)
1ď¸âŁ Start with ISOMETRICS
Exercises where the muscle contracts without moving the joint (e.g. glute bridge holds). This helps reduce pain and start loading the tendon safely.
2ď¸âŁ Progress to ECCENTRICS
Slowly lengthening the muscle under load (e.g. slow lowering hamstring exercises).
This helps rebuild tendon strength and tolerance to load.
3ď¸âŁ Progress to ISOTONIC / DYNAMIC STRENGTH
Controlled strengthening through full movement (e.g. RDLs, hamstring curls).
This prepares the tendon for running, sprinting and higher loads.
â ď¸ Remember:
Tendons often feel better while youâre exercising. But if pain is worse later that day or the next morning, you probably did too much.
DONâT â
đŤ Foam roll directly on the tendon
Tendons donât like direct compression, which can irritate it further.
đŤ Avoid hamstring stretching
An aggravated tendon is often made worse by stretching the hamstring.
đŤ Limit prolonged sitting
The one thing tendons hate more than being stretched is being compressed.
If you have a desk job, stand up and move regularly.
đĄ Patience is key - tendons adapt slowly, but they respond well to the right loading.