Rehabilitation protocol
Proximal Hamstring Repair Rehabilitation Protocol
The current rehabilitation used after a primary proximal hamstring repair. Early care protects the healing repair and limits hamstring loading, then weight bearing, motion, strength, and — when criteria are met — running are progressed in stages. Your surgical team will tailor it to you — always follow the individualized plan they give you.
Who this protocol is for
Applies to a primary proximal hamstring tendon repair — reattachment of the proximal hamstring to the ischial tuberosity. It does NOT apply to a gluteal (gluteus medius or minimus) tendon repair (which has its own protocol). It also does not cover a reconstruction with graft, a revision repair, concurrent procedures, or a materially different surgeon-selected plan; a chronic, retracted, or complex repair may follow a different, often more protective plan. If your operation was different, or a surgeon selects a different plan, follow that individualized plan instead. The operative note and surgeon-selected protocol take precedence, and patients should use only the protocol identified by their surgical team.
What this protocol covers
- Rehabilitation after a primary proximal hamstring repair (reattachment to the ischial tuberosity).
- It does NOT apply to a gluteal (gluteus medius or minimus) tendon repair — that has its own protocol.
- A graft reconstruction, a revision, a chronic or complex repair, or concurrent procedures may follow a different, often more protective, surgeon-selected plan.
- Your surgical team selects the protocol — use only the one you are given, and follow your operative note.
If your repair was chronic, a revision, a reconstruction, or included other procedures
This protocol is for a primary proximal hamstring repair. A graft reconstruction, a revision repair, a chronic or retracted repair, or other procedures performed at the same time may change the plan and follow a different, often more protective, surgeon-selected protocol. It is not the protocol for a gluteal tendon repair. This protocol never substitutes for your operative note or the plan your surgeon selected — follow the individualized instructions your surgical team gives you.
How rehabilitation is generally structured
Rehabilitation after this procedure is usually organized into progressive phases. The phases below describe the general shape only — specific exercises, precautions, and timelines are individual and are set by your surgeon and physical therapist.
Period of protection
The earliest period after surgery, focused on protecting the healing repair and controlling pain — commonly with protected weight bearing, a brace that limits hamstring stretch, and avoiding active hamstring loading, as your surgeon directs.
Transitional phase
As healing allows, progressing weight bearing and motion, normalizing gait, and beginning gentle hamstring activation within the limits your surgical team sets.
Progressive strengthening
Progressively rebuilding hamstring and lower-limb strength and, when the criteria for it are met, beginning a graded running progression.
Return to activity
A criteria-based return toward full activity and, when appropriate, sport — guided by restored, symmetric strength and control and physician clearance rather than a fixed calendar.
This overview describes the general structure of rehabilitation only. It does not replace the specific instructions of your own surgical team, whose guidance always takes precedence. Timelines and precautions are individual and are set for you at your appointments, and your operative note takes precedence. Use only the protocol your surgical team selected for you.