Injury prevention: Integrating “best practice” to reduce hamstring injuries with Nick van der Horst

In this episode of the Pacey Performance Podcast, Rob is speaking to Rehabilitation Coordinator at PSV Eindhoven, Nick van der Horst. Nick shares his journey from aspiring footballer to sports physiotherapist, where he now focuses on rehabilitation at PSV Eindhoven. 

Nick advocates for preseason screenings that assess isometric strength, mobility, and contralateral limb function to identify individual risks. He also highlights the importance of iliopsoas mobility for hamstring flexibility and sprint performance. Tailored training strategies and post-game eccentric exercises also play a key role in preventing injuries.

Nick emphasizes individualized approaches in both prevention and rehabilitation. Mini-dosing and eccentric training in fatigued states, along with structured recovery phases, help build resilience and reduce injury risk. He also stresses the importance of avoiding ineffective methods like cupping and dry needling in favor of mobility and flexibility work for better energy transfer during athletic performance.

Nick stresses that personalized strategies, including eccentric exercises and load management, alongside strong communication with players, are key to reducing hamstring injuries in athletes.

Main talking points:

• Eccentric strength training crucial for injury prevention • Personalize load management to each athlete's needs • Conduct preseason screenings for hamstring injury risks • Focus on iliopsoas mobility for sprint performance • Tailor training strategies to individual player profiles • Use post-game eccentric exercises for recovery • Apply mini-dosing in fatigued states for injury prevention • Strengthen pelvic mobility for energy transfer efficiency.