Case Study: Alphonso Davies Hamstring Injury Management

Alphonso Davies Background

Alphonso Davies, a Canadian international footballer who plays for Bayern Munich, experienced two hamstring injuries during the 2022/2023 season, which caused him to miss 9 games and spend over 60 days away from full squad training. Hamstring injuries are among the most common in football, accounting for approximately 16% of all football-related injuries. The high demands of the sport, particularly explosive sprinting, accelerations, and quick changes of direction, make footballers prone to these injuries. For elite athletes like Davies, who rely heavily on speed and agility, injury prevention and rehabilitation are crucial.

Pre-season Rehabilitation and Training Camp

Ahead of preseason, Davies participated in a one-week rehab camp at Mykonos Performance, designed to address his hamstring vulnerabilities and ensure he returned to full fitness. With his history of recurring hamstring injuries, a detailed and individualised approach to training was necessary to gradually prepare him for the rigors of professional football.

Training Periodisation and Exercise Selection

The rehabilitation program focused on injury prevention and improving performance through structured periodisation and exercise selection.

• Periodisation: The program followed a progressive approach, starting with lower intensity and gradually increasing both volume and intensity throughout the camp. This method enhanced Davies’ strength and endurance while minimising the risk of re-injury.
• Exercise Selection: The focus was on strengthening the distal and proximal hamstrings, glutes, and the entire posterior chain. Key exercises and drills included:
  • Nordic hamstring curls
  • Glute bridges / Hip thrusts
  • Single-leg Romanian deadlifts
  • Plyometric drills (later progressing to box jumps and sprints)
  • Acceleration and deceleration drills with distances varying from 10 to 100 meters, performed at intensities above 85%.

Next Season Performance

Following the rehabilitation and training at Mykonos Peformance, Davies played 42 games across all competitions during the next season. His consistent availability was a testament to the effectiveness of the rehabilitation program, helping him remain injury-free and perform at a high level for Bayern Munich.

Conclusion

This case study highlights the importance of an individualised approach to injury rehabilitation for high-explosiveness athletes like Alphonso Davies. A focus on balancing strength, mobility, and performance through proper periodisation and recovery strategies is key to preventing hamstring injuries and ensuring a successful return to sport.