Fabrizio Tencone, director of Isokinetic Torino, was featured in an in-depth article in La Stampa on the topic of muscle injuries in sport.
In football, these represent a true “epidemic,” with around 15–20 cases per team each season—more frequent than in other sports such as rugby, basketball, and athletics. Injuries are divided into functional ones, which are less severe and show no obvious damage, and structural ones, such as strains or tears, characterized by intense pain and longer recovery times. The most affected areas are mainly the hamstring muscles, but also the calves, quadriceps, and adductors.
Most injuries occur without direct contact with an opponent. Diagnosis is based on a medical examination and tools such as ultrasound and MRI. Treatment is generally conservative and follows several stages, from the acute phase to rehabilitation and eventually a return to play.
It is essential to restore symmetrical muscle strength between the limbs to prevent relapses. The greatest risk, in fact, is recurrence, often caused by returning too early, which is why it is crucial to respect full and carefully monitored recovery times.
