Matt’s (Second) PHT Success Story from Overcoming Proximal Hamstring Tendinopathy

In today’s episode, we welcome back Matt, who originally shared his success story in Episode 95. Two years ago, he successfully overcame proximal hamstring tendinopathy (PHT) in his left leg. However, in the past year, he faced a new challenge—PHT on his right leg. Unlike his previous experience, this case proved to be more stubborn and took nearly a year to resolve.

Matt’s journey provides deep insights into the complexities of PHT rehab and highlights the importance of strength training, patience, and persistence. This episode is a must-listen for runners struggling with recurring injuries, as Matt shares his key takeaways from his rehab journey, the role of gym-based strength work, and the adjustments that finally led to full recovery.

Key Takeaways from This Episode

🔹 The Reality of PHT Recurrence

After successfully treating PHT on one side, Matt developed it on the other leg a year later.
Despite applying the same rehab strategies, this case was more stubborn and required new approaches.

🔹 What May Have Caused the Second PHT Case

Started a new training cycle with a strong emphasis on strides and uphill sprints.
Simultaneously introduced gym training, leading to a hamstring strain near the knee.
Once the strain healed, mild PHT symptoms began to develop, possibly due to hamstring weakness.

🔹 Rehab Attempts That Didn’t Work

Performed targeted home-based hamstring strengthening exercises, focusing on painful movements.
Experimented with different exercise frequencies, intensities, and recovery strategies.
Symptoms remained at a mild but persistent 1-2/10 pain level for nearly a year.

🔹 The Breakthrough Moment

Started going to the gym twice a week with a full-body strength program after running.
Increased load with heavier weights and compound exercises (e.g., squats, deadlifts).
Adopted a "one-set-per-exercise" approach to maximize exercise variety.
Noticed improvements within 4 weeks, and symptoms completely resolved within 2 months.

🔹 Possible Reasons This Approach Worked

Heavier Strength Work – Increased tendon load beyond what was possible with home workouts.
Exercise Variety – Instead of focusing only on painful movements, he incorporated full-body training.
Running Before Strength Training – This may have helped fatigue healthy tendon fibers, forcing the injured portion to adapt and strengthen (as explained by tendon researcher Keith Baar).

🔹 Takeaways for Runners with PHT

Strength training is non-negotiable if you want to avoid PHT.
Ignoring symptoms early on can lead to longer recovery times. Address small flare-ups before they become chronic.
The “Easy Interval Method” allowed Matt to include speed work without triggering symptoms.
Runners should expect some setbacks. PHT recovery is not always linear, and adjusting training when needed is key.

Final Message from Matt

If you're dealing with mild but persistent PHT, don’t lose hope! The right training adjustments can help you return to pain-free running. Matt’s key lesson: Running alone makes you weaker—strength training is essential to stay resilient.

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MEDICAL & EDUCATIONAL DISCLAIMER

The information provided in the Overcoming Proximal Hamstring Tendinopathy (PHT) Podcast, YouTube channel, associated websites, social media, and other educational content produced by Brodie Sharpe is provided for general educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to constitute, and should not be relied upon as, individual medical, physiotherapy, diagnostic or treatment advice.

Although Brodie Sharpe is a qualified physiotherapist, consuming this content does not establish a physiotherapist-patient or other healthcare professional-patient relationship. Any discussion of symptoms, diagnoses, rehabilitation strategies, exercises, loading programs, running modification, medications, supplements, injections, medical procedures or other treatment options is general in nature and may not be appropriate for your individual circumstances.

Musculoskeletal pain can have multiple causes, and symptoms that appear consistent with proximal hamstring tendinopathy or another tendon disorder may arise from other conditions. Appropriate assessment, diagnosis and treatment depend upon an individual's medical history, symptoms, examination findings, medications, health conditions, training history and other factors that cannot be adequately assessed through general online content.

Do not use this content as a substitute for assessment, diagnosis or treatment from an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.

Before starting, stopping or substantially modifying an exercise or rehabilitation program, medication, supplement, injection, procedure or other treatment discussed in this content, seek advice from an appropriately qualified healthcare professional who can consider your individual circumstances.

Exercise, rehabilitation and medical treatments carry inherent risks. These may include increased pain, symptom flare-ups, aggravation of an existing condition, new injury, adverse reactions or other complications. Individual responses vary and no particular outcome, improvement, recovery timeframe or return to sport can be guaranteed. If an activity or intervention causes significant, unusual or worsening symptoms, stop and seek appropriate professional advice.

References to research, clinical studies, treatment approaches, products or opinions of guests are provided for educational purposes. Scientific evidence evolves over time, may be incomplete or conflicting, and findings from research populations may not apply to every individual. Discussion of a treatment or product does not necessarily constitute an endorsement or recommendation for its use. Views expressed by podcast guests or other contributors are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Brodie Sharpe.

To the extent permitted by applicable law, Brodie Sharpe and associated businesses, contractors and contributors accept no liability for loss, injury, damage or adverse outcomes arising from reliance upon or use of this general educational content. Nothing in this disclaimer is intended to exclude, restrict or modify any right, guarantee, remedy or liability that cannot lawfully be excluded, restricted or modified under applicable law.

If you believe you may have a serious injury or medical condition, or you develop severe, rapidly worsening or otherwise concerning symptoms, seek prompt assessment from an appropriately qual...

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