He Borussia Dortmund Erling Haaland recovers in training, after the subsequent injuries suffered in the 2021/2022 season. The Norwegian striker recorded 3 series of absences due to physical ailments.
According to the last period count, he had a thigh muscle tear in September 2021, a hip injury one month after the previous one, and finally the hip flexor problem recur in January this year, forcing him to 40 days without training. In total, he missed 16 competitive matches for his club.
Anyway, is one of the favorites for the next international purchases. The marker would be required by the Manchester City, Real Madrid and Barcelona. But what condition is it in? Let’s analyze your hip flexor problem from a medical point of view.
What are hip flexors?
While sometimes talked about individually, the truth is, hip flexors are a group of muscles and not a single structure. In general, references to injuries in this area are made with the iliopsoas in mind.
This large muscle mass begins in the abdomen, in the spine area, and moves towards the thighs. Its main function is to bring the knees closer to the chest, as well as to allow some internal and external rotation of the lower limbs.
Then there are other muscles that are part of the hip flexors and which are no less important. These include the quadriceps femoris rectus, tensor fascia latae, and sartorius.
Footballers who injure this anatomical structure they usually remain inactive for a month or so. Although it is a frequent ailment in this sport, its correct resolution is important to avoid long-term consequences.
Erling Haaland’s last two injuries appear to be related to his hip flexors. It is to be hoped that his rehabilitation will be efficient and will not lose effectiveness, given that he has complied with the rest protocol.
Why do soccer players injure their hip flexors?
Not only footballers are prone to injuries in this region. They are also a risk group. marathon runners, soccer players Rugbythose of hockey and those who practice martial arts frequently. The biomechanics of these sports put the fibers at risk for sudden stretching and lengthening.
The abrupt change of direction movements in running and the sprint They lead the hip to make a challenging effort. In this context, if the fibers do not support the force that presses them, they stretch and can tear.
Certain risk factors make some athletes more likely to injure their hip flexors:
- If there is little warm-up before training and competitions.
- When previous injuries are carried in the same area or in the surrounding regions, such as the flanks.
- If there is a tight schedule with many meetings or races in a few weeks.
Hip movement in soccer
The hip is essential in soccer. The concern that arose over Erling Haaland’s injuries was logical, given that at his young age it could already have consequences for the next few years.
One factor that is analyzed in sports medicine with reference to soccer players is the range of motion of the hip. This parameter is so important that they dedicated series of scientific studies to evaluate it.
With evidence we know that age tends to decrease this range. As the years go by, soccer players are less and less able to have angles of rotation of the lower limbs that resemble those of their youth. This is considered a risk factor for nonspecific groin pain, as is the case with groin pain, which is also common among athletes.
If a footballer returns to training and competition with lower or lower hip range of motion than they had before the injury, they are more likely to recur. That’s how they showed it Tak and collaborators in 2016. That’s why Haaland’s absence matches were necessary and inevitable to preserve his physical integrity.
How can this injury be prevented?
Elite clubs have specific fitness plans that aim to reduce the risk of injury for their players. But in addition to these programs, there are exercises that have been shown to strengthen the hip flexors:
- Glute Bridge: Lie down on a flat surface, face up, and flex your legs, always supporting the soles of your feet. A bridge is formed with the hip, balancing with the help of the upper limbs. Once in the bridge position, hold the tension for a few seconds.
- Plank with hip flexion: Do the traditional plank and, once in position, bring one of the knees forward. Then alternate. It’s very similar to climbers, but you focus more on static than dynamic.
- Butterfly Yoga Pose: This exercise consists of sitting with your legs bent, so that the soles of your feet touch each other, and then separate your knees to the sides with your back straight.
Haaland’s future
It seems that Norwegian Haaland’s future is in England or Spain and no longer in Germany, despite his injuries. The eyes of the sport are closely following the upcoming transfer season.
Meanwhile, the young striker will resume his competitive career and time will tell if he can handle the challenges of a career on the rise. Your hip health is worth millions today.
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