Acupuncture for Treatment of Hamstring Injuries

by Dr. Scott Greenapple, D.C., C.C.S.P., F.I.A.M.A.

More and more athletes, as well as those who exercise for fitness and fun, are learning of the benefits of acupuncture to enhance their physical activities and help with their musculoskeletal injuries. Injuries to the hamstrings are commonly seen in this office, and acupuncture can be an effective treatment. Most hamstring injuries that we see in this office arise from improper exercise, imbalances between muscle groups, both over and under stretching techniques. The hamstrings are very interesting because frequently, even in those who exercise regularly, they tend to be underdeveloped, tight and weak. People who engage in specific aerobic exercise, like running, biking, swimming, etc., as well as those who lift weights for cross training tend to work the quadriceps more, which causes an imbalance between the two muscle groups.

Many of the stretches people believe work the hamstrings, do not stretch the hamstrings at all. Most of the time these stretches cause tension in the ligaments used to support the pelvis and spine. This can cause weakness, tension, pressure, and injury to the hamstring itself as well as the entire kinetic chain responsible for moving your lower limbs. Acupuncture, if done properly by a qualified provider, offers relief from the pain of the hamstring injury and also restores proper function and healing. Acupuncture increases blood flow to the area, releasing endorphins for pain, and increases "qi" (pronounced chi), the Chinese word for energy. The key to acupuncture is to not only treat the pain, but to enhance healing through the balancing of energy in the body. Acupuncture is performed in this office in a calm and soothing environment through the use of traditional needles, laser, electro micro current techniques, and with deep penetrating infra red heat.
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Dr. Scott Greenapple is a Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician and has certification in Medical Acupuncture. He has been a treating Physician at Ironman races including the Hawaiian Ironman since 1992. He is also a five time member of USA Triathlon Medical Staff. Dr. Greenapple is a credentialed Instructor of the Active Release Technique System and holds current certification in Biomechanics. Dr. Greenapple has recently returned from the Canadian Athletics Centre in Edmonton, for a four day World Class Biomechanics symposium working with members of the Canadian Olympic Team in tract and field and triathlon.