Hamstring Strain Treatment NYC
The Hamstrings - Semitendinosus, Semimembranosus, Biceps Femoris
Imagine experiencing a sharp, deep ache in your posterior thigh that makes walking, running, or even sitting uncomfortable. Hamstring strains—often caused by sudden movements or overuse—can sideline you from sports, work, and daily activities.
At Morningside Acupunctures, our integrated approach combining traditional acupuncture and dry needling aims to reduce pain, enhance muscle recovery, and restore your mobility.
Overview of Hamstring Strain
Hamstring strain is a common injury characterized by:
Sudden, sharp pain in the back of the thigh
Muscle stiffness and tenderness
Reduced flexibility and strength
Difficulty walking or engaging in physical activities
It typically results from muscle overuse, sudden acceleration or deceleration, or inadequate warm-up.
The hamstrings are made up of the semitendinosus, semimembranosus, and biceps femoris muscles.
Understanding the Biomechanics & Mechanisms
Hamstring strains are frequently rooted in several physiological factors:
Muscle Tension:
Overuse or sudden overload causes micro-tears in the muscle fibers.
Inflammatory Response:
Tissue damage triggers inflammation, which can exacerbate pain and stiffness.
Referred Pain:
Trigger points in the hamstring muscles can refer pain to adjacent areas, such as the lower buttock or knee.
Treatment Options: A Broader Perspective
Conventional treatments for hamstring strain typically include:
Medications:
NSAIDs to reduce pain and inflammation
Rest & Ice:
Resting the affected muscle and applying ice to reduce swelling
Physical Therapy:
Stretching and strengthening exercises to restore flexibility and function
Injections:
Corticosteroid injections in cases of severe inflammation
Surgery:
Reserved for complete muscle tears or severe cases
Differential Diagnosis:
Hamstring strain symptoms may mimic conditions such as:
Hamstring tendonitis
Sciatica
Referred pain from the lower back
Our integrated approach—combining acupuncture with dry needling—is introduced as a first-line option to address the underlying muscle injury and facilitate recovery.
How Acupuncture & Dry Needling Can Help
Our dual-modality approach offers comprehensive benefits:
Acupuncture:
Fine needles are inserted at specific traditional points to modulate pain pathways, enhance local circulation, and reduce inflammation.
Dry Needling:
Targets trigger points within the hamstring muscles to mechanically release tension, promote tissue repair, and restore muscle function.
Ideas for Hamstring Strain Treatment:
| Treatment Component | Techniques Used | Mechanism/Benefits | Example Points/Targets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncture | Insertion at TCM points | Modulates nerve pathways; increases local blood flow; reduces inflammation | BL36 (Chengfu), BL54 (Zhibian), ST36 (Zusanli), Yao Yan* |
| Dry Needling | Insertion into trigger points | Releases muscle tension; improves range of motion; reduces referred pain | Trigger points in the biceps femoris, semitendinosus, semimembranosus |
| *Note: Yao Yan is included to support overall lower back and hamstring function. | |||
Acupuncture Points for Hamstring Strain
Our sessions may include these key acupuncture points, selected for their relevance to lower extremity muscle recovery:
BL36 (Chengfu):
Located on the posterior thigh, this point is used to relieve muscle tension and improve circulation in the injured area.BL54 (Zhibian):
Found in the gluteal region, it helps alleviate stiffness and promotes recovery of the hamstring muscles.ST36 (Zusanli):
Although located on the lower leg, ST36 supports overall muscle repair, reduces inflammation, and enhances systemic energy.Yao Yan:
Selected when deep muscle stiffness is present, this point helps activate local blood flow and restore normal muscle function.
Trigger Points for Hamstring Strain
We target specific trigger points within the hamstring muscles that can contribute to pain and reduced mobility:
Biceps Femoris:
Trigger points in the biceps femoris can cause localized pain along the lateral aspect of the posterior thigh.
Dry needling can help release tension and restore normal muscle function.
Semitendinosus & Semimembranosus:
Trigger points in these medial hamstring muscles contribute to pain and stiffness.
Needling helps to relieve muscle tightness and improve flexibility.
Gluteal Regions (if applicable):
Trigger points in the gluteus maximus or medius may also contribute to hamstring discomfort.
Addressing these points can further enhance overall recovery.
Research & Evidence
Acupuncture Research for Hamstring Strain:
A 2023 pilot study examined the immediate effects of acupuncture on hamstring flexibility and discomfort during stretching, comparing true acupuncture (verum) to sham and placebo treatments. Participants experienced significant improvements in flexibility after receiving verum acupuncture, while no significant changes occurred with sham or placebo stimulation. However, none of the treatments significantly altered the pain or discomfort felt during stretching. These results indicate that acupuncture may effectively enhance hamstring flexibility, though it may not reduce stretching-related discomfort.
Dry Needling Research for Hamstring Strain:
A 2020 study investigated the immediate effects of dry needling (DN) on hamstring flexibility in healthy individuals with tight hamstrings. Participants received a single dry needling session targeting three areas of the hamstring muscles for one minute each. Results showed significant improvements in hamstring flexibility, muscle compliance, and stretch tolerance both immediately and at a 15-minute follow-up, with large effect sizes. This study supports the use of dry needling as an effective, immediate strategy for improving hamstring flexibility without additional stretching.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How does dry needling differ from acupuncture for hamstring strain?
Dry needling targets specific trigger points within the hamstring muscles to mechanically release tension, while acupuncture uses traditional points to modulate pain and support overall recovery.What are the main muscles involved in a hamstring strain?
The biceps femoris, semitendinosus, and semimembranosus are the primary muscles that may be affected.Can this integrated treatment help with other lower extremity strains?
Yes, by addressing local muscle tension and enhancing circulation, our approach can benefit various muscle strains.How many treatment sessions are needed to see improvement?
Many patients experience noticeable improvement after several sessions; however, the treatment course may vary based on the severity of the strain.Is dry needling safe for treating hamstring strain?
When performed by a trained practitioner, dry needling is generally safe with minimal side effects.What long-term benefits can I expect from this integrated approach?
Patients often experience reduced pain, improved muscle flexibility, and faster overall recovery.
Ready to Take Control?
Are you ready to alleviate your hamstring pain and restore your mobility? At Morningside Acupuncture, our integrated approach combining acupuncture and dry needling targets the root causes of hamstring strains.
Schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward a pain-free, active life.
Book Your Appointment Now: https://www.morningsideacupuncturenyc.com/new-patients
Call or Text Us At: (917) 830-4440
Additional Resources & Next Steps
Learn More: Visit our Blog for further insights into our treatment approach.
What to Expect: During your initial consultation, we perform a comprehensive evaluation to develop a personalized treatment plan.
Patient Stories: Read testimonials from patients who have experienced lasting relief
Sources:
Carvalho RM, Machado J, Santos MJ, Matos LC. Can Acupuncture Improve the Flexibility of Hamstring Muscles? A Randomized, Blinded, and Controlled Pilot Study. Healthcare (Basel). 2023 Feb 8;11(4):490. doi: 10.3390/healthcare11040490. PMID: 36833023; PMCID: PMC9956164.
Ansari, N. N., Alaei, P., Naghdi, S., Fakhari, Z., Komesh, S., & Dommerholt, J. (2020). Immediate Effects of Dry Needling as a Novel Strategy for Hamstring Flexibility: A Single-Blinded Clinical Pilot Study. Journal of sport rehabilitation, 29(2), 156–161. https://doi.org/10.1123/jsr.2018-0013
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