Acupuncture Sports Medicine Webinar Series - Course 13

Course Overview

Hamstring strain is most commonly diagnosed under the category of accident/trauma, and is a sports injury frequently seen by the acupuncturist. The trauma is at the level of the muscles and tendons, with qi and blood stagnation in the channels and collaterals. Hamstring strain is clearly Bladder meridian pathology, although the Kidney meridian may also be involved.

Occasionally, strain and muscle tightness may be a repetitive stress disorder due to the accumulation of micro-trauma. Both cases are treated with similar points and techniques. Treatment of the hamstring demonstrates the diversity of point selection for local and adjacent treatment in acupuncture sports medicine. Often, the point Bladder 37 is useful in releasing the entire hamstring group. This point is an example of “yin” techniques, needling into the space between the medial and lateral hamstrings. However, sometimes both the motor points and the trigger points are necessary. This is a “yang” technique, and involves treatment to ashi points located in the taut bands of muscle, slightly medial or lateral to the Bladder channel. Hamstring treatment is also is a good example of how simple orthopedic assessment, including manual muscle testing and passive stretching, can be integrated into the diagnostic process.

Access Period: Lifetime

Course Notes: Notes are provided with this course.

Provider: CPD Cert