Hamstring Tendinopathy Treatment NYC
Hamstrings
Imagine enduring a nagging pain in the back of your thigh that worsens with running, jumping, or prolonged activity, making it difficult to perform at your best or even carry out everyday tasks.
Hamstring tendinitis (or tendinopathy) is a chronic overuse injury involving the degeneration or irritation of the hamstring tendons, and can significantly limit your mobility and athletic performance.
At Morningside Acupuncture, our integrated approach combining acupuncture and dry needling is designed to reduce tendon inflammation, relieve muscle tension, and restore optimal hamstring function.
Overview of Hamstring Tendinopathy
Hamstring tendinopathy is characterized by:
Persistent, deep pain along the posterior thigh (often near the tendon’s origin or insertion)
Stiffness and a burning sensation during and after physical activity
Tenderness on palpation of the hamstring tendon
Reduced flexibility and strength in the affected leg
Gradual onset of symptoms over time, often related to repetitive strain or overuse
It typically develops from chronic overuse, biomechanical imbalances, or degenerative changes in the tendon fibers.
Understanding the Biomechanics & Mechanisms
Key factors contributing to hamstring tendinopathy include:
Tendon Overuse and Degeneration:
Repetitive stress can lead to micro-tears, collagen disorganization, and tendon degeneration.
Inflammatory Response:
Tissue damage triggers inflammation, which intensifies pain and impairs tendon function.
Muscle Imbalances:
Weakness in the hip flexors or overactivity in adjacent muscles can place additional strain on the hamstring tendons.
Referred Pain:
Trigger points in the hamstring muscles may refer pain to the lower back or knee, affecting overall lower limb mechanics.
Treatment Options: A Broader Perspective
Conventional treatments for hamstring tendinopathy typically include:
Medications:
NSAIDs to manage pain and reduce inflammation
Rest & Activity Modification:
Reducing activities that exacerbate the condition
Physical Therapy:
Strengthening and stretching exercises to restore tendon integrity and balance muscle function
Eccentric Training Programs:
Specific exercises aimed at promoting tendon remodeling
Injections:
Corticosteroid or platelet-rich plasma injections in refractory cases
Differential Diagnosis:
Symptoms of hamstring tendinopathy can mimic conditions such as:
Acute hamstring strains
Sciatica
Referred pain from lumbar pathology
Our integrated approach combining acupuncture with dry needling is introduced as a non-invasive, first-line option to address both the local tendon pathology and contributing muscle imbalances.
How Acupuncture & Dry Needling Can Help
Our dual-modality approach offers comprehensive benefits:
Acupuncture:
Fine needles are inserted at specific TCM points to modulate pain pathways, enhance local blood flow, and reduce inflammation in the affected area.
Dry Needling:
Targets trigger points in overactive hamstring muscles to mechanically release tension, improve muscle balance, and alleviate referred pain.
Summary Table:
| Treatment Component | Techniques Used | Mechanism/Benefits | Example Points/Targets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncture | Insertion at TCM points | Modulates nerve pathways; increases local blood flow; reduces inflammation | ST36 (Zusanli), SP9 (Yinlingquan), local Ashi points over the hamstring region |
| Dry Needling | Insertion into trigger points | Releases muscle tension; improves muscle balance; reduces referred pain | Trigger points in biceps femoris, semitendinosus, and semimembranosus |
Acupuncture Points for Hamstring Tendinopathy
Our sessions may include these key acupuncture points, selected for their relevance to lower limb tendon health and pain relief:
ST36 (Zusanli):
Located on the lower leg, ST36 improves overall leg circulation and supports tissue repair.
SP9 (Yinlingquan):
Situated on the inner aspect of the lower leg, SP9 helps regulate fluid metabolism and reduce inflammation.
Local Ashi Points:
Patient-specific tender points along the hamstring region are directly targeted to relieve pain and promote healing.
Trigger Points for Hamstring Tendinopathy
We also target specific trigger points that contribute to hamstring tendinopathy:
Biceps Femoris:
Trigger points in this muscle can cause pain in the lateral aspect of the posterior thigh.
Dry needling helps release tension and improve muscle function.
Semitendinosus:
Overactivity in this muscle may contribute to medial hamstring pain.
Targeted needling alleviates tightness and improves flexibility.
Semimembranosus:
Trigger points here can result in deep, aching pain and reduced mobility.
Releasing these points can restore normal tendon mechanics.
Research & Evidence
Recent clinical studies support acupuncture and dry needling as adjuncts for the management of hamstring tendinopathy, showing measurable benefits for pain, flexibility, and function.
Acupuncture Research
A 2023 pilot randomized study found that acupuncture significantly increased hamstring flexibility compared to sham or placebo interventions, as measured by the sit-and-reach test, with statistically meaningful improvements after a single session. Although the study did not show significant effects on pain during stretching, the improvement in muscle flexibility is critical in the context of tendinopathy, as reduced flexibility is a major risk factor.
Additionally, a case report described rapid resolution of pain and restoration of function in a severe hamstring injury following a combination of acupuncture treatments within four weeks, much faster than conventional orthopedics predicted.
Dry Needling Research
Trigger point dry needling was combined with eccentric exercises and stabilization training in a case series on proximal hamstring tendinopathy; patients demonstrated clinically significant improvements in pain, function, and tenderness over 8–10 weeks, returning to sport and daily activities without symptoms.
A 2020 systematic review found that dry needling for tendinopathy at various sites (including the hamstrings) resulted in statistically significant improvements in patient-reported symptoms, with dry needling described as minimally invasive, safe, and low risk.
Ready to Try Acupuncture & Dry Needling?
Whether you’re struggling with acute or chronic pain, acupuncture and dry needling may help restore mobility and reduce pain - quickly and safely.
📍 Conveniently located in New York City
🧠 Experts in trigger point therapy, acupuncture, and dry needling
Book your appointment today with the experts at Morningside Acupuncture, the top-rated acupuncture and dry needling clinic in New York City.
Let us help you move better, feel stronger, and live pain-free.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How does dry needling differ from acupuncture for hamstring tendinopathy?
Dry needling targets specific trigger points in overactive hamstring muscles to mechanically release tension, while acupuncture uses established TCM points to modulate pain and promote tissue healing.What are the typical symptoms of hamstring tendinopathy?
Common symptoms include a deep, chronic pain in the posterior thigh, stiffness, and reduced muscle flexibility.Can this integrated treatment improve athletic performance?
Yes, by reducing pain and improving muscle function, our approach can enhance overall lower limb performance and reduce the risk of further injury.How many sessions will I need to see improvement?
Many patients notice improvement after several sessions; however, the treatment course depends on the severity of the tendinopathy.Is it safe to combine this treatment with physical therapy?
Absolutely. Our integrated approach is designed to complement physical therapy and other conservative treatments.What long-term benefits can I expect from this approach?
Patients often experience sustained pain relief, improved muscle balance, enhanced flexibility, and a reduced risk of recurrent injury with ongoing maintenance treatments.
Sources:
Feigel, M.L. (2023). Use of Acupuncture, Myofascial Release Techniques, and Kinesiology Taping to Reduce Estimated Healing Time in a Grade 3 Hamstring Strain: A Case Study. Med Acupunct, 35(5), 366-371. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10606944/
Labarca, M.L., et al. (2023). Can Acupuncture Improve the Flexibility of Hamstring Muscles? A Pilot Study. Healthcare, 11(3), 366. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9956164/
Jayaseelan, D.J., Moats, N., Ricardo, C.R. (2014). Rehabilitation of proximal hamstring tendinopathy utilizing eccentric training, lumbopelvic stabilization, and trigger point dry needling: 2 case reports. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther, 44(3), 198-205. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24261928/
Sconfienza, L.M., et al. (2020). Dry Needling as a Treatment Modality for Tendinopathy. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med, 13(1), 38–43. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7083985/
Disclaimer: This web site is intended for educational and informational purposes only. Reading this website does not constitute providing medical advice or any professional services. This information should not be used for diagnosing or treating any health issue or disease. Those seeking medical advice should consult with a licensed physician. Seek the advice of a medical doctor or other qualified health professional for any medical condition. If you think you have a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the emergency room. No acupuncturist-patient relationship is created by reading this website or using the information. Morningside Acupuncture PLLC and its employees and contributors do not make any express or implied representations with respect to the information on this site or its use.
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