A Division I collegiate football player from Atlanta presented with a severe lower leg injury involving fractures to the tibia and fibula, complicated by peroneal nerve damage resulting in foot drop (loss of dorsiflexion). The athlete required a brace for ambulation and sought treatment with the goal of returning to competitive play the following season.
The patient traveled to Minnesota for care after being referred through professional athletic networks. A three-month treatment plan was implemented, consisting of twice-weekly sessions that included acupuncture, electrostimulation, and targeted neurological rehabilitation exercises focused on improving the brain–body connection.
One key intervention involved mirror therapy combined with acupuncture and electrostimulation, encouraging contralateral dorsiflexion to stimulate neural recovery and support activation of the affected peroneal nerve.
Following three months of care, the patient achieved approximately 30% improvement in active dorsiflexion without assistance. While not a full recovery, this progress allowed transition to a more flexible brace and supported the athlete’s return to football activities.
The patient then returned to Atlanta to continue academic and athletic commitments.
EastWest Acupuncture is proud to work with a unique group of businesses throughout Minnesota offering our wide range of eastern and western styles of medicine. To learn more about our partnership program email admin@tcmeastwest.com
