Breaking the Cycle of Recurrent Hamstring Strain

A college football kicker presented with a pattern of recurring hamstring strains that had followed him season after season. Each year, the injury would resurface early, limiting his performance and sidelining him at critical moments.

As a junior with clear NFL potential, he was not only focused on performance—but determined to finally resolve the issue for good.

Pain Points

Despite ongoing care, the problem kept returning:

Repeated hamstring strains during the season
Inability to maintain full performance
Frustration from treating the same injury without lasting results
Growing concern about long-term impact on his career

Up to this point, treatment had focused primarily on the hamstring itself—addressing symptoms, but not the root cause.

Treatment Plan

Through a combined physical and Traditional Chinese Medicine assessment, we identified a deeper pattern contributing to the recurring injury.

Rather than isolating the hamstring, we followed the full fascial chain and found significant tension and restriction in the upper back, neck, and shoulders. This created a cascading effect through the body, placing ongoing strain on the hamstring.

Treatment focused on:

Acupuncture to address both local and systemic imbalances
Releasing tension along the full fascial chain
Supporting recovery during the season and corrective work in the off-season
Addressing both physical and systemic contributors, including recovery and stress

Results

With a focus on treating the root cause rather than just the symptom:
- Completed junior season with no hamstring injuries
- Achieved top-tier ranking at his position
- Repeated a full, injury-free senior season
- Improved both physical performance and mental confidence
He went on to compete at the professional level and has not experienced a recurrence of hamstring strain since.

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For the first time, I have found something that works. I have spent my entire life on some type of diet and nothing has been sustainable or worked. The difference this time was first focusing on the mental and physical pieces in a supportive environment. The weight loss has been a bi-product of the whole body work. Nikki and her staff have listened, supported, and provided care every step of the way. 55 pounds lost in less than a year with no magic pills and I feel the best I have felt in decades. Working with EastWest has been life changing in the best possible way!

I have been seeing Nikki since 2017 and she has helped me in so many ways! I first visited her clinic with chronic back pain that wasn’t responding to other treatments. After working with her I found tremendous relief. Since then, she has helped me deal with the pain of a broken rib and during COVID I had some anxiety issues and found acupuncture was such a relief.

I've been visiting TCM EastWest for acupuncture for about three years now, and it's made a real difference. I initially came in with persistent arm and shoulder pain, and the ongoing relief was noticeable after just a few sessions. Since then, I've continued periodic treatments as part of my regular health maintenance and de-stressing. The care is professional, consistent, and genuinely effective. Highly recommended.

Had my first acupuncture experience at TCM EastWest. It was so great! Nikki accessed the pain I’ve been having in my ankle from basketball. She explained the meridians and placed needles appropriately to help target that area. I left the appointment feeling great! Thank you!

Our Partners

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