Acupuncture & Myofascial Dry Needling for Hamstring Injury
Abstract
Sports participation has significantly increased across all age groups, leading to a higher incidence of musculoskeletal injuries, particularly hamstring (HS) injuries, which are among the most common and recurrent lower extremity injuries in athletes. These injuries often involve the biceps femoris, semitendinosus, and semimembranosus muscles and are associated with prolonged rehabilitation and a high recurrence rate. Traditional management strategies focus on pain relief and functional recovery, yet emerging evidence supports acupuncture and myofascial dry needling (MDN) as effective, noninvasive interventions for both acute and chronic muscle injuries. Acupuncture, long utilized in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has demonstrated efficacy in modulating pain, improving circulation, and enhancing tissue repair. Myofascial dry needling—derived from Western medical acupuncture principles—targets myofascial trigger points (MTrPs), aiming to reduce muscle shortening, restore normal tone, and relieve pain by eliciting local twitch responses.
In managing hamstring injuries, acupuncture commonly targets specific points such as BL36, BL37, BL38, and BL40, corresponding to the primary muscular structures involved, including the semitendinosus, semimembranosus, and biceps femoris. Myofascial dry needling (MDN) complements this approach through precise intramuscular stimulation techniques guided by the methodologies of Travell and Simons. The combination of acupuncture at these key points with targeted MDN effectively releases myofascial trigger points (MTrPs), alleviates pain, restores muscle length, and enhances functional recovery. Evidence suggests that integrating both techniques yields superior therapeutic outcomes compared to either method alone, making this approach a valuable strategy in the rehabilitation of hamstring injuries.
Post-needling protocols emphasize controlled stretching and gradual movement retraining to optimize muscle recovery and prevent reinjury. Current literature suggests that combining acupuncture and MDN provides superior outcomes compared to conventional therapies alone, improving flexibility, reducing pain, and accelerating functional recovery. Therefore, these modalities offer promising integrative options for clinicians in sports medicine and rehabilitation.
Dr. Tanjung Subrata, MRepro. ABAARM
Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Warmadewa University, Denpasar – Bali
Head of Collaboration and Business Unit, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Warmadewa University, Denpasar – Bali
Former Head of Scientific Publication Unit, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Warmadewa University, Denpasar – Bali
Reference:
- Brukner P., Khan K. Sports Injuries. In: Clinical Sports Medicine. Third edition. New York. Mcgraw-Hill Professional. 2010
- Sports Injuries and Acupuncture: The Evidence for Effectiveness. Acupuncture Research Resource Centre. The British Acupuncture Council. 2005
- Ernlund L., Vieira LA. Hamstring injuries: update article. Rev Bras Ortop. 2017 Jun-Jul; 52(4): 373–382.
- Lee JW., Lee JH., Kim SY. Use of Acupuncture for the Treatment of Sports-Related Injuries in Athletes: A Systematic Review of Case Reports. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020 Nov; 17(21): 8226.
- Mason JS. et al. The Effectiveness of Dry Needling and Stretching Vs. Stretching Alone on Hamstring Flexibility In Patients with Knee Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Int J Sports Phys Ther. 2016 Oct; 11(5): 672–683
- Travell JG., Simons DG. Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction. The Trigger Point Manual: The Lower Extremities. 2nd Edition. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. 1999
- Baldry PE., Thompson JE. Acupuncture, Trigger Points & Musculoskeletal Pain. 3rd Edition. Churchill Livingstone Elsevier. 2005
- White A., Cummings M., Filshie J. An introdution Western Medical Acupuncture. Churchill Livingstone Elsevier. 2008
- Finando D., Finando S. Trigger Point Therapy for Myofascial Pain. Healing Arts Pres. 2005
Keywords: hamstring injury, acupuncture, myofascial dry needling.
A Multilayered Acupuncture Model Integrating Embryology and the Heaven–Earth–Human Paradigm: A Conceptual Framework Applicable to Trauma
Abstract
Trauma is a complex, multilayered phenomenon that influences the body, mind, and spirit not only through primary injury but also through the secondary responses that arise in its aftermath. Addressing this multidimensional nature requires interpretive models capable of linking structural, functional, and regulatory processes. When the traditional Heaven–Earth–Human paradigm is viewed in relation to the embryological germ layers—ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm—it becomes possible to construct an integrative lens through which body regions and therapeutic strategies can be reinterpreted. This approach offers a unique perspective on the relationship between body layers and acupuncture strategies. This dual framework connects philosophical and developmental concepts with contemporary clinical reasoning, allowing acupuncture points and microsystems to be understood within a more coherent anatomical and theoretical logic. Such an approach enriches both diagnostic and therapeutic planning by providing a structural rationale for clinical decisions involving the timing of intervention, the relationship between somatic regions and tissue origins, and the alignment of point categories and needling strategies with underlying physiological and symbolic layers. By bridging traditional understandings with modern inquiry, this perspective strengthens the conceptual foundations of acupuncture—not only illuminating the rationale behind its theoretical and clinical applications, including trauma, but also enabling the emergence of new interpretive and therapeutic connections.
Professor Dr. Fatih Mehmet Surmen
Acuhealing: a multidisciplinary approach to healing trauma through acupuncture
Abstract
This work presents an original multidisciplinary approach to healing trauma through acupuncture. Acuhealing is a therapeutic approach that combines acupuncture, grounded in fundamental ethical principles, with a narrative therapy perspective.
People dealing with trauma are gently guided to uncover and embrace stories of agency, self protection and resistance, instead of those of helplessness, shame and numbness they may have carried. This new understanding of being, combined with the felt sense of safety acupuncture invites the body to, often leads to remarkably powerful therapeutic outcomes.
In Acuhealing sessions, acupuncture may also be combined with sound therapy (singing bowls), moxibution or hot stone therapy, to further support the path towards safety and healing.
In this compact presentation, theory blends with therapeutic stories offering a powerful sharing of valuable clinical experience.
Dr. Xanthippi Paschalidou is an acupuncturist and M.D. from Greece, currently living and practicing in Cyprus. Having graduated from University of Athens, School of Medicine (2003) she worked as a resident in psychiatry and has trained in acupuncture at AcuScience, Athens (2006). Xanthippi also holds the title of IBCLC ( International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) and is completing her diploma-level training on Narrative Therapy.
In her private practice, she has had the opportunity to integrate her fields of expertise, combining acupuncture with psychotherapeutic sessions, leading to the development of her personal approach, Acuhealing.
The Auricular Trauma Protocol (ATP)
Abstract
The Auricular Trauma Protocol (ATP) was presented 13 years ago in Lyon as a new treatment for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). It has evolved to be a potent tool in the mitigation of extraordinary stress and its manifestations. This includes sleep, pain, mood alterations, and pharmacologic dependencies. The ATP has evolved to include further adaptations for sleep, pain, stress, and dependency states named Basic I, and Basic II for each circumstance.
The ATP and its derivatives target the limbic system, autonomic system, visceral, and somatic systems in their therapeutic strategy. The ATP and its derivatives address the subcortical and brainstem aspects of feeling and emotion in a novel and potent way. This is where auriculotherapy meets psychology and plays a special role in the management of trauma.
Mitchell Elkiss, DO, FACN, FAAMA, CSPOMM
Co-Director of Helms Medical Institute
CLINICAL APPROACH TO TRAUMA IN VETERINARY MEDICINE: ACUPUNCTURE THERAPY
Abstract
Physical trauma in animals causes two specific conditions: acute body pathology (generally classified as Bi Syndromes, which can become chronic), alterations in the central nervous system (modification of engrams, alterations in the mental component – Shen), and the peripheral nervous system (bioelectric currents that hinder tissue healing).
The use of acupuncture ensures the restoration of normal conditions (homeostatic balance) through specific techniques.
The therapy is based on:
· Acupuncture application of dry needles, haemo-puncture, hydro-puncture, electro-acupuncture, laser-puncture and other TCM techniques (moxibustion, Chinese massage, Chinese diet);
· Fascia Therapy with the aim of activating the components of the living matrix according to the principles of biophysical medicine;
· Homeosiniatry using homeopathic and homotoxicological remedies, and Schüßler-salts selected on the basis of TCVM; they contribute to the improvement of general metabolism;
· Herbal Therapy to treat contingent clinical conditions.
This clinical approach through alternative medicines allows obtaining good results in healing the affected tissues and in improving the general animal wellbeing.
This clinical methodology confirms the results of scientific studies demonstrating the mechanisms of acupuncture’s effects employing specific acupoints:
· to eliminate painful and inflammatory components (Lu Huan Qiao Ti Fa technique – “Surrounding the Dragon”) treating the Biao;
· to allow the restitutio ad integrum of the affected areas and where this is partial, promote the functional recovery of them;
· improving the physical and chemical properties of blood;
· modification of engrams, the patterns of cooperation among neurons at the CNS level removing the psycho-behavioural (Shen) component of the trauma;
· activation of biophysical signals (solitons that carry energy and information and have biological effects that induce the self-organization of the organism) treating the Li;
· improvement of general organic condition, even the restoration of sport activity.
Francesco LONGO, DVM, Repr. Spec.
Specialist in Physiopathology of Reproduction
Expert in TCM and Veterinary Acupuncture (IVAS CA)
Sport Horse Medicine – Energy Horse Medicine – Equine Practitioner
Bologna – Italy / Tel.: 0039 347 186 1679 / E-mail: longo.agovet@katamail.com
Reference
Baumann C., Stark R. (2017): Homöopatische Symbolapotheke; Mankau Verlag, Murnau.
Bourdiol R.J. (1985): Homéopatie et Réflexologie; Maissonneuve, Moulins-les-Metz.
Brizhik L et alii (2018), Modeling meridians within the quantum field theory, Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jams.2018.06.0.
Brizhik L.S., Del Giudice E., Maric-Oehler W., Popp F.A., Schlebusch K.P. (2009): On the Dynamics of Self-Organization in Living Organism; Electromagnetic Biology and Medicine Journal 28(1):28e40, London.
Chuan Y. (2005): Traditional Chinese Veterinary Acupuncture and Moxibustion; China Agricultural Press, Beijing.
Del Giudice E. et alii (2013): Essere Umani, Franco Angeli Editore, Milano.
Del Giudice N., Del Giudice E. (1999): Omeopatia e Bioenergetica; Edizioni Cortina International, Verona.
Gerweck G. (2008): Soigner Son Cheval par l’Homéopathie; Vigot, Paris.
Dipartimento Scientifico Biologische Heilmittel Heel (2001): Guida di Omotossicologia Veterinaria, Guna, Milano.
Dipartimento Scientifico Biologische Heilmittel Heel (1998): Ordinatio Antihomotoxica et Materia Medica, Biologische Heilmittel Heel, Baden-Baden.
Ernst E. (2012): Schüßler-salts; Research Gate, Berlin.
Jorgensen H.H.(2007): Schüssler Tissue Salts for Horses; Cadmos Equestrian Publisher, Glastonbury.
Krautheimer B. (2010): Homöopunktur – Praktische Quantenmedizin; Urban&FischerVerlag, München.
Langevin H.M. et alii (2006), Subcutaneous tissue fibroblast cytoskeletal remodelling induced by acupuncture: evidence for a mechanotransduction-based mechanism, J Cell Physiol. Jun; 207 (3): 767-774.
Longo F. (2024): Veterinary Fascia Acupuncture System in Horse Medicine, Proceeding of the 50th International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (IVAS) Congress, Edinburgh.
Longo F. (2024): Manuale Clinico di Agopuntura Veterinaria, Macro Edizioni, Cesena.
Longo F. (2023): Acupuncture For Horse: A Quantum Interpretation in Veterinary Medicine, Annals of Reviews and Research, Volume 8 – Issue 3, Irvine.
Longo F. (2023): Fascia Acupuncture System in Veterinary Medicine, J Complement Med Alt Healthcare J 11(5): JCMAH.MS.ID.555822.
Longo F. – Mastrangelo G. (2019): Manuale di Tecnica Fasciale Integrata nel Cane, nel Cavallo, nel Gatto, II Edizione, Noi Edizioni/CEA, Milano.
Longo F. (2014): Solitons and Fascia in Horse Body: Acupuncture and Tuina working. Proceedings of the 40th IVAS Congress, Florence.
Longo F. (2010): Engrams and Synchronicity: The Role of Acupuncture in Chronic – Rebel – Recurring Diseases; Proceedings of 4thInternational Symposium Veterinary Acupuncturist of the Mediterranean VAM, Paris.
Longo F., Gazzola M. (2010): Pain Therapy by Acupuncture in Sport Horses; Proceedings of Naples Pain Conference (NPC): Research and therapy for human and animal suffering, to discuss and present the latest developments in pain discovery and therapeutics.
Winn S.G., Fougère B.J. (2007): Veterinary Herbal Medicine; Mosby Elsevier, St. Luis Missouri.
Integrating Acupuncture into Emergency Care: Managing Acute Lower Back Pain
Abstract
Lower back pain is a common presentation in the emergency department and frequently necessitates observation and analgesia. At the Emergency Department Short Stay Unit (SSU) of Changi General Hospital (CGH), Singapore, acupuncture has been introduced as an adjunctive modality for the management of acute lower back pain. The objective is to provide safe and effective pain relief, while improving patient satisfaction and clinical outcomes.
In this presentation, I will share my clinical experience treating these patients, along with findings from a study which examine the impact of combining conventional Western medical treatment with acupuncture in reducing the pain visual analogue scale (VAS) score for patients with acute lower back pain (LBP) in the SSU of CGH
Dr. Sim Ann Ling
The psychic injuries in the case of Covid diseases with the corresponding psychic blockage points and the exact matching flowers
Abstract
In this lecture I will talk about the emotional consequences of the Covid 19 pandemic with its different effects including the Long- and Post-Covid Syndrome and the possibilities to work against it with acupuncture. In particular, the psychic blockage points on the ear with their exactly matching flower essences, but also the search for the suffered trauma and the corresponding flower essence are in the foreground here. This approach has proven very successful in the last months in my practice with the many patients with multiple psychological and physical disorders after a covid illness, after a drastic loss or also due to the restrictions in daily life. I would like to dedicate this lecture to Professor Frank R. Bahr, Honorary President and founder of the German Academy for Acupuncture and Auriculomedicine (DAA), who sadly passed away in July 2025. Prof. Bahr was a brilliant teacher and visionary researcher to whom we owe an infinite debt of gratitude
Dr. med. Dr. TCM Wesemann Christiane Tessa
Sybelstr. 62 – 10629 BERLIN, GERMANY
post@drwesemann.de
Diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic traumas with TCM
Abstract
(Traditional Chinese Medicine) in horses
History of acupuncture in horses:
Traditional points, Meridian pathways, Patients
Diagnosis:
Transcribed and traditional acupuncture points, pulse diagnosis, tongue
diagnosis, pattern diagnosis, meridian diagnosis. Shu and Mu points.
Empirical point diagnosis.
Therapy using only acupuncture:
Ting points, mirror therapy (Richard Tan), Five-Element Therapy
Jasmin Weinzierl
Acupuncture in Post-Traumatic Rehabilitation: Insights from Clinical Cases
Abstract
Background:
Acupuncture has increasingly gained attention as an effective adjunctive therapy in both orthopedic and neurological post-traumatic rehabilitation. Its mechanisms are thought to involve modulation of the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems, enhancement of endorphin and serotonin release, and promotion of neuroplasticity and tissue regeneration.
Case 1 – Post-Traumatic Neurological Rehabilitation:
A 44-year-old female nurse diagnosed with Budd–Chiari syndrome experienced a post-traumatic cerebellar and brainstem hemorrhage with acute neurological deterioration. She underwent emergency neurosurgery for hematoma evacuation. After intensive care and stabilization, she was referred to post-traumatic neurological rehabilitation. A total of 10 YNSA (Yamamoto New Scalp Acupuncture) sessions, 4 NPPE (Neurophysiological Pathway Point Examination) sessions, and several Master Tung and local scalp protocols were applied over three months. The patient showed significant improvement in dizziness, balance, and headache frequency, with no residual neurological deficits.
Case 2 – Post-Traumatic Orthopedic Rehabilitation:
A 30-year-old male engineer suffered a workplace accident causing comminuted fractures of the talus and calcaneus, deep soft-tissue loss, and partial tibial and peroneal nerve injury. After multiple reconstructive surgeries, acupuncture treatment was initiated while the patient was ambulating with a walker. Trauma and NPPE protocols were applied, followed by symptom-oriented sessions. Remarkable reductions in pain and edema and gradual recovery of ankle mobility and partial weight-bearing were achieved.
Conclusion:
These cases illustrate how acupuncture can support pain control, functional recovery, and neuroregeneration in complex post-traumatic rehabilitation settings. Further controlled studies are needed to confirm efficacy and define its role within multidisciplinary post-traumatic rehabilitation programs.
Keywords: acupuncture, post-traumatic rehabilitation, neurological recovery, orthopedic trauma, neuroplasticity.
Asst. Prof. Dr. Hicran Demir Usan, MD
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation,
Yüksek İhtisas University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Türkiye
Acupuncture and electroacupuncture in sports-related trauma
Abstract:
It is estimated that up to 15% of all acute injuries reported to emergency rooms are sports-related. Trauma in these circumstances can cause muscle injuries (bruises/strains), tendon injuries, sprains, dislocations, and fractures, causing not only pain and dysfunction in the affected limb, but also a direct impact on athletes’ performance and professional careers.
The management of these injuries involves different steps, depending on the stage of progression and recovery they are in. Acupuncture has proven to be an effective technique both in the initial stages of the injury — controlling pain and swelling — and in preventive maintenance after full recovery. Furthermore, it can also act as an adjunct in the treatment of more complex conditions, providing pre- and post-operative analgesia and inactivation of myofascial trigger points, with the advantage of being a minimally invasive method, with rare side effects, and free of elements classified as prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency.
In this lecture, my aim is to address the main acute injuries related to sports practice and their management through acupuncture and electroacupuncture (EA), based on the current scientific evidence available on the subject.
Rosiane Pinho