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Hamstring Injuries, What's Going On & Acupuncture For Recovery

Updated: Apr 19


Hamstring Injuries & Acupuncture at Acute Acupuncture 163 the Terrace, Wellington Central, Wellington
Hamstring Injuries & Acupuncture at Acute Acupuncture 163 The Terrace, Wellington Central, Wellington

Origins and insertions are essential terms used by medical professionals such as your General practitioner (GP), Acupuncturist, Osteopath, Physiotherapist, and even some athletes or personal trainers. They describe the attachment points of muscles in the human body. Muscles are responsible for movement in the body (like flexion, extension, pronation, and supernation). They are attached to the bones via tendons at specific locations known as the origin and insertion points.


The origin of a muscle is the point where it attaches to the bone, which is more stationary during movement. The insertion is where the muscle attaches to the bone that moves during muscle contraction. For example, the biceps muscle originates attached to the scapula, and its insertion is connected to the forearm bones. When the biceps muscle contracts, it pulls the forearm towards the shoulder.


The hamstring is a group of muscles at the back of the thigh crucial to lower body movement. They have three muscles: the biceps femoris, semimembranosus, and semitendinosus. The hamstrings are responsible for knee flexion and hip extension, which allows us to perform movements such as running and jumping.



Biceps femoris: The biceps femoris is a muscle of the posterior compartment of the thigh and lies in the posterolateral aspect. It arises proximally by two 'heads,' termed the 'long head' (superficial) and the 'short head' (deep). Flexes the knees, extends the hip, laterally rotates lower leg when knee slightly flexed, assists in lateral rotation of the thigh when hip extended.


Semimembranosus: The semimembranosus is a muscle within the posterior compartment of the thigh. It is located deep in the semitendinosus muscle within the medial aspect of the posterior thigh. It originates from the ischial tuberosity (more superiorly than the origin of the semitendinosus and biceps femoris). Flexion of the leg at the knee joint, extension of the thigh at the hip, and medially rotation of the thigh at the hip joint and the leg at the knee joint.


Semitendinosus: The semitendinosus muscle, collectively with the other two muscles of the posterior compartment of the thigh, works to extend at the hip and flex at the knee. The semitendinosus muscle, in particular, has the added functionality of assisting the popliteus muscle in rotating the leg internally.


Hamstring injuries are common in athletes and can range from mild strains to complete muscle tears. Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine technique frequently used to treat various muscular injuries, including hamstring injuries. If you have a hamstring injury, it may be subsidized through the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC). To know if you can get acupuncture and cupping for the injury, the patient must have an injury under twelve months from the date of the injury, an approved claim with ACC, an ACC45 (unique code to the individual or patient), date of injury, and read codes that apply for this injury. Contrary to popular belief, you do not need to be referred by your General Practitioner (GP) or physiotherapists to obtain the ability to receive acupuncture for this injury. You are in control of your health and the management of your health; you also have the power to choose the treatment of your choice and what is suitable for your situation.


Acupuncture involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate the body's natural healing response. In the case of hamstring injuries, acupuncture can help reduce swelling and inflammation, increase blood flow to the damaged tissue, and promote the healing process.


In addition to acupuncture, other forms of treatment for hamstring injuries may include rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE), physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medication. It is essential to seek medical attention when experiencing a hamstring injury to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.


Origins and insertions are essential in understanding muscle movement in the human body. The hamstrings are crucial muscles for lower body movement, and injuries to these muscles can be treated with various techniques, including acupuncture. Seeking medical attention at the onset of a hamstring injury is crucial for successful treatment and recovery. As with any intervention, it is essential to discuss the use of acupuncture with a qualified acupuncturist and to ensure that it is safe and appropriate for the individual or patient. After treatments, one may feel relaxed, energized, and rejuvenated. Communicating with your practitioner about your experience is essential to ensure you receive the maximum benefits from these treatments. Click the button below and book a complementary 15-minute consultation at Acute Acupuncture, 163 The Terrace, Wellington Central, Wellington. Let's discuss if acupuncture is the right thing for you. Thank you for taking the time to read this Blog Post. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this post with others. If you have any questions or concerns, check out Acute-Acupuncture Wellington Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), as we find this helps answer most people's questions. Please leave a comment below.


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