Chronic High Hamstring Tendinopathy and Sacroiliac Segmental Dysfunction in a Mature Tae Kwon Do Athlete: A Case...

This case study describes conservative management of high hamstring tendinopathy in a master's-age tae kwon do athlete.

A 53-year-old female tae kwon do athlete of 10 years presented after ceasing activities of performance for over a year owing to chronic pain of insidious onset in the left buttock with radiation to the left hip and posterior thigh. The patient's pain was preventing her from being able to perform regular activities of daily living such as brisk walking or sitting. The pain was registered as a 7/10 on the numeric pain scale. Radiographs of the lumbopelvic area were negative. Conservative treatment localized the pain to the left ischial tuberosity. Magnetic resonance imaging showed bilateral trochanteric bursitis and left hamstring tendinopathy.

Following conservative management with therapeutic ultrasound over the hamstring origin, manual sacroiliac manipulation, and rehabilitation, she had complete resolution of symptoms.

This patient had a combination of pain syndromes including chronic high hamstring tendinopathy and sacroiliac joint dysfunction. There are many other factors that must be taken into consideration, including repetitive trauma of tae kwon do, age, and sex, that play a role in tendon and ligament changes over time. This case demonstrates management of coconditions and comorbidities that can be used in not only the athletic population but many other populations.