When Stephen Curry limped off the court during Game 1 of the 2025 NBA Playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves, fans held their breath. It was a non-contact injury, often a sign of muscle fatigue. Given the physical grind of the previous series, it wouldn’t be surprising if cumulative stress played a role.
The official report states a Grade 1 hamstring strain. Mild, yes, but even the slightest hamstring injury can become a lingering problem if not addressed properly.
With high stakes and a huge chance to advance to the Western Conference Finals, team doctors might consider therapies such as shockwave or chiropractic care not just for a speedy recovery but for a full recovery without setbacks.
What Is a Hamstring Strain, Really?
Your hamstrings are a group of three muscles, the biceps femoris, semitendinosus, and the semimembranosus, all of which run down the back of your thigh. Their job is to bend the knee and extend the hip. In other words, they’re essential for sprinting, jumping, and almost every explosive movement needed on the court or in daily life.
A hamstring strain happens when one or more of these muscles are stretched beyond their capacity or contract too forcefully, leading to small tears in the muscle fibers.
There are three grades of hamstring strain:
- Grade 1 (Mild): Small microtears in the muscle fibers, causing tightness, mild swelling, and discomfort when moving or stretching the leg.
- Grade 2 (Moderate): Partial tearing, with more significant pain, swelling, and limited strength or mobility.
- Grade 3 (Severe): Complete tear or rupture, often accompanied by bruising, severe pain, and difficulty walking.
Curry’s dealing with a Grade 1 strain, which means there’s some minor tearing and tightness, but the muscle is still functional. The pain is real, though, usually accompanied by inflammation and a noticeable loss in flexibility.
Backed by Research, Chiropractic Care Works
Hamstring injuries aren’t just painful, they’re stubborn. And without the right treatment, they have a nasty habit of coming back. That’s why more elite athletes (like Steph Curry) are turning to advanced, evidence-based therapies to speed up recovery and protect against re-injury. One of the most effective tools? Shockwave Therapy.
In one study of 40 professional athletes dealing with chronic hamstring tendinopathy, half received traditional care rehab exercises and physical therapy. The other half got Shockwave Therapy once a week for four weeks receiving 2,500 targeted pulses each session.
The Shockwave group saw significant pain relief and function at week 1 up to 12 months. Meanwhile, the traditional group plateaued. Some even needed more treatment down the line.
Another study looked at hamstring tightness. All participants improved right after treatment, but the group that combined Shockwave Therapy with Strengthening Exercises showed gains in four weeks. And that’s huge.
For a mild hamstring strain like Steph’s, the recovery timeline is typically 1–3 weeks, but only if the body gets what it needs to heal correctly.
How Chiropractic Care Supports Hamstring Recovery
Here’s how targeted chiropractic techniques can support a faster, safer return to peak performance for athletes like Stephen Curry.
Spinal & Pelvic Alignment
Misalignments in the lumbar spine or pelvis can cause the hamstrings to work harder than they should. A rotated pelvis, for example, can shorten one side of the muscle group and overextend the other, making it a ticking time bomb for a hamstring strain.
Chiropractic adjustments restore alignment and reduce the mechanical stress that contributes to injury.
Soft Tissue Therapy
Tight fascia, scar tissue, and muscle knots don’t resolve on their own. We use hands-on and instrument-assisted soft tissue techniques to break up adhesions and restore normal motion to the hamstring complex.
This improves blood circulation, reduces swelling, and helps speed up the recovery process.
Shockwave Therapy
One of our go-to tools for hamstring strains like Curry’s is Shockwave Therapy. We use the Intelect® RPW 2 system designed specifically to target deep muscular injuries with precision and minimal discomfort.
It uses high-energy acoustic wave therapy, to stimulate healing at the cellular level by breaking up scar tissue and trigger points,to help loosen compressed blood vessels due to calcified trigger points.
Final Thoughts
Don’t let a hamstring injury sideline you for longer than necessary. Whether you’re playing in the 2025 NBA Playoffs like Steph Curry or just pushing through your daily workout routine, recovery shouldn’t be a waiting game.
Call (720) 573-4910 or Book Your Appointment Now and Get Huge Savings on your first consultation. Reclaim your active lifestyle, pain-free.
FAQs About Hamstring Strain
What Is a Grade 1 Hamstring Strain, and How Long Does It Take to Heal?
A Grade 1 hamstring strain involves mild muscle tearing and tightness. Recovery typically takes 1 to 3 weeks with proper care, though it can vary depending on treatment methods.
Can Chiropractic Care Prevent Hamstring Injuries
Chiropractic care can significantly reduce the risk of hamstring injuries by correcting muscle imbalances and relieving pressure on the pelvis and lower back, which greatly adds stress to the hamstring muscles.
Is Shockwave Therapy Effective for Hamstring Injuries?
Yes, Shockwave Therapy is proven to effectively treat hamstring injuries, including strains and tendonitis, chronic hamstring tendinopathy, and tightness.