Running back Dillon Johnson, who suffered a knee injury, could have tried any number of medical solutions to get back on the field for the University of Washington football team.
heat. cold. weight. muscle manipulation.
But his medical staff had another, less obvious treatment in mind. Those overseeing his care asked the former Mississippi State University transfer Husky rusher if he was averse to needles, to which he responded positively.
He suggested I try acupuncture.
“I had to go to this woman and she was amazing,” Johnson said this week. “She got me right. She put about 20 needles in my hamstring and calf. It hurt, but I got better. I’m here now. ”
This is a great place for Johnson. He was named Walter Camp Offensive Player of the Week after rushing for 256 yards and four touchdowns in the Huskies’ 52-42 win over USC, earning him similar honors in the Pac-12. It was.
Johnson, who suffered a knee injury that required surgery while at Mississippi State and then re-injured himself, was given close attention by Karen DeBoer’s coaching staff during spring and fall camps and at the beginning of the regular season. treated. .
Johnson was needed by the Huskies more than ever when the season started, and he wasn’t ready yet, as Cam Davis suffered a season-ending knee injury in an August scrimmage. He had just 12 yards rushing in the season opener against Boise State, but was held out in the University of Washington’s second game against the Tulsa Golden Hurricane.
“I really wanted to be there for everyone when Cam went down,” Johnson said. “I could have played in the Tulsa game, but I was only at about 50 percent of what I was, and the coaching staff did a great job of telling me it was okay and reminding me to keep getting better every week. ”
At that point, he was presented with the option of acupuncture, which would become a regular part of his recovery plan.
“If you get hurt, that’s where you should go,” Johnson said. “I remember the medical staff asked me if I liked needles and I said, ‘I don’t really like them,’ and they said there was something they thought could help me. ”
After her first session, Johnson said she has been going to the acupuncture clinic three times a week for more than a month, and continues to return whenever she feels nervous.
The treatment has helped him a lot this season, but following the unconventional approach to health was difficult at first for the junior running back.
“It’s a completely strange feeling,” he said. “Even if I think about it, I won’t be able to do it. I have to sit there, close my eyes, and say to myself, ‘If you want to feel better, this is what you have to do.’ ”
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