Acupuncture has been clinically proven to accelerate the healing of sports injuries. In this post, I have taken the liberty of borrowing some great examples of sports injuries which can be effectively treated by acupuncture.

Warning, this is a long article but it covers such a comprehensive list of what acupuncture can help with (I doubt you’ll find a sports injury that is not covered in here) that I thought it important to include it all.

Acupuncture is commonly used for:

Acute strains/spasms and sprains

An acute injury is often a sprain or strain. Sprains involve the ligaments and strains involve muscles or tendons. Besides pain, the typical inflammatory response may include swelling of the injured area, redness, purple skin discoloration, or reduced range of motion of the joint. Prolonged inflammation can cause scar tissue formation and may prevent you from re-gaining proper joint mobility. Spasms are extreme tightening of the muscles”ouch!

Chronic pain/pain management

All too often, a patient accepts his/her level of immobility and function. This causes depression. You can improve the quality of your life through acupuncture treatment. Acupuncture relieves and often eliminates many aches and pains.

Strengthening and restoring the body from injuries

If you are using Tylenol or Advil for daily pain this is really not good for you in the long run! Most pain-relief and anti-inflammatory medications provide excellent short-term pain-relief by blocking the production of pain-causing substances. They reduce pain by increasing circulation and decreasing your body’s sensitivity to it. However, this process decreases the blood supply to the muscles and joints, creating other muscular, ligament, and joint problems in the long term, preventing true recovery. Tight muscles with poor circulation are fatigued easily and are more prone to injury. Long term stress on the body is a problem that causes more degeneration, and it is harsh on your liver and kidneys. Acupuncture and natural herbal formulas get to the bottom of the problem, and are safer for you.

Arthritis/joint conditions

These interfere with daily activities. Arthritis is an autoimmune disease, but often occurs with chronic or repetitive injuries. Due to the pain and stiffness, you may have trouble exercising, getting out of bed, writing, sewing, buttoning clothes, dressing, walking, or climbing stairs. Often some days are better than others, and the severity of symptoms can change from day to day. Sometimes living with the loss of function and movement is more difficult than the pain of arthritis. Seek alternative treatment. All ages benefit.

Sports performance enhancement

Acupuncture strengthens body function and restores internal harmony and balance, allowing your body to work more optimally with less stress. Improved blood flow and circulation permits you to work harder with less wear and tear on your joints, muscles and ligaments. It is a mental and physical balancing.

Back/Sciatica/ Neck/shoulder pain

Acupuncture is very effective solution when treating most neck and back problems. Neck, shoulder and back muscle tension and stiffness are very common with a work out gone wrong, or from just over sitting at your desk everyday. Talking on the phone or sitting in front of a computer for prolonged periods of time causes a lack of circulation in the tissue and fatigues the muscles involved. Injuries to these areas whether acute or chronic, should be addressed by acupuncture for full recovery.

Disk bulges/Degenerative disk disease

I recommend seeking treatment prior to surgery. Acupuncture is used for pain and to reduce the inflammation.

General soft tissue recovery, either acute or chronic

Neuropathy/Neuralgia

Nerve pain is annoying. It often moves around. It can be sharp and drilling like, or it can give you a feeling of numbness or “pins and needles.”

Knee, elbow, ankle injuries

ACL? Meniscus tears? or strains? Yes, they are treatable. If you have a knee condition that is bone on bone, acupuncture will not work, but if there is any cartilage there, acupuncture is often effective- reducing swelling, improving mobility, and strengthening the ligaments and tendons.

Hamstring, Achilles, bicep tears

Shoulder injuries

Bursitis, “frozen shoulder”, rotator cuffs, or scapula problems benefit from treatment.

Bursitis/Tendonitis

Pre and post surgery preparation and recovery

Acupuncture helps prep your body for surgery and helps you recover more quickly. Returning to “normal” faster, it is what we all want to achieve.

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So How does it work?

Acupuncture enhances blood circulation, especially in the area that there is pain or discomfort. This desired action can be achieved by regulating the autonomic nervous system (which is responsible for internal organ system functioning, regulation of blood circulation, and production of relaxation effects. When circulation in the tissue improves, muscle relaxation occurs, and immediate pain reduction follows in many cases.

Proper circulation in the tissue is important for not only blood to nourish the tissue but also in enhancing the elimination of muscle fatigue and pain-causing substances (e.g., lactic acid) thus resulting in healthy tissues. Physically and mentally you can feel better.

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Why Herbal Medicine?

Chinese herbal medicine is safe, effective and non-toxic. It is not harsh on your liver, kidneys, joints and ligaments like western drugs. You will not become dependent on it. It can resolve the root of your health problem, rather than mask it.

A formula is made precisely for you and your condition. I treat multiple symptoms at the same time and your formula will reflect solutions to whatever your health issues are.

It promotes blood flow, improve circulation, reduces inflammation strengthens muscle, ligaments and tendons and in conjunction with acupuncture restores you fast!

If you are suffering from a sports injury and would like to arrange a personal assessment or to make an appointment please feel free to contact me today.

Article Content Borrowed from: FutureHealth