Acupuncture for Sports Injuries
Where there is no free flow there is pain, where there is free flow there is no pain.
-Chinese Proverb
One of the most frustrating parts of being an athlete at any level is the inability to perform at your highest potential because of injuries, fatigue, or lingering pain. Over time, these injuries not only affect your performance but also the longevity of your athletic career.
How does acupuncture help my athletic performance?
During any athletic season - between training and games, matches or races - an athlete's body is put through constant stress. The muscles are pushed until they reach their maximum potential and form tiny micro tears, which if given time to recover and rest, the body will heal and become stronger. However, as an athlete continues to train, play and race, their body may not have the energy to properly heal its minor bumbs, bruises and tears. This can lead to fatigue, pain, insomnia and possible injury. Acupuncture helps the body to balance, to restore or maintain its levels of qi (energy) and to build up any weaknesses, accelerating each athlete's recovery time. By strengthening the body from the inside out, you can maximize your athletic potential.
-Chinese Proverb
One of the most frustrating parts of being an athlete at any level is the inability to perform at your highest potential because of injuries, fatigue, or lingering pain. Over time, these injuries not only affect your performance but also the longevity of your athletic career.
How does acupuncture help my athletic performance?
During any athletic season - between training and games, matches or races - an athlete's body is put through constant stress. The muscles are pushed until they reach their maximum potential and form tiny micro tears, which if given time to recover and rest, the body will heal and become stronger. However, as an athlete continues to train, play and race, their body may not have the energy to properly heal its minor bumbs, bruises and tears. This can lead to fatigue, pain, insomnia and possible injury. Acupuncture helps the body to balance, to restore or maintain its levels of qi (energy) and to build up any weaknesses, accelerating each athlete's recovery time. By strengthening the body from the inside out, you can maximize your athletic potential.
Acute Vs. Chronic Injuries
Acute Injuries
The body's response to an acute injury causes tightening of muscles, swelling, stiffness, and pain. These stagnations need to be moved in order for the body to regain optimal health. Acupuncture frees up these blockages and releases the tight muscles and trigger points so the body's energy can flow freely, promoting healing and recovery.
Chronic Injuries
Over time, injuries that are ignored or mistreated begin to break down the bodies energy levels and usually lead to worse injuries or additional injuries in surrounding areas. As the body's internal recovery system is weakened, it exposes the entire body to potential injury. Acupuncture enables the body to heal and build qi (energy) levels, allowing the natural healing systems of the body to maximize recovery.
The body's response to an acute injury causes tightening of muscles, swelling, stiffness, and pain. These stagnations need to be moved in order for the body to regain optimal health. Acupuncture frees up these blockages and releases the tight muscles and trigger points so the body's energy can flow freely, promoting healing and recovery.
Chronic Injuries
Over time, injuries that are ignored or mistreated begin to break down the bodies energy levels and usually lead to worse injuries or additional injuries in surrounding areas. As the body's internal recovery system is weakened, it exposes the entire body to potential injury. Acupuncture enables the body to heal and build qi (energy) levels, allowing the natural healing systems of the body to maximize recovery.
Muscle Pain & Trigger Points
Trigger Point Referral Pattern for Gluteus Medius
Trigger points are tight bands or knots in a muscle that cause a person to feel referred
pain in other areas of the body. These trigger points can be active or dormant and can cause pain sensations that sideline many athletes. Acupuncture is one of the most effective ways to release trigger points in the body. When a massage therapist releases a trigger point, it can be very painful because they have to trap the trigger point in the muscle and squeeze with their hand until it is released. If a trigger point is released by a physical therapist or doctor who uses a syringe (a large needle), this syringe can cause excess bruising and muscle tears that take longer to heal. Acupuncture uses a tiny needle that allows access into muscles without causing excessive muscle tears and bruising and quickly releases the trigger point.
pain in other areas of the body. These trigger points can be active or dormant and can cause pain sensations that sideline many athletes. Acupuncture is one of the most effective ways to release trigger points in the body. When a massage therapist releases a trigger point, it can be very painful because they have to trap the trigger point in the muscle and squeeze with their hand until it is released. If a trigger point is released by a physical therapist or doctor who uses a syringe (a large needle), this syringe can cause excess bruising and muscle tears that take longer to heal. Acupuncture uses a tiny needle that allows access into muscles without causing excessive muscle tears and bruising and quickly releases the trigger point.
