Acupuncture For Sports Injuries

“Acupuncture is a way of trying to encourage the body to promote natural healing and go back to its normal set point,” said Franciscan Physician Network sports medicine doctor and Indianapolis acupuncturist Catherine Reese, MD. “We use small, thin little needles as well as at times some electrical stimulation to try to influence the body to get back to that point.”

In this article, Dr. Reese shares how acupuncture can aid athletes in their journey to recovery from sports injuries.

What Is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine practice that involves the insertion of thin, sterile needles into specific points on the body. These points, known as acupuncture points or acupoints, lie along energy pathways called meridians. According to traditional Chinese medicine, the balance of energy flowing through these meridians is needed to maintain health and well-being. Injury, inflammation or illness can disrupt this flow, but acupuncture is believed to help restore harmony and facilitate healing in the body.

“There's the thinking - that has some research and scientific evidence behind it - that as we're inserting these needles, we will be influencing neurotransmitters and chemicals in the body. And that can be in the brain, it can be in the spinal cord, and it can be in peripheral nerves to help reset some of that body,” Dr. Reese said. “Sometimes it'll release natural opioids, which are kind of what we get in narcotic medicines, but it is local and within the body that your body is creating those. So that's a pretty natural way to treat pain. Or it'll help the nerve stimulation. And we've had people with chronic nerve conditions, or peripheral neuropathy even at times, who respond and who start to get that nerve function back with acupuncture.”

The World Health Organization recognizes the use of acupuncture in a wide range of orthopedic and sports medicine problems.

What Sports Injuries Can Acupuncture Help?

In sports medicine, acupuncture can be used to address a range of issues that affect athletes, including pain, injury and performance enhancement.

“As a sports medicine specialist, for me it makes sense to treat people with acupuncture with injuries or pains or neurologic conditions in terms of any problems with muscles and nerves in the body,” Dr. Reese said.

Here are some ways acupuncture is used in sports medicine:

Pain management

Acupuncture can help alleviate pain caused by sports injuries, such as sprains, strains and tendonitis. By targeting specific points on the body, acupuncture can stimulate the release of natural pain-relieving chemicals, such as endorphins and serotonin, providing immediate pain relief and reducing discomfort.

Injury rehabilitation

Acupuncture can be used as part of an overall rehabilitation plan for athletes recovering from injuries. By improving circulation, reducing inflammation, and increasing range of motion, acupuncture can help speed up the healing process.

Performance enhancement

Acupuncture can be used to enhance athletic performance by improving circulation, increasing energy levels and reducing stress and anxiety. By targeting specific points on the body, acupuncture can help promote balance and harmony within the body, which can help athletes perform at their best.

Stress reduction

Sports injuries not only affect the body but can also impact an athlete's mental well-being. The frustration, anxiety, and depression that often accompany injuries can hinder the recovery process. Acupuncture can help reduce stress and anxiety, which are common issues for athletes. By promoting relaxation and reducing tension in the body, acupuncture can help athletes feel calmer and more focused, which can help them perform better.

Overall, acupuncture can be a useful tool in sports medicine for managing pain, promoting healing, and enhancing performance. However, it's important for athletes to work with a trained and licensed acupuncturist to ensure that they receive safe and effective treatment.

What Common Conditions Can Acupuncture Help?

In addition to treating sports injuries, acupuncture can help athletes experiencing other common neurological and orthopedic conditions. These include:

Neurological and muscular disorders

Neurological and muscular disorders that can be treated by acupuncture include:

• Headaches
• Migraines
• Post-concussion syndrome
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Rib nerve pain

Orthopedic conditions

Some of the orthopedic conditions that may be treated with acupuncture include:

• Frozen shoulder
• Sciatica
• Tennis elbow
• Low back pain
• Neck pain
• Various forms of tendinitis
• Osteoarthritis
• Neck pain

It's important to note that acupuncture should be used as a complementary therapy and not as a substitute for conventional medical treatment. If you're considering acupuncture for an orthopedic or neurological condition, it's important to talk to your doctor to determine if it's right for you.

How Many Acupuncture Treatments Will I Need?

The number of acupuncture treatments needed varies from person to person. For complex or long-standing conditions, one or two treatments a week for several months may be recommended. For acute problems, usually fewer visits are required. A good rule of thumb is to expect one session a week for six weeks.

As a complementary therapy to conventional medical treatments, acupuncture has the potential to enhance an athlete’s recovery journey and facilitate a quicker return to sports activities. As with any medical treatment, it's important to consult with a licensed healthcare professional before starting acupuncture therapy.