When you find yourself dealing with lower back pain or sore muscles after an intense training session, the most common instinct may be to add some stretching exercises to your routine or schedule a visit to the massage therapist or chiropractor.
If the pain is unbearable, you may even consult one sports medicine specialist or take painkillers. However, there is another accessible and effective treatment option for muscle pain: acupuncture.
This practice, which has limited side effects and has been practiced for thousands of years, is increasingly popular among athletes seeking pain relief. But does it really work? Let's find out together!
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The age-old practice of acupuncture
Acupuncture is one practice of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which involves inserting small, thin needles through the skin and often into superficial levels of muscle to relieve pain and treat health conditions such as menstrual cramps, migraines, and arthritis.
According to TCM, the points where the needles are inserted are paths, each corresponding to a particular organ or system, along which energy is believed to travel.
From the perspective of Western medicine, it is believed that the needles stimulate the muscles, connective tissues and central nervous system of the body, which can help in recovery from illness and pain.
Combining TCM with sports medicine helps put the body on the path to healing.
How does acupuncture work in sports?
Acupuncturists specializing in sports medicine specifically treat sports injuries using the same basics as TCM, but they also incorporate functional anatomy, muscle testing, and range of motion.
This approach allows you to precisely identify complex injuries and their sources, especially when controlling for postural problems during various movements.
How can acupuncture be helpful in treating sports injuries?
- Pain Reduction: Acupuncture is frequently used to reduce various types of pain and is increasingly recognized as a non-pharmacological alternative to analgesics. One reason for acupuncture's pain-relieving effect is that it is known to release endorphins, which can help reduce pain and improve mood.
- Decreased Inflammation: Acupuncturists commonly use the practice to reduce inflammation following injury. Acupuncture improves blood circulation to targeted muscles, fascia, tendons and ligaments, which helps reduce swelling and repair injured tissue.
- Correction of Muscle Imbalances: Acupuncture can improve proprioception, or the body's sense of its position and movement, by addressing trigger points and knots in muscle tissue. For athletes, proprioception is very important because it plays a role in balance, coordination of movements and adaptation of muscle activity.
Although acupuncture probably it will not be a one-size-fits-all cure for any sports injury that occurs, it is often more effective when used together with other types of treatment.
Acupuncturists may also refer patients to other treatment facilities or professionals, such as hospitals, chiropractors, physical therapists, and massage therapists, to ensure that each patient receives the holistic care they need.
Definitely, acupuncture presents itself as a valid ally in the treatment of sports injuries, offering a complementary and integrative approach to traditional therapy.
And you, have you ever used acupuncture for muscle pain? Let us know in the comments and remember to follow us on our telegram channel
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