Many professional, college and high school athletic teams and athletes are using acupuncture treatment for sports injuries. Sports injuries are injuries that typically occur while participating in organized sports, competitions, training sessions, or organized fitness activities. These injuries may occur for a variety of reasons, including improper training, lack of appropriate footwear or safety equipment.The injuries are of two general types. The first type is called an acute traumatic injury. These injuries usually involve a single blow from a single application of force. The second type of sports injury is called an overuse or chronic injury.  Chronic injuries are usually the result of repetitive training, such as running, overhand throwing, or serving a ball in tennis.

Acupuncture treatment has a very successful record with sports injuries. Many professional sports teams have acupuncturists on staff to decrease healing times and resolve stubborn ailments. The use of acupuncture to treat acute injuries from intense or repetitive physical activity began centuries ago. It was, and still is, one of the primary means of quick healing for the martial arts. Specific acupuncture styles and techniques stop pain and dramatically increase recovery time. 

In ancient China, the use of acupuncture to improve athletic performance and to heal related injuries was primarily directed at lords, warriors, and sacred dancers. This tradition continues today and its use has expanded into competitive athletics that result in similar injuries. Nowadays the effectiveness of acupuncture in the rehabilitation of sports injuries is well documented.

Acupuncture significantly improves the athlete’s physical condition and self-concentration during training or competition, thus improving his performance and giving him a competitive edge.

References

  • Tantivesruangdet N. Acupuncture Treatment for Acute Ankle Injury in the Emergency Department: A Preliminary Case Report. J Med Assoc Thai. 2016 Feb;99.
  • Bell AE, Falconi A. Acupuncture for the Treatment of Sports Injuries in an Austere Environment. Curr Sports Med Rep. 2016 Mar-Apr;15(2):111-5.
  • Cox J, Varatharajan S, Côté P, Optima Collaboration. Effectiveness of Acupuncture Therapies to Manage Musculoskeletal Disorders of the Extremities: A Systematic Review. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2016 Jun;46(6):409-29.