Last Updated on March 22, 2024
Have you pondered adding acupuncture to your training and recovery routine? Here are five reasons that acupuncture might fit you and your training really well.
Acupuncture is a safe and time tested method of healing
Acupuncture has been evolving for centuries. The current methods and sports medicine applications are the result of research and a lot of practice. Professional athletes and sports teams have begun including acupuncture in their routines. Inner Gate Acupuncture has even done work with the Portland Trailblazers.
Acupuncture works directly on the underlying source of the injury or imbalance
Sports medicine acupuncture, when done correctly, aims at first alleviating the injury. But we also address the underlying cause of the injury. For example, an athlete may develop pain around the knee cap from petaled femoral syndrome. The first goal is the reduce the pain and inflammation. The second and most important goal is to activate the quad muscles correctly and eliminate the improper pulling on the knee cap that caused the pain in the first place.
Acupuncture is natural and drug free
Most athletes don’t want to be putting any drugs, even anti-inflammatory drugs into their bodies. Instead of adding medications to the body acupuncture uses your body’s own natural anti-inflammatories to reduce pain and swelling. Also acupuncture is perfectly legal as far as competition and qualification is concerned.
Acupuncture is a minimally invasive treatment
The biggest concern for many considering acupuncture treatment is “it will hurt”. Often it’s pain free but if there is pain it is minimal and quick. The breadth of the needle is very thin. Most injuries athletes are willing to put up with a little prick if it speeds of a return to their three sports. For first timers, make sure you slept well and eaten a meal before arriving. Try going on an easy training day. If you’re afraid of needles you can start with just a few needles. Your clinician will make it comfortable so you can ease into deeper treatments when you’re ready.
Acupuncture treats many conditions
Acupuncture can be used for everything from acute ankle pain and shin splints to more difficult chronic degenerative diseases. We can help athletes calm their minds and prepare for an upcoming race or help them recover after a grueling challenge. Acupuncture therapies are effective for everyone from elite athletes and weekend warriors to office workers training for their first 5K run.