Whether you’re a beginner athlete or you’ve been in the game for years, acupuncture can be a beneficial method for reducing the pain of injuries and improving your overall performance. This procedure is becoming more popular among runners and athletes for its fast-acting and effective pain relief. Acupuncture can be used to treat injuries to the neck and shoulders down to the knees and ankles.

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture, a type of alternative medicine and a key component of traditional Chinese medicine, involves using thin, sharp needles to stimulate certain points along the skin to impact the nerves and change the flow of energy in the body as well as promote increased blood flow to stimulate healing. It has also been linked to increasing white blood cell and serotonin levels, which boost weak immune systems and improve a person’s feeling of well-being and happiness.

Utilizing acupuncture to treat sports-related injuries began centuries ago for quick healing in the martial arts. It’s now used by professional sports teams across the United States. In Japan, runners and athletes use acupuncture in the same manner people in the United States get massages, although acupuncture is considered more effective.

While its healing power hasn’t been scientifically proven, acupuncture’s effects are undeniable. It’s especially beneficial for runners, who experience fatigue and damage daily.

How Does It Work?

The acupuncturist will ask several questions in order to perform the acupuncture effectively. He or she will also take your pulse, look at your tongue, the color and texture of your skin, and other physical characteristics to understand your health. Then, they will insert disposable needles into your skin at different points and at different depths.

When the acupuncture needles are set in the skin, they treat the deeper muscle tissue, the source of injury-related pain. Some people don’t feel the needles at all, while some feel a slight twinge of pain at the touch of the needle.

After the needles have been inserted into the skin, you will rest for 10 minutes to one hour, feeling relaxed, before the acupuncturist removes the needles.

How Many Treatments Do I Need?

The number of treatments you need depends on the severity of your injury. Chronic pain may require several months of treatment, while a simple sprain may only require one session.

Preventative Properties

In addition to being an effective method of treating injuries, acupuncture is even better at preventing them. Areas such as the back, hips and legs can be treated directly to be more flexible and cause less stress on the joints, which reduces the possibility of suffering tears and sprains.

If you’re looking for quick relief from your sports injuries, this non-invasive procedure can help. Acupuncture improves the body as well as the mind and will have you feeling better quickly. For more information, discuss acupuncture with your doctorand he or she may recommend a place for you to receive treatment. Download our free eBook Sports and Spine for more tips and tricks on how to relieve pain from sports injuries.