Sports Injury Rehabilitation
A growing number of injuries have accompanied the increasing interest in sports and fitness nowadays. Sports Injury usually related to acute or chronic musculoskeletal disorders due to trauma or overuse syndromes involving the musculoskeletal system and its soft tissues. The areas most affected are muscles, tendons, joints, and ligaments.
What's the conventional way to treat sports injuries?
Conventional treatment for sports and musculoskeletal injuries has been via the use of electrical medical machines, such as ultrasound or Interferential and Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS), which is supplemented with manual therapies such as massage, manipulation, exercise and muscle stretch rehabilitation techniques.
Why is acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine effective in treating sports injuries?
Acupuncture has a very successful record with sports injuries. Acupuncture can be used to help decrease swelling, spasms and inflammation; reduces pain; increases range of motion; increases recovery and healing time, and strengthens weakened parts of the body. Many professional sports teams have acupuncturists on staff to decrease healing times and resolve stubborn ailments. Because of its broad range of applications, acupuncture can be used during any of the phases of injury.
In the theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, exercise may deplete energy generally, including the Qi, Blood, Yin, and Yang, leading to weakening of the defensive qi. This allows the body to become more vulnerable to external pathogenic factors, which in turn can lead to dysfunction of the zang-fu organs. In addition, overuse due to repetitive movements in certain sports - e.g., tennis - may cause weakness to local area muscles, tendons and ligaments, causing Qi and Blood deficiency and/or stagnation.
What to expect from acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine treatment?
The focus of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for sports injury is not only to treat the injury but also to identify the overall health of the athlete (Balance of Qi and Blood flow). By addressing the athlete's healing potential, Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can strengthen the patient, and as a result, decrease injury rehabilitation time and treat any underlying conditions that may predispose an individual to injuries. This is especially important when treating chronic or recurrent injuries that interfere with life activities or athletic performance. Getting the athlete back to their desired activity, enhancing performance and preventing re-injury through treatment and education is the goal.
What conditions can we treat in our clinic?
At Acuwang Wellness, acupuncture is often combined with other intervention techniques, such as Tuina massage therapy, herbal medicine, infrared therapy, etc. Commonly Treated Sports Injuries including:
- Tennis Elbow
- Lower Back Strain
- Muscle Pull
- Neck Pain
- Shoulder Impingement
- Groin Pull
- Hamstring Strain
- Runner's Knee
- Shin Splints
- Ankle Sprain
- Achilles Tendonitis
- Arch Pain