When it comes to treating sporting injuries, acupuncture is usually not the first thing that comes to mind, however, it has been used for many years and can be very beneficial in your recovery.
In treating sporting injuries, acupuncture works to decrease the pain of muscles and joints, relax and ease muscle spasms and reduce inflammation. Most professional sports teams have acupuncturists on staff to speed up healing times of their athletes.
Sports injuries will occur in both training and competition. They may be the result of the trauma of a physical clash, the consequence of explosive physical activity, improper training techniques and inappropriate equipment including footwear.
There are 2 general types of sports injuries:
Acute Traumatic Injury – involve a single blow from a single application of force such as getting body-checked in hockey.
Overuse or Chronic Injury – injuries that happen over a period of time, such as with running or repetitive training.
Sprains and strain of tissue and joints are the most common sports injuries. A sprain involves a ligament, and a strain involves a muscle or tendon. Signs and symptoms include pain, swelling, reduced range of motion and discoloration (bruising).
P.O.L.I.C.E treatment (protection, optimal loading, ice, compression, elevation) is crucial after an injury. Many athletes find acupuncture to be helpful in suppressing the swelling and inflammation at a faster rate.
If you have suffered a sporting injury – either acute or chronic – and involves pain, swelling, reduced range and discoloration, acupuncture may be of great benefit.
Are you located in the Vancouver area?
Call Dunbar Physio and book an appointment with our physiotherapists who also do acupuncture: Mary Sew, Heather Baxter, Jon Coelho, and Peter Curtain.
