Oct 09, 2011
Acupuncture and Sports Medicine
More and more injured athletes are turning to alternative medicine to treat their aches, pains, sprains and strains. Chief among these modalities is acupuncture. Acupuncture has a very successful record with sports injuries. More and more professional sports teams have put acupuncturists on their medical staff to accelerate healing and to resolve stubborn injuries. .Acupuncture remains one of the primary means of quick healing for the martial arts. Specific acupuncture styles and techniques were developed to stop pain and dramatically increase recovery time. This tradition continues today and its use has expanded into competitive athletic and sports that result in every type of injury. Acupuncture is used effectively to reduce the pain and inflammation of sports injuries. It has also been shown to increase range of motion and accelerate healing time. Acupuncture can benefit athletes at any level, in all phases of injury: to prevent, to treat acute pain, swelling and spasms, and to address conditions that make athletes vulnerable to re-injury. In terms of modern western medicine, studies have shown that acupuncture increases blood circulation to specific areas of the body, which not only promotes healing of sports injuries but could also boost athletic performance.
The January 2008 issue of the Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine observed the effects of acupuncture on cyclists. Participants were divided into three groups that either received acupuncture, sham acupuncture or no acupuncture prior to periods of high-intensity cycling. The study revealed that the group who received acupuncture that adhered to the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine had a higher performance scores and rode faster than their counterparts.
A study conducted at the Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in which athletes received acupuncture after running three miles revealed quicker heart rate recovery than those in the control group.
Recently, a Johns Hopkins University study found that people with chronic tendinitis or arthritis who had 20-minute acupuncture sessions twice a week for 6 weeks had less pain and disability than people who only thought they were receiving acupuncture, but were receiving placebo treatments where the needles didn't penetrate the skin.
Additionally, a 2008 study in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that participants who received acupuncture therapy for muscle soreness 24 and 48 hours after they exercised to exhaustion reported significantly less pain than people who didn't receive the treatment.
In the most basic explanation,the underlying premise of acupuncture lies in understanding the energetic system of the body, which consists of Chi.
Chi is the energy which circulates throughout the body and is responsible for the proper balanced and harmonious functioning of all of the organs and processes of the body. When the Chi or energy becomes blocked or deficient, or travels in the incorrect direction, then disease is the result.
By strategically placing the acupuncture needles in different points along the meridians or energy conduits of the body, the acupuncturist is able to direct the flow of this Chi, to unblock the meridian of “stuck” energy, or to control the increase or decrease or balance of Chi throughout the body. This is not unlike unclogging an artery that delivers blood and nutrients to the heart to prevent a heart attack.
In modern western terminology, there are several theories which might explain acupuncture's effectiveness for pain control. One such theory postulates that the acupuncture needles trigger the release of endorphins, or neuro-chemicals in the brain, which are responsible for the feeling of well-being.
Some common injuries and diagnoses that fall under usual treatment of Sports Medicine specialists include: medial & lateral epicondylitis, frozen shoulder, plantar fascitis, acute olecranon bursitis, acromioclavicular joint separation, rotator cuff tendonitis, osteoarthritis of all joints, bicepital tenosynovitis, lumbar disc herniations, patellofemoral syndrome, Osgood Schlatters syndrome, ankle sprains, shin splints,musle contusions and others. In addition, acupuncture can be a valuable aid in relieving post operative pain and inflammation after surgical treatment for sports medicine, or is used as an adjunct to tradional physical therapy. The key here is that eastern and western medicine can be used together, and that in doing so they will give a better result.
Acupuncture is an effective treatment for Sports Injuries because it reduces pain, increases range of motion, increases recovery and healing time, and strengthens weakened parts of the body. These effects are accomplished during treatment because acupuncture:
• decreases inflammation
• reduces swelling
• relaxes muscles and relieves spasms
• decreases bruising
• lowers the body’s pain response
• improves local blood circulation to increase delivery of nutrients and removal of noxious elements
Acute injuries need to be properly assessed before any type of treatment can begin. Most musculoskeletal sports medicine injuries are evaluated by an orthopedist before treatment begins. When necessary, xrays and MRI can be used to reach an accurated diagnosed. As traditonal treatment progresses Acupuncture proceeds along a parallel track. Acupuncture should then begin as soon after an injury as possible for the best results. Acupuncture treatment is also started with a full evaluation and examination.
Acupuncturists classify acute injuries as Excess conditions. In other words, there is an excess physical response (too much pain) or an excess biochemical reaction (too much inflammation or swelling). If Acupuncture treatment is given soon after an injury occurs, this encourages the body to correct this excess in a rapid fashion. An improvement is usually noticed after one or two treatments. If an injury is not very severe, 3-4 treatments can resolves the condition.
Right after an acute sports injury happens it is helpful not to forget the acronym RICE. Each letter stands for one of the four steps to follow immediately after an injury: Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation. This will help quicken recovery and provide short term relief. Remember, Acupuncture is not a substitute, but an addition to traditional treatments that work.
Chronic injuries also need to be properly assessed before any type of treatment begins. It is important to determine if there is an underlying structural cause for a lingering injury such as a loss of cartilage, formation of scar tissue or degenerative damage of any kind. Once the complete underlying framework of the injury is understood, an acupuncture treatment plan can be devised to address both the main symptoms and their causes. This may include acupuncture treatments, Chinese herbal formulas, stretches and exercises, diet modifications and the use of liniments or balms. Corrective exercises can be provided in conjunction with a physical therapist or athletic trainer. Again, traditional western medicine is used side by side with acupuncture.
Acupuncturists classify chronic sports injuries as Deficient conditions. Deficiency refers to a weakness or lack. Over time, unresolved sports injuries lead to areas losing strength, flexibility and stability. Instead of focusing on removing excesses, acupuncture for chronic conditions focuses on invigorating and strengthening specific parts of the body. This is done while also decreasing the pain that commonly accompanies most chronic sports injuries.
It is more difficult to generalize the length of treatment for chronic conditions. Even so, a person should notice a positive change in his/her specific condition within 8 to 10 treatments, although many chronic injuries respond quickly to acupuncture. After which, an accurate prognosis for complete resolution of the problem can be given.
Acupuncture and Sports Medicine are ideal team mates. Many Acute sports injuries result in pain caused by inflammation and swelling. Acupuncture is the perfect modality for treatment without risk of harmful side effects. When surgery is necessary, acupuncture can reduce pain, increase healing, and reduce down time. For chronic injuries, acupuncture can not only reduce symptoms, but can aid in the resolution of the underlying causes. By increasing strength, flexibility, and range of motion, performance is ultimately improved.