The Part of Acupuncture in Sports Injuries and Athletic Performance
Sports injuries are most generally triggered by trauma (from a fall or blow) or overuse/misuse of specific muscle tissues plus the neighboring structures, which includes ligaments and tendons. The acupuncturist generally sees sports injuries such as pulled muscle tissues, strains, sprains, shin splints, Achilles tendonitis and numerous manifestations of inflammation and pain that could keep the injured athlete out on the game.
Acupuncture is used efficiently to reduce the discomfort and inflammation of sports injuries. It has also been shown to improve selection of motion and accelerate healing time. Acupuncture is usually employed at any stage of an injury: to stop, to treat acute pain, swelling and spasms, and to address situations that make athletes vulnerable to re-injury. Research have shown that acupuncture increases blood circulation to particular areas in the body, which not just promotes healing of sports injuries but could also enhance athletic overall performance.
A study performed at the Beijing University of Standard Chinese Medicine in which athletes received acupuncture immediately after operating 3 miles revealed quicker heart price recovery than those in the manage group.
The American Journal of Acupuncture published a study that examined the effects of acupuncture on anaerobic threshold and function capacity through exercise. Researchers located that individuals who received acupuncture not simply had reduce heart rates, but had greater maximal workout capacity and had been in a position to manage higher workloads at the onset of blood lactate accumulation (OBLA) than these within the placebo group.
The January 2008 challenge with the Clinical Journal of EverYoung Medical Aesthetics Centre Vancouver 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 Regular Chinese Medicine had a larger overall performance scores and rode faster than their counterparts.
The nicer Spring weather here in Philadelphia lends itself to more outdoor activities. If preexisting or new injuries are hindering your training or recreational goals, acupuncture and Chinese medicine should be considered a viable option for a speedy recovery.
Sharon Sherman is a Licensed Practitioner of Oriental Medicine (L.OM.), specializing in Acupuncture, Chinese Herbology and Oriental Medicine. Sharon is the founder of Empirical Point, LLC. a private practice with offices within the Mt. Airy and Center City neighborhoods of Philadelphia. Sharon graduated with honors and holds a Masters of Science degree in Oriental Medicine from the Tri-State College of Acupuncture in New York, NY. Sharon is Board certified as a Diplomate in Oriental Medicine by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine.
