Acupuncture for Sports Injuries
This past summer, Beth Krietsch, writer from Outside Magazine reached out to interview me on the unique benefits that acupuncture can provide for sports injuries, given my training and certification in Sports Medicine Acupuncture®. The short answer was, “It is incredibly effective, actually more effective in many cases compared to chiropractic and Western medicine!”
I am sharing our “interview” with a link to the final article, “Does Acupuncture Help With Sports Injuries? Experts Weigh In.”
BK: Is acupuncture an effective treatment for relieving muscle pain and other sports injuries?
KM: Absolutely. While acupuncture is a powerful treatment for sports injuries, many in the West don't immediately think of it—mainly because of our reliance on Western medicine and general fear of needles. Acupuncture has many forms, but I specialize in Sports Medicine Acupuncture®. This method combines advanced injury evaluation techniques from sports and orthopedics with insights from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Western sports medicine. Using this approach, I can precisely identify complex injuries and their sources, especially when checking for posture issues during various movements. Even though it's a modern technique, it remains rooted in TCM's foundational principles, blending simplicity with depth. My specialized training and skills have consistently delivered positive results for my patients, many of whom prefer non-invasive solutions over surgeries when they can avoid them.
BK: If so, for which type of injuries and pain does acupuncture work? Is acupuncture best suited for certain applications in this area?
KM: In my clinic, I've seen and successfully treated a range of conditions, including rotator cuff injuries, cervical and lumbar herniations, back spasms, plantar fasciitis, lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow), medial epicondylitis (golfer’s elbow), adductor strains, hip pain, back pain, nerve pain radiating from the neck or lower back, ankle sprains, and runner's Achilles heel pain, among others. It's essential to accurately diagnose each condition to tailor the most effective acupuncture treatment to the patient's specific needs.
BK:How specifically does acupuncture help people heal from sports-related injuries? For example, are the mechanisms understood for how acupuncture reduces pain, inflammation, etc.?
KM: Acupuncture offers a multifaceted approach to the recovery process from sports injuries:
Pain Reduction: One might wonder how acupuncture addresses pain. The process of inserting needles into specific parts of the body releases endorphins. These are our body's natural painkillers and mood enhancers. By boosting the production of endorphins, acupuncture directly counters pain, a primary concern with sports-related injuries.
Alleviating Inflammation: Regarding inflammation, acupuncture plays a pivotal role. By improving blood circulation in targeted muscles and fascia, acupuncture helps remove stagnant fluids from inflammatory responses. This action reduces swelling and ensures that essential nutrients reach and repair the injured tissues.
Restoring Movement and Balance: An often overlooked aspect of sports injuries is the disruption of the body's proprioception—its inherent sense of position, movement, and orientation. This is critical for athletes who must maintain balance, coordinate movements, and adjust muscle activity. Acupuncture enhances proprioception by addressing trigger points or knots in the muscle tissue. These knots, if untreated, can hinder muscles and their counterparts from functioning correctly, leading to imbalances and further complications. Acupuncture's ability to identify and treat these points can provide immediate relief, helping athletes regain their proper form and function.
In essence, acupuncture offers a holistic approach to healing by addressing the root causes of pain, inflammation, and imbalances, which are common issues stemming from sports-related injuries.
BK: If acupuncture helps relieve pain, how does this work? Does acupuncture target the root cause of pain? Or provide relief to the symptoms? If it’s the latter, does this help make the healing process more feasible and expedient?
KM: To understand how acupuncture helps with pain, we need to look at how it works. At its core, acupuncture and other TCM techniques like electric muscle stimulation, cupping, moxibustion, gua sha, and herbs aim to restore body balance or 'homeostasis'.
Why is this balance important for pain relief? When the body is balanced, it can heal itself more effectively. This helps treat the main cause of the pain. Acupuncture also helps reduce pain symptoms right away. So, it gives both quick relief and longer-lasting healing.
It might seem intricate on the surface, but the principle of acupuncture is beautifully simple: tailor treatments to each patient's unique condition and bring about balance. It provides both immediate relief and long-term healing, addressing the pain from multiple angles.
BK: Can you talk a bit about how acupuncture works, generally? (this doesn’t have to be specific to sports injury - related applications.
KM Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medical practice where thin needles are inserted at specific points on the body. These points are part of pathways called meridians. Within these meridians flows a vital energy termed "qi" (pronounced "chee"). This energy is believed to be essential in maintaining balance and health. According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), if this energy gets blocked or doesn't flow properly, it could lead to health problems.
If you've been to an acupuncturist, you might've heard terms like Qi, Yin, Yang, or “Spleen Qi Deficiency.” While central to TCM, these terms can be puzzling for those new to it. Early in my practice, I leaned into this traditional language but noticed it could perplex some patients.
My training in Sports Medicine Acupuncture prompted a shift in my approach. Today, my goal is to make these terms more accessible. I feel this strengthens the bond between my patients and me and empowers patients in their healing journey, enabling more effective collaboration.
BK: Is there anything else you think is important for people to understand about acupuncture for muscle pain and sports injuries?
KM: While I've dedicated my life to acupuncture and deeply believe in its benefits for muscle pain and sports injuries, I'm also aware it's not the only solution. In many cases, it's a primary and effective option. Yet, it's vital to collaborate with other health experts for comprehensive care. For example, severe back injuries have led me to refer patients to the hospital. That's why I have a network of chiropractors and physical therapists. We work in tandem, ensuring every patient gets the holistic care they need.
Kevin
August 28, 2023