Acupuncture for Sports Injuries
- Bethesda Acupuncture
- Mar 26
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 4
Sports injuries are a common challenge for athletes of all levels, from professionals to weekend pros. Fortunately, acupuncture is gaining recognition as an effective complementary therapy for both accelerated recovery and potential performance improvement. This Traditional Chinese Medicine technique promotes healing by improving blood flow, releasing endorphins, and reducing inflammation. By restoring the body's natural energy flow (also known as Qi), acupuncture supports quicker recovery from injuries like muscle strains, sprains, tendinitis, joint issues, and chronic pain.
Some of the common injuries and conditions acupuncture can treat include but are not limited to muscle strains, muscle sprains, tendonitis, joint and ligament injuries, and chronic pain. Prominent athletes, including former Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Jordan Matthews and professional golfer Fred Couples, have publicly spoken about their use of acupuncture to recover from back pain and various injuries.
Even if you’re not competing at a professional level, acupuncture can benefit you while you play in your neighborhood pickleball tournament, or local golf game. Its benefits include:
Pain Relief: Reduces pain without the need for medication, making it an appealing option for athletes.
Accelerated Recovery: Spreads up recovery time, by increasing circulation and encouraging tissue repair.
Preventing Re-injury: Enhances flexibility and muscle function, decreasing the risk of future injuries.
Holistic Healing: Addresses both physical and mental aspects of recovery, helping athletes manage stress and fatigue.
Whether you are a professional athlete or an avid recreational player, incorporating acupuncture into your recovery routine offers a natural, drug-free alternative to traditional treatments. For those seeking faster healing, enhanced injury prevention, and improved overall health, acupuncture can be a powerful addition to your regimen.
If you are interested in learning more about how acupuncture could benefit you, please call us at 301.880.3232 or send us an email and it would be our pleasure to assist you with scheduling an appointment.
References:
Kang L, Liu P, Peng A, et al. Application of traditional Chinese therapy in sports medicine. Sports Med Health Sci. 2021;3(1):11-20. Published 2021 Feb 18. doi:10.1016/j.smhs.2021.02.006
Kent JB, Tanabe KO, Muthusubramanian A, Statuta SM, MacKnight JM. Complementary and Alternative Medicine Prescribing Practices Among Sports Medicine Providers. Altern Ther Health Med. 2020;26(5):28-32.
Niemtzow RC. Medical Acupuncture and Sports Injuries: Ancient Wisdom for the Twenty-First Century. Med Acupunct. 2023;35(5):207. doi:10.1089/acu.2023.29239.editorial
Pujalte GGA, Malone M, Mandavalli A, Phrathep DD, Shah NP, Perlman AI. Acupuncture in Sports Medicine. J Acupunct Meridian Stud. 2023;16(6):239-247. doi:10.51507/j.jams.2023.16.6.239
This website provides general information only. Content does not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for medical guidance.