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If you have suffered an injury on the playing field or would like to speed up your post-surgical recovery, acupuncture can help.

Acupuncture is well known for its effectiveness in reducing most types of pain, including pain from sports-related injuries. Sports injuries are predominantly due to trauma or overuse of the musculoskeletal system and its soft tissues.

Trauma to these soft tissues, including ligaments, tendons, and muscles is generally the result of falls, blows, sprains/strains, collisions, compressions, and crushes. These traumas cause inflammation and disrupt the healing process.

Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) may be used to help decrease swelling, spasms, and inflammation in addition to assisting in pain management, increasing range of motion, and promoting healing. One study found that a group of athletes with plantar fasciitis experienced significant pain reductions after three months, especially when compared to other types of medical management like ice, rest, stretching, or taking anti-inflammatory medication.

Acupuncture has also been shown to have psychological benefits, reducing anxiety among younger athletes who receive the treatment compared to those who only receive a simulated form of acupuncture.

 The focus is not only to treat the injury but also to treat any underlying conditions that may predispose an individual to injuries.

This is critical when treating chronic or recurrent injuries that interfere with life activities or athletic performance.

Sports injuries commonly treated by acupuncture and TCM include pulled muscles, neck pain, shoulder impingement, tennis elbow, lower back strain, pulled groin, hamstring strain, runner's knee, shin splints, ankle sprain, tendonitis, and arch pain.

Acupuncture and Electro- Stimulations

One form of acupuncture that we use for athletes is electroacupuncture, which uses an electrical stimulation to stimulate acupuncture points in the body.   Needles are inserted into the body at specific acupuncture points and a small electrode is attached to each needle. A small electrical current runs through the electrode, which can provide a slight vibration or hum.

At Earley Wellness, we use this treatment for a variety of conditions, including musculoskeletal disorders and pain. Electroacupuncture can provide a stronger and more continuous level of stimulation than traditional acupuncture. This procedure can produce more rapid and prolonged treatment effects.

If you would like to schedule an acupuncture appointment with Earley Wellness, then contact our office today to set one up.