“…acupuncture has proven to be an effective option for improving recovery and preventing injury. Not only does it improve recovery, but it can prevent chronic injuries from acting up and resurfacing. It’s proven to be so effective that many professional sports teams have an acupuncturist on staff.”
- Maria Hogan
Acupuncture to the Rescue!
There are two categories of sports injuries. The first one involves the spraining and straining of ligaments, joints, or surrounding tissue; this is called an acute traumatic injury. Strains apply to the muscle or tendons, and strains apply to the ligaments. The second category of sports injuries is called overuse or chronic and happens from the overuse and repetitive moves of practicing your specific sport; this type of injury happens over a period of time. In both categories, acupuncture has proven to be an effective option for improving recovery and preventing injury. Not only does it improve recovery, but it can prevent chronic injuries from acting up and resurfacing. It’s proven to be so effective that many professional sports teams have an acupuncturist on staff.
Pain is the most common complaint associated with sports injuries, usually followed by reduced function. Traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture approach these injuries by treating them as a disorder affecting the body’s natural state. Acupuncture can rebalance the body, restoring harmony.
The ideal treatment after a sports injury is to reduce pain and reduce inflammation. This is something Chinese medicine has done for many centuries. Thousands of years ago, acupuncture was used for martial arts injuries, and these same protocols have been used for centuries to heal acute and chronic injuries.
There are three stages of injuries:
- Acute: this is the inflammation stage 1-7 days based on the severity of the injury. There is usually pain, swelling, and bruising. The acupuncture treatment plan includes stopping pain, decreasing inflammation, and reducing bruising.
- Sub-Acute: this stage can last for a few weeks and comes after the acute stage. It comes with stiffness and limited range of motion. Acupuncture treatment focuses on increasing circulation to the area and improving the range of motion.
- Chronic: If there was no corrective treatment in the above two stages, there will be pain, stiffness, and decreased range of motion. The treatment plans at this stage will balance out and help any remaining issues.
Each treatment is designed specifically for each person; your treatment plan could include cupping, massage, herbal liniments, and patches. No matter what stage of injury you are in, acupuncture can help all and any of your sports injuries. Not only getting you back to playing the sport but feeling your best again.
Click below, Call or stop by Incentives Spa to set up an appointment. 631-893-3490
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About the Author
Maria Hogan
Maria Hogan is a Licensed Acupuncturist and Massage Therapist. She graduated with a Masters Degree in acupuncture from the New York College of Health Professions, where she currently is a Professor and Supervisor to students in the Massage Clinic.
Maria is passionate about sharing the healing benefits of Chinese Medicine.
Believing the body should be treated as a whole, she uses many modalities to treat various conditions.
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