Acupuncture: A Sports Injury Treatment

Acupuncture involves the pricking the skin or tissues with needles, at various trigger points. In a 2678 patient study, acupuncture compared with no treatment, achieved better outcomes in the relief of chronic back pain. The physiology of acupuncture is thought to stimulate the inflammatory reflex, and the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway resulting in a decreased production of TNF, and ultimately, an inhibitory effect on inflammation.

* Acupuncture is said to help relieve pain by either diverting or changing the painful sensations that are sent to the brain to then alert you to the pain within the body. (Arthritis Research UK)

Acupuncture can be used to treat osteoarthritis. It is based on an idea that there are channels throughout the body called “meridians” and that these allow the transport of an energy known as “Qi.” (NHS. 2012. Acupuncture.) Generally, acupuncture involves the insertion of needles at specific points along the body - these are known as “acupoints.” This insertion is thought to lead to the movement of Qi throughout the body, which causes biomedical changes that result in the “promotion of physical and emotional well-being” through the release of endorphins. (British Acupuncture Council. 2011. Acupuncture and Osteoarthritis.) Inserting needles at specific acupoints to treat osteoarthritis sends a message to the brain that assists in the reduction of “sensitivity to pain and stress.” (British Acupuncture Council. 2011. Acupuncture and Osteoarthritis.) This reduction in pain can allow for a better range of movement, thus function.

Several recent studies demonstrate that the rate of ACL injuries among women can be significantly reduced by following proper neuromuscular training (NMT) and conditioning programs.

Acupuncture involves “the insertion of extremely thin needles through your skin at strategic points on your body” (Mayo). The idea of inserting needles into specific points in your body is to help realign the energy flow “Chi” (Mayo) in your body to

Aches and pains have become a general part of everyone's life these days. Whether you are a homemaker, a working professional, a computer specialist or a sports enthusiast in Blackwood, the risk of injury always hovers. These aches and shooting pains if not treated in time, can lead to a build-up of complicated musculo-skeletal and soft tissue problems. Physiotherapy can help heal these problems without the use of powerful medications which come with their own set of side effects.

Acupuncture comes from Latin origin as is a Chinese form of medicinal treatment in which many, many tiny needles are inserted into various parts of the skin. Particular places of the body, referred to as energy lines are targeted in order to relieve pain. Acupuncture also claims to cure disease and help treat the symptoms of the following conditions: allergies, respiratory conditions, nervous conditions and disorders associated with the eyes, nose and throat. In addition to this it has

Injuries occur everyday is the sport’s world; they range anywhere from a sprained ankle to paralysis. In many sports, such as volleyball or basketball, the injuries that occur usually happen to the lower half of the body. Over the years, certain injuries have become more common, such as ACL injuries. A torn ACL is not only one of the most common seen injuries in the sports world, but it is also very easy to diagnose; however, it is a long road back to recovery.

The Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) of the knee is arguably one of the most notorious parts of the body in the sporting industry. When torn and repaired with surgery, it can leave an athlete out of play for up to 12 months if therapy is consistent over that time period1. There are several different ways to repair the ligament in order to regain functionality and recover stability. In any case, physical therapy plays a vital role in regaining these abilities and returning a person’s knee back to normal.

With an ever increasing number of people becoming involved with athletic activities, there is an increasing number of injuries occurring which can be devastating for the individual. Most of the injuries that affect athletes occur in one of four structures in the human body: bones, muscles, tendons, or ligaments. Because ligaments attach bone to bone and play a major part in providing stability for joints, the major stabilizing ligament in the knee, the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), assists in performing everyday actions of the human body including sitting, standing, walking, running, dancing, and participating in other sports. The injury that specifically affects this ligament is very serious and always

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medical treatment for multiple issues, and is characterized by needles being strategically inserted into pressure points on the body to relieve symptoms. This is believed to reset you qi or life force within your body. This practice is carried out by acupuncturists all over the world. In western medicine, while we don’t know the exact mechanism of action, it is thought to increase blood flow and raise natural painkiller levels in the body. This rise in natural painkillers and increased blood flow are the major benefits of acupuncture. The risks are very few, there is a very limited chance of organ damage, infection, or soreness after a treatment (Mayo Clinic 2012).

A majority of all Americans have participated in at least one sport during their childhood and adolescent years. Differences exist in both contact and noncontact sports, but the likelihood of sports related injuries still occur due to physicality or the overuse or misuse of a particular body part. (www.stanfordchildrens.org). With the common occurrence of injuries in every sport, recent times have brought breakthroughs that help athletes recover faster and more effectively. Since its debut in ancient times, sports medicine has been a big part of all athletes’ lives with healing and recovering. From injuries such as ACL damage, shin splints, strains and sprains, muscle cramps, and concussions, sports-related injury is inevitable for most athletes but with the help of medicines and preventative measures injury can become more and more avoidable.

Acupuncture is gaining popularity as numerous claims are being made to its validity and effectiveness. Although many studies and experiments regarding acupuncture have been done, the scientific basis of the principles of this alternative approach still remains unclear (http://www.health.org/pubs/acu-nih.htm).

Acupuncture treats diseases by the insertion of fine needles into the body. In July of 1971, Dr. Henry A. Kissinger made a secret trip to China to prepare for President Nixon's historical visit. Among his entourage was James Reston, a journalist from the New York Times. While in China, Reston suffered an attack of acute appendicitis and underwent an appendectomy at the Beijing Union Medical College, established by the Rockefeller Foundation of New York in 1916. During the second night after the operation, Reston started to experience considerable discomfort in his abdomen.

Acupuncture is an ancient form of healing that has been used significantly by many civilizations. Although, the United States hasn 't exactly acknowledged the health benefits of acupuncture until early two thousands. The medical community has even looked down upon physicians that have theorized the use of acupuncture. But was there really a legitimate reasoning why acupuncture received such a bad reputation? Does acupuncture really provide pain reliever is it just a mind game?