How Acupuncture Can Benefit Athletes

Whether it be basketball, football, or swimming, athletes are always pushing their bodies to achieve peak physical conditioning and endurance. While this constant training makes them physically fit, it also makes them prone to injuries. Sprained muscles and torn tendons are typically sustained during intense workout sessions or through gameplay. 

If you are an athlete that has recently sustained one of these injuries, don’t start treatment with pain medication or other invasive treatments. Instead, consider scheduling an acupuncture session, a holistic and effective treatment method that has been proven to relieve pain and ensure your body works at an optimal level. Read on to learn how acupuncture works and the benefits of this practice.

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that aims to restore the flow of energy in one’s body, otherwise known as “Qi”, through the insertion of tiny needles into the skin. A certified acupuncturist will insert these needles into specific acupuncture points on the body that are believed to be the location of pathways, or meridians, through which one’s energy force flows through. 

Once they are inserted, the acupuncturist will gently manipulate the needles in an attempt to clear the pathways and establish your energy flow. The needles will stimulate your central nervous system and release chemicals that will relieve any tension or pain you may be feeling. Additionally, this technique restores your body’s ability to function at an optimal level and accelerates healing.

What are the benefits?

The benefits of acupuncture are vast and go beyond physical pain relief. The calming and restorative nature of the technique has been shown to improve mental health by reducing anxiety and depression while promoting an overall sense of well-being. Many people find that acupuncture also helps them control nausea, dental pain, and many prenatal side effects.

Additionally, acupuncture can treat chronic conditions, ranging from migraines to high blood pressure. This is because acupuncture has been shown to reduce levels of inflammation in the body. People who suffer from chronic conditions, such as migraines and arthritis, have also reported improvements with regular acupuncture sessions.

How many sessions will I need?

The amount of sessions you will need depends on your treatment goals. For an athlete, a consistent acupuncture schedule is recommended to not only keep your body in top physical shape, but to help you prevent injuries from occurring.

For those who are not as physically active, but are still looking for a natural pain relief technique, it is still recommended to maintain a constant acupuncture schedule. Depending on the severity of your pain or discomfort, you may require more or less appointments.

Does it hurt?

Acupuncture does not typically cause any physical pain. While the thought of inserting dozens of needles into your skin may turn one off from the idea, the needles are so small that you barely feel them in your skin. You may feel a dull, tingling sensation, but that is typically the extent of any pain or sensation one may experience.

Schedule your first acupuncture session

Acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment method for a variety of conditions, both physical and mental. Athletes are especially encouraged to receive acupuncture treatments to relieve pain from injuries and ensure their bodies are working at optimal levels.

Evergreen is Everywhere for Everyone – Let’s Help You Achieve Your Health and Wellness Goals

At Evergreen Rehab & Wellness – Coquitlam, we have licensed acupuncturists and TCM practitioners that provide best-in-class acupuncture therapy.

We don’t only have acupuncturists in Coquitlam, we also have acupuncturists in Surrey that are always ready to provide patients in these areas with custom and high-quality care.

Moreover, we also have an acupuncturist in Langley that can help you.

You may contact us through the following:

Acupuncture Clinic in Coquitlam

Acupuncture Clinic in Surrey

Ready to book for an Acupuncture appointment at Evergreen Rehab and Wellness Clinic? Call us at 604-449-5859 or 604-498-5859 or click the button below. We will help you to enjoy a painless and healthy lifestyle.