Acupuncture and sports

Acupuncture is commonly used to treat sports injuries to the knees, elbows, back, neck, wrists, ankles, feet, hips and shoulders.

by Kim Blankenship — 

It is common knowledge that in order for one to excel in athletic endeavors, it is necessary to achieve and maintain a high level of physical and mental balance, and stamina. Many professional athletes and amateur weekend warriors turn to acupuncture to increase stamina and speed up recovery time from mild or serious injuries.

Acupuncture is commonly used to treat sports injuries to the knees, elbows, back, neck, wrists, ankles, feet, hips and shoulders. It is also useful in addressing contusions, sciatica, muscle and tendon strains, and a very common complaint here in our arid climate — calf pain and cramps.

Acupuncture helps relieve pain by releasing endorphins and increasing circulation to the affected area, which increases range of motion and decreases swelling and inflammation. It also accelerates post-surgical healing time.

Many athletes choose to utilize acupuncture proactively to enhance blood flow and performance, and to maximize exercise capacity. Acupuncture also helps boost the immune system and improve sleep and relaxation. Athletes who are rested, mentally calm and balanced have a competitive edge. These benefits also help prevent injuries from occurring in the first place.

Some famous professional athletes who have used acupuncture include Matt Hasselbeck, Shaquille O’Neal, Kerri Walsh, Kevin Johnson, David Cone, Michelle Wie, Gary Player, Charles Barkley, Steve Young and Jerry Rice. Four-legged professional athletes, such as valuable racehorses, commonly receive acupuncture following injuries or surgeries, and to help them remain balanced and calm.

But acupuncture is not being solely utilized by rich and famous athletes. Upwards of one-third of adults in America have reported using complementary and alternative medicine therapies like acupuncture. And with acupuncture being available for as little as $15 to $20 per treatment, more and more weekend warriors are able to take advantage of this previously less accessible treatment modality to step up their game.

Kim Blankenship, M.S.O.M., L.Ac., is a licensed acupuncturist who practices at Jade Spirit Community Acupuncture in Phoenix. He founded Arizona’s first Community Acupuncture clinic in order to make acupuncture affordable and accessible to many people. 602-957-3675 or www.jadespirit.info.

Reprinted from AzNetNews, Volume 28, Number 1, Feb/Mar 2009.