By: Bradley Sasao-Ruef, LAc, Owner and Acupuncturist
Whether it's a lively summer or a dynamic winter in Portland, Oregon, people are outdoors engaging in their favorite activities such as running, hiking, skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. As an acupuncturist, I assist individuals in recovering from sports and activity-related injuries, enabling them to continue enjoying what they love.
Injuries and discomfort can impact anyone, not only athletes. Whether you're engaging in your favorite sport, participating in outdoor activities, or just exercising to maintain health, acupuncture can assist in your improvement.
Sports injuries can be both frustrating and painful, making daily activities feel daunting and even simple tasks challenging. These injuries and the accompanying pain not only affect your physical health but can also influence your mental and emotional well-being.
Can Acupuncture be an effective treatment for sports injuries?
At our orthopedic and sports medicine acupuncture clinic, I treat numerous runners and hikers experiencing knee and ankle pain. Acupuncture serves as a highly effective remedy for these conditions. It functions by reducing inflammation, enhancing circulation, and stimulating local tissue repair and the body's healing process. Moreover, integrating acupuncture with other therapies such as cupping, myofascial release, herbal medicine, and targeted exercises can further boost the healing process.
A major advantage of acupuncture for sports injuries and pain is its capacity to address the underlying cause of the problem, rather than merely alleviating the symptoms. In Chinese medicine, we adopt a systems approach. This involves considering factors such as,
We also consider factors such as inadequate sleep, nutrition, and stress, which may impede healing and recovery. By tackling these root issues, acupuncture can aid in preventing future injuries and enhancing overall physical and mental well-being.
Multiple studies have demonstrated that acupuncture effectively treats a range of sports and activity-related conditions, such as sprains, strains, tendonitis, and chronic injuries like knee or hip osteoarthritis, shin splints, plantar fasciitis, and post concussion symptoms.
Outdoor enthusiasts and athletes frequently experience less pain, enhanced mobility, and quicker recovery when they incorporate acupuncture into their treatment regimen and lifestyle.
Comments