Sports Injuries — Sprains and Strains

Acupuncture is often used to treat strains, sprains, and sports injuries to reduce recovery time. Whether you are suffering from a sudden sports related trauma or cumulative over-use injury, acupuncture can reduce pain and swelling to help repair the damage, and restore performance.

A strain may be a simple overstretch of the muscle or tendon, or the result from a partial or complete tear. Strains are often caused by over-stretching, twisting, or pulling, incorrect lifting, and overuse of muscles. Strains may be acute or chronic. Symptoms include limited motion, muscle spasms, and possibly muscle weakness. They may also have localized swelling, cramping, or inflammation, and usually some loss of muscle function.

A sprain is a stretch and/or tear of a ligament supporting a joint. Sprains can be caused by a a fall, a sudden twist, or a blow to the body. Sprains may be moderate or severe. Pain, tenderness, swelling, bruising, instability, and loss of the ability to move a joint, or muscle, are the common symptoms of a sprain.

Most athletes are familiar with the acronym RICE:

R — rest 
I — ice 
C — compression 
E — elevation

The goal is to reduce the swelling and restore function to the affected area. This is a common treatment and it is usually applied within the first 24-48 hours. Acupuncture can augment this process to shorten the recovery time.

Within Traditional Chinese Medicine, when a person suffers a sprain, strain, or traumatic injury, the flow of energy surrounding the injury becomes disrupted, causing stagnation and pain. This energy stagnation also prevents proper blood circulation to the area, which leads to swelling and/or bruising, and extends recovery time.

Acupuncture works directly to free the flow of energy (or Qi, pronounced “chee”) through these areas of stagnation, to assist healing and speed recovery. Acupuncture will relieve the pain and swelling, bring vital nutrients to the afflicted area and carry dead cells away from the site. Depending on the nature and severity of the injury, acupuncture treatments can be used exclusively, or in conjunction with sports massage to accelerate recovery.

Schedule your appointment today to promote faster healing from over-use or injury.

Call (650) 646-5744 or use the online appointment scheduler: