While participating in athletic sports is a great way to exercise and have fun, it can also be hard on your body. Many athletes occasionally suffer from painful sports injuries like sprains, strains, fractures, muscle spasms and sore joints. Most doctors treat athletic injuries using common methods like ice, pain pills, physical therapy or surgery. In addition to traditional Western treatments, some athletes also seek pain relief from nontraditional Eastern practices like acupuncture. While acupuncture may work for some athletes, research has not yet proved conclusively that acupuncture is effective at relieving pain. Be sure to talk to your doctor before trying acupuncture for the first time.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medical practice that dates back more than 2,000 years. Acupuncture operates based on the ancient Chinese belief that the body's life force -- known as qi -- travels along pathways called meridians and that pain and illness occur when one's qi becomes blocked. Acupuncturists attempt to relieve pain by using small, thin needles to unblock a patient's qi. During an acupuncture session, you will lie down on a table while the practitioner inserts tiny needles into specific spots on the surface of your skin. These needles will remain in place for 15 to 30 minutes before being removed. Practitioners typically administer acupuncture treatments in a series of repeat visits that can span several weeks or several months.
Effects
According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, athletes most commonly use acupuncture to relieve pain associated with problems like knee injuries, neck pain, tennis elbow and low-back pain. While scientists are not exactly sure how acupuncture works to relieve pain, some theories suggest that the inserted needles somehow interact with the areas of your brain that process pain signals. Still, research has not yet proved conclusively that acupuncture is effective at relieving pain.
Warning
While acupuncture is usually painless, rare side effects such as pain, bleeding or bruising at the injection site can occur in some athletes. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration requires all acupuncture practitioners to use needles that are nontoxic, sterile and single-use. Performing acupuncture incorrectly can result in potentially dangerous complications. Improperly placed needles can result in punctured organs. The use of unsterilized needles can result in an infection. MayoClinic.com does not recommend acupuncture for athletes who are pregnant, have a bleeding disorder or wear a pacemaker.
Considerations
If you are an athlete and want to try acupuncture for the first time, be sure to choose a practitioner who is licensed and experienced. Most states in the U.S. require acupuncture practitioners to pass an exam issued by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine before receiving an official license. While acupuncture may be effective in relieving pain associated with some athletic injuries, do not use acupuncture in place of medical treatments, procedures and medications recommended by your doctor.
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