Athletes love acupuncture for two primary reasons. First, treatments get you back to your sport quickly. Second, the results are long-lasting. That’s why so many professional athletes are adding acupuncture to their regular health regimes – this ancient medicine keeps them healthy and productive for a higher percentage of the time. But, of course, what works for the professional also works for the recreational player. Today’s blog post tells five brief stories of athletes that relied on acupuncture to get them back to playing their sport.
Are You An Athlete?
There are so many different types of athletes. Maybe you are:
- A weekend warrior.
- Going out to play touch football with your buddies.
- Hiking 5 miles up a mountain on your day off.
- Biking 60 miles on a sunny Saturday.
Or are you more of the persistent pursuer, running four miles every morning before work, playing tennis three evenings a week, or keeping up regular golf games every Saturday and Sunday? If you’re like me, maybe you’ve been swept up in the pickleball phenomenon, finding yourself at the courts five days a week banging and dinking your way into shape. Whatever your athletic calling, one constant is that playing sports takes a toll on your body, and injury is unavoidable. Athletes love acupuncture because it gets them better without needing medications or surgery.
Acupuncture Resolves Plantar Fasciitis
Pete was a 36-year-old runner. He came in for acupuncture because his heels started hurting while training for a half-marathon. His doctor had diagnosed him with plantar fasciitis and told him to stop running and rest. Unfortunately, that was not an option for Pete. With three months to go before his race, he was feeling desperate. Could acupuncture help relieve his pain so he could resume training? Injections from the podiatrist had not helped, rest was not an option, and various braces purchased from Amazon were worthless.
Over the years, we have developed acupuncture protocols for relieving foot pain. These are time-tested point prescriptions that resolve pain brought on by plantar fasciitis. After careful assessment, we selected one of these protocols for Pete and began treatment. After his first session, Pete was pleased to report no pain for the first two days. When the pain returned, it was 30 percent less than before. This response was encouraging. Any temporary improvement after the initial few treatments is a clear indication that acupuncture will be able to resolve the condition.
With each weekly treatment, Pete got longer-lasting relief. Following his second session, he started running again. The pain did not increase after training sessions. We find this to be the case with most of our plantar patients. Pete’s pain resolved completely following his fifth session. He ran this half-marathon without incident and has remained pain-free since that time.
Acupuncture Relieves Calf Cramps
Hillary was a 64-year-old retiree who loved Silver Sneakers, an exercise program offered at her gym. She had been attending three times a week with her friends but recently had to stop due to debilitating calf cramps. They always struck when she was in bed, either late at night or early in the morning. Eventually, the cramps got so bad that they kicked up during exercise, which caused her to stop attending class.
When addressing calf cramps, we treat the calf muscles and the channel. Fourteen channels traverse the body, and it’s essential to keep them open so Qi energy can flow smoothly. Think of channels like blood vessels. If your blood does not flow well, you’ll have trouble – pain and organ dysfunction. It’s the same principle with channels and Qi. So a great way to resolve muscle cramps is to
(1) treat the affected muscle, and (2) ensure that the channel passing through the muscle is open, with good Qi flow.
Hillary’s treatment principle focused on opening the Bladder channel, which runs down the back of the leg. We needled the following acupoints: BL36, BL37, BL40, BL57, BL58, and BL60. In addition, we applied electroacupuncture to the points, sending a gentle electrical current down the channel and directly into the tight muscles. Hillary responded well to her first treatment, with a 20 percent decrease in calf cramping. Each proceeding treatment saw more improvement. After four sessions, acupuncture fully resolved her cramps, and she was back attending exercise classes.
Acupuncture Hamstring Antidote
Joshua, a 26-year-old avid tennis player, had to stop playing tennis two months prior due to a severe right-hamstring injury during a particularly intense match. The orthopedic doctor gave him a cortisone injection, telling him to rest for a few weeks. But the pain returned within two weeks after the shot, and rest was not helping. Likewise, massage didn’t work, and dry needling at physical therapy was painful with no benefit.
Acupuncture successfully resolves hamstring pain, employing a treatment approach similar to calf cramps. We use a combination of acupoints in the tight hamstring muscles and along the affected channel. Once again, electroacupuncture aids in getting quick results. After the first session, Joshua’s hamstring pain eased 40 percent. He was amazed that acupuncture could help so quickly, especially given the poor results from other modalities.
He continued weekly treatment and saw steady improvement. Following his third treatment, he cautiously ventured back onto the tennis court. After five sessions, his hamstring pain was completely gone. Joshua was now able to play tennis with the same intensity as before his injury. A six-month check-in revealed that he was still pain-free.
Knee Pain Acupuncture Miracle
Julie was a 55-year-old weekend golfer that had taken up the sport with a passion five years earlier. About six weeks prior, she had developed swelling and pain in her left knee after playing three rounds of golf in as many days. To her dismay, the knee was not getting better, and her doctor prescribed corticosteroid injections, which she did not want. Acupuncture had helped her golf elbow three years ago, so she booked an appointment to see if it would fix her bum knee.
Athletes love acupuncture for all types of knee pain – osteoarthritis, tendinitis, meniscus tears, and ligament injuries all respond well. In Julie’s case, we applied a comprehensive knee pain protocol to reduce her swelling, heal the knee joint, and resolve her pain. Our treatment plan included acupoints Xiyan (medial and lateral), SP9 and 10, ST36 and 34, Heding, LV8, and GB33, all with electroacupuncture. Julie commented during her first session that the treatment felt great – it felt like she was getting a massage on the inside of her knee. After that treatment, she reported 25 percent less knee pain.
Following her second treatment, Julie’s knee pain improved 40 percent, and she started playing golf again. It took six sessions to completely resolve her pain, which after twelve months had not returned.
Acupuncture Achilles Tendinitis Solution
Harry stood at 6 foot 5 inches and, at 52 years old, still played in a weekly basketball league. He had played college basketball as a power forward and loved the game today as much as he did back in his glory days. Four months ago, he developed a stubborn case of Achilles tendinitis on his left ankle, which kept him from playing. Physical therapy and braces had not helped, and he was concerned about whether he could continue in the league. Surgery was the last thing he wanted, as it would sideline him for months. So after doing research online, he decided to give acupuncture a try.
Harry’s pain was located on the inside ankle about five inches above the heel. Any sudden movement triggered a sharp pain. An MRI showed inflammation and slight fraying of the tendon. We explained that acupuncture healed tendinitis by increasing blood circulation to the area and by drawing off inflammation. He would know within the first four sessions if acupuncture could benefit his condition.
There are many ways to treat Achilles tendinitis, using both local and distal points. His first treatment included local acupoints KD3, KD7, BL60, and BL59. We also included distal points GB34 and LI11. Then, as with other treatments described in this blog post, we utilized electroacupuncture to speed up the healing process. After his fourth session, Harry’s tendinitis was 60 percent better. This response confirmed that acupuncture could fully resolve his Achilles tendinitis. And so it did, in just seven sessions, after which his ankle pain was gone, enabling him to return to the basketball court. Happily, twelve months later, the pain had not returned.
Athletes Love Acupuncture
At Raleigh Acupuncture, we treat athletes of all ages and stages, from the 2.0 level beginner tennis player to the elite marathon runner. No matter your sport, and regardless of your type of injury, chances are good that acupuncture can help speed up your healing. The Chinese have been practicing acupuncture for over 2,000 years, during which time they have developed hundreds of treatment techniques to heal the body. Acupuncture works by addressing the root issue – that’s why improvements are long-lasting. In addition, athletes love acupuncture because it gets them better naturally, safely, and quickly.
Next Steps
Give acupuncture a try if you’re an athlete struggling with an injury. Compare our results to mainstream orthopedic medicine. You’ll find our treatments less invasive, less expensive, more effective, and longer lasting.
BOOK NOW to schedule an appointment online.
Watch some of our videos about these treatments.
- Plantar fasciitis acupuncture treatment.
- Calf cramps acupuncture treatment.
- Hamstring pain acupuncture treatment.
- Knee pain acupuncture treatment.
- Achilles tendinitis acupuncture treatment.
Learn about all the conditions we treat.
Focus keyphrase: Athletes Love Acupuncture
Photo by Kampus Production: https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-smiling-woman-in-yellow-pants-standing-on-the-field-6542460/
What our Clients are Saying
I came to Raleigh Acupuncture for severe plantar fasciitis and hamstring pain. They helped me with both of them. My pain was a 10 out of 10 beforehand, and now I’m barely a 1 out of 10. The process is amazing. I don’t know how it works but I KNOW it works!
I had terrible Achilles tendinitis for six months from playing too much tennis. The surgeon was pressing for surgery to “clean up” the tendon, but I just didn’t want to go there. I was referred to Raleigh Acupuncture by my sister, who went there for hip pain. She had great results so I tried. Thank goodness I did. They had my Achilles back to normal in less than a dozen treatments. I’m playing tennis again with absolutely no pain! I highly recommend them for Achilles issues.
I’m a runner and had been dealing with Achilles tendinitis for over a year. The doctor said I would have to have surgery eventually so I was just dealing with the pain and biding my time. Then a friend suggested acupuncture and recommended Raleigh Acupuncture as specializing in Achilles issues. I made and appointment and was impressed from the very beginning. Their evaluation was very thorough and they explained everything that acupuncture could do.
The treatments were comfortable, and more importantly, they eased my pain significantly. After six treatments I was running without any Achilles pain! I’ve totally put the idea of surgery out of my mind since I’m running without pain again. Anyone who has Achilles issues should speak with Raleigh Acupuncture. They can definitely help you.
I was referred to Raleigh Acupuncture a few months ago because I was having a problem with a bone spur affecting my Achilles. The bone spur caused tremendous pain in my ankle and heel. Physical therapy ordered by a doctor really did not help. My doctor said that if the physical therapy did not help he could do surgery, but it would be very painful and would have an 8-9 month recovery period. Raleigh Acupuncture was my last hope. After a few treatments it was less painful when I walked. As I continued the treatments the pain totally went away. Now surgery is not even necessary. They have also helped me with my migraine headaches and restless leg issues. Acupuncture has made a huge difference in the quality of my life.
For the past 13 years I suffered from peripheral neuropathy in my calf, ankle and foot. I tried numerous medications, therapy with lights, neuromuscular massages and back decompression. I felt like I had stones under the ball of my foot. After the first couple of sessions with Dr. Mark, feelings returned to my calf, ankle and the “stone like feeling” under the ball of my foot began subsiding. Thanks to Dr. Mark, I am able now to walk without pain and discomfort. The extraordinary care and attentiveness I am receiving from Raleigh Acupuncture in treating my neuropathy is remarkable and I recommend them without reserve!
My knees were so bad with arthritis that I couldn’t play golf. My wife did research on the internet and said acupuncture might help. I went in not expecting much. He told me it would take three to six treatments to see if it would work. My case was tougher because I’m overweight. Sure enough, after five treatments the pain started easing. I needed twelve treatments total, but my knees improved so much I’m playing golf again. I go in for what he calls tune-ups every month, but I don’t mind. The acupuncture keeps my knees not hurting. I’ve recommended it to my golf buddies and they’ve had success as well.
Raleigh Acupuncture was recommended by a friend after I mentioned my insomnia and dependency on a sleeping pill. My apprehension was short lived because of the results of my visits to Dr. Mark. With acupuncture treatments and Chinese herbs I was able to begin sleeping well and continue to do so. Dr. Mark is a good listener and encourages his patients in all health issues as well as the original purpose for treatment. Consequently, my knees are stronger and I’m walking better and with more confidence. I haven’t had the need for a cortisone shot in a year and a half. Occasionally, I would use a cane and it’s now somewhere gathering dust. Also, I had a persistent headache that my primary physician had no solution for, and after two acupuncture treatments it’s a thing of the past. Hot flashes were another issue that was treated successfully. I am so grateful to have found a knowledgeable and caring person to treat my ailments, many of which I thought would only grow worse as I aged. Generally, I feel healthier.
I love to play golf, that’s my passion. But I’m overweight and my knees hurt so bad I couldn’t even walk the course. My wife told me to try acupuncture. These guys were straight with me, said to try six treatments to see if my knees would respond. I’ll tell you, nothing happened at first. But, by the sixth treatment my knees starting feeling better. I got six more treatments after that and now I’m playing golf again. They don’t hurt so much any more. From a 10 out of 10, now they’re at a 3. I can live with that.
My knees were so bad I couldn’t walk down the stairs without holding on to the railing for dear life. I’m also deathly afraid of needles. So they used extra tiny needles on my knees and in three treatments my knee pain was gone. Incredible! I highly recommend Raleigh Acupuncture for anyone with knee pain.
This was my first time trying out acupuncture. I had a great experience and was made to feel very comfortable with the whole process. The treatment I received on my knee definitely helped with my tendinitis. I would recommend Raleigh Acupuncture to anyone.
My husband Arthur and I have used Mark and Jinmei bi-weekly for at least 4 years, for a variety of treatments, including general well-being. Both of us felt our ailments healed with the treatment. I had a sprained hip flexor which a sports doctor told me would take 6 weeks to heal… it was gone after 2 visits! Mark and Jinmei are very professional and learned, and we have every confidence in them. Even though we pay out of pocket, we obviously feel that the acupuncture is worth it. We both highly recommend Raleigh Acupuncture. You won’t regret it!
Last month when I was working out at the gym I injured my hip. It was diagnosed as sciatica. Two cortisone shots later the pain was still there, so I came to Raleigh Acupuncture. I was skeptical that it would work because the pain was so bad. But sure enough, they got rid of the pain. And it never came back. These guys are good. I highly recommend them.
I LOVE this place! I LOVE these people. Caring and professional, great at what they do. Living with foot pain for SO LONG now, and it was cleared up after just a couple of sessions. Very reasonable on the price, too. Did I mention I LOVE this place!!
My husband is a runner and came to Raleigh Acupuncture with a bad case of plantar fasciitis. He runs about 25 miles a week and does half marathons. In 3 treatments he was pain-free. And they told him he didn’t even have to stop running while they were treating him. It’s been six months and the pain has not returned.
They treated me for trigeminal neuralgia and planter fasciitis. Fabulous – I fly in from Arizona to see them!!!