Sports injuries often tend to be strains, sprains, and other conditions that are actually non-traumatic. Pain is one of the most common complaints in sports injuries followed by reduced function. Besides pain, the typical inflammatory response may include swelling of the injured area, redness or purple skin discoloration, and reduced range of motion of the joint. In addition to conventional R.I.C.E (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) treatment, many athletes have found acupuncture treatment to be very helpful in suppressing inflammation and swelling fast. The whole approach of Chinese acupuncture and herbal medicine to the treatment of pain and reduced function is to see it as a disorder in the body’s natural state. The treatment is geared toward rectifying the disorder and restoring internal harmony. The side effect of this approach is that more is realized than just restoring full function and reducing pain. Performance is often enhanced as well. 

Although acupuncture has been used to treat sports injuries in China for centuries, it has now found its way to the West. Acupuncture is an effective treatment for sports injuries because it reduces pain, increases range of motion, increases recovery and healing time, and strengthens weakened parts of the body. These effects are accomplished during treatment because acupuncture:

1. Reduces swelling
2. Decreases inflammation
3. Relaxes muscles and relieves spasms
4. Decreases bruising
5. Lowers the body’s pain response
6. Improves local blood circulation to increase delivery of nutrients and removal of noxious elements