Acupuncture has been treating physical injuries for centuries. It can treat acute trauma like bruising, swelling, muscle, ligament, or joint injuries, as well as chronic conditions like lower back pain, shoulder, knee and ankle pain, often caused by sprains and strains.

In the 2012 and 2016 Summer Olympics, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and acupuncture for sports injuries stepped into the spotlight. Professional athletes employed acupuncturists to keep in top shape and maintain peak performance. Treatments ranged from acupuncture to cupping or Chinese herbology. Nowadays, acupuncture is one of the primary alternative treatment and rehabilitation modalities in sports medicine.

TCM Approach

TCM sees injury pain and reduced functions as a disorder and imbalance of Qi (energy), blood, and tissues. The treatment rectifies the disorder and restores internal harmony, returning the body to its natural and normal state.

After a 15-20 min session of acupuncture, patients with physical injuries experience the following benefits:

• Pain relief

• Reduced swelling

• Increased mobility

Best results of acupuncture for sports injuries and herbs are achieved when treatments are frequent and consistent.

Some Common Chinese Herbal Remedies for Sports Injuries

Dieda Wan

This pill is made with a combination of warming herbs. It invigorates blood, dispels blood stasis, disperses swelling, and relieves pain from a sports injury.

Red Flower Analgesic Oil

This is an aromatic and spicy massage oil. It penetrates and activates circulation, producing a soothing, warm sensation to ease the pain. It can relieve aches and pains from old injuries and stiffness, expel wind-dampness from channels and muscles, move Qi, relax the muscles, disperse phlegm, and open the orifices. It is warming, analgesic, and pain relieving.