Acupuncture medicine has been around for thousands of years and has gained popularity in sports medicine. In fact, the San Francisco 49ers, who were recently in the Super Bowl, have their own acupuncturist on staff.
Not only can acupuncture treat muscle soreness and pain, it can also increase strength and endurance. Acupuncture coordinates muscle activation allowing for increased muscle potential as well as an increase in flexibility in muscles and joints several minutes post acupuncture. Additionally, by increasing circulation and encouraging tissue repair, acupuncture can minimize delayed onset soreness caused from micro tearing of the muscles during exercise.1 And further, electro acupuncture has been found to activate endogenous opioid peptides that facilitate pain relief.2 Given acupuncture’s ability to improve sport performance, lessen recovery time as well as reduce pain, it’s no wonder it’s gaining popularity in sports medicine.
1. Tang, Chi-Tsai MD, FAAMA; Song, Bo MD. Acupuncture and Dry Needling for Sports Performance and Recovery. Current Sports Medicine Reports 21(6):p 213-218, June 2022. | DOI: 10.1249/JSR.0000000000000968.
2. Ji-Sheng Han, Acupuncture and endorphins, Neuroscience Letters,Volume 361, Issues 1–3, 2004,Pages 258-261ISSN 0304-3940, https://doi.org/10.1016/ j.neulet.2003.12.019
Dr. Marya Deda DAOM, LAc. -- A graduate of the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine, Dr. Marya has been specializing in traditional and five element acupuncture, Chinese herbs, and Zen Shiatsu for over twenty years. She is passionate about supporting athletes at any level using advanced acupuncture techniques, cupping, gua sha, and shiatsu. In her spare time, you can find Dr. Marya bouldering or rope climbing, gardening in her yard, paddle boarding or spending time with her two sweet old pups, Honey and Julia.
Dr. Marya Deda, LAc
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