Acupuncture and TCM for Sports Injuries

Aku Energija
May 22
3 min read

In 2009, the San Francisco Giants, a Major League Baseball team, made a groundbreaking move by hiring a full-time acupuncturist. The following year, they ended a 56-year championship drought by winning the World Series—and won again in 2012. This success story highlights how acupuncture can enhance sports performance and reduce injury risk.

One of the most frustrating challenges athletes face at any level is being unable to perform at their peak due to injuries, fatigue, or lingering pain. Over time, these issues not only impair immediate performance but can also shorten the overall length of an athletic career. [Read more: Acupuncture Improves Athletic Performance]

How acupuncture can help

Scientific research increasingly supports acupuncture as a valuable treatment for sports-related injuries:

A systematic review found strong evidence that acupuncture provides short-term relief for lateral epicondyle pain (tennis elbow) (Trinh, 2004), updating earlier inconclusive findings (Green, 2002).
Another review identified acupuncture, quadriceps strengthening, and resistive braces as effective treatments for patellofemoral pain syndrome (Bizzini, 2003).
Several randomized controlled trials have demonstrated acupuncture’s benefits in reducing pain and improving function in conditions like:
- Plantar fasciitis (Zhang, 2001)
- Acute lumbar strain, with electroacupuncture outperforming medication (Yao-chi, 2007)
- Chondromalacia patella using acupuncture with warmed needles (Qui, 2006)
- Shin splints, reducing NSAID intake (Callison, 2002)
- Patellofemoral pain syndrome (Jensen, 1999)
- Soft tissue diseases (Yuan, 1989)

Other related topics include acupuncture’s role in treating back pain, frozen shoulder, and headaches.

The Science Behind Acupuncture

In general, acupuncture is believed to stimulate the nervous system and cause the release of neurochemical messenger molecules. The resulting biochemical changes influence the body's homeostatic mechanisms, thus promoting physical and emotional well-being. Stimulation of certain acupuncture points has been shown to affect areas of the brain that are known to reduce sensitivity to pain and stress, as well as promoting relaxation and deactivating the 'analytical' brain, which is responsible for anxiety (Wu 1999). [Read more: Understanding How Acupuncture Works In Science]

Acupuncture may relieve sports injury symptoms such as pain and inflammation by:

Stimulating nerves in muscles and tissues, releasing endorphins and neurohumoral factors (e.g., neuropeptide Y, serotonin), altering pain processing in the brain and spinal cord (Pomeranz 1987, Han 2004, Zhao 2008, Zhou 2008, Lee 2009, Cheng 2009)
Providing analgesia through alpha-adrenoceptor mechanisms (Koo 2008)
Increasing adenosine release, which has pain-blocking properties (Goldman 2010)
Modulating brain networks involved in pain and emotion regulation (Hui 2009)
Reducing inflammation by promoting vascular and immune responses (Kavoussi 2007, Zijlstra 2003) [Read more: Strengthen your Wei Qi for better immunity]
Improving muscle stiffness and joint mobility by boosting local microcirculation, which helps reduce swelling (Komori 2009)

How Acupuncture and TCM Enhance Athletic Performance

Throughout any athletic season—between training, games, matches, or races—the body undergoes continuous stress. Muscles are pushed to their limits, developing tiny microtears that require rest and recovery to heal and strengthen.

However, ongoing training and competition can overwhelm the body's ability to recover properly, leading to fatigue, pain, insomnia, and injury. Acupuncture helps restore balance by regulating the body’s qi (energy) and addressing weaknesses, accelerating recovery and building resilience. Strengthening the body from within maximizes athletic potential and longevity. [Read more: Qi deficiency: What is it and how do you manage it?]

A Tradition of Healing in Sports

Acupuncture’s role in treating acute injuries from intense physical activity dates back centuries, especially in martial arts. Traditional techniques were developed to quickly alleviate pain and promote healing. Today, these methods have been adopted by professional sports teams worldwide to reduce recovery times and address persistent issues.

Pain and reduced function are the most common complaints in sports injuries. Traditional Chinese Medicine views these as disruptions to the body’s natural harmony, aiming to restore internal balance and promote healing. [Read more: Your Body as a Garden]

Proven Benefits in Sports Injury Treatment

Recent studies show acupuncture effectively treats a range of sports injuries, including strains, sprains, and pain in the neck, shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, and ankle. It also helps with swollen muscles and shin splints.

Beyond injury management, acupuncture can boost athletic performance by improving recovery, reducing pain, and providing a competitive edge.

Healing, Performance, and Longevity with Acupuncture

Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine offer effective, evidence-based support for athletes dealing with injuries, pain, and fatigue. By promoting natural healing, reducing inflammation, and restoring balance, these ancient therapies not only help accelerate recovery but also enhance overall athletic performance and career longevity. Integrating acupuncture into sports medicine can provide athletes at all levels with a powerful tool to stay healthy, recover faster, and reach their highest potential.

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