Published by PMR of NY & CT
When an injury pulls you out of training, you want two things: to get back to your sport and to have the pain settle sooner. Many athletes add acupuncture to their recovery alongside rest, rehab and their doctor's advice.
Acupuncture for sports injuries is mainly used to ease pain and muscle tension so you can move more comfortably and keep up with your rehab. Research suggests it may help some types of musculoskeletal pain, though results are mixed and it does not repair a strained muscle or torn ligament on its own. Here is what to know before you try it.
How acupuncture may help an injured athlete
Acupuncture comes from traditional Chinese medicine, which describes health in terms of energy, or qi, flowing along pathways called meridians. A licensed acupuncturist places very thin, sterile needles at specific points, sometimes near the injury and sometimes farther away.
Researchers studying acupuncture for pain think its effects come mainly through the nervous system. Needling may change how pain signals are processed and may prompt the release of the body's own pain-relieving chemicals, such as endorphins. Scientists are still working out exactly how it works and why some people respond more than others.
Injuries athletes commonly treat with acupuncture
Athletes often try acupuncture for pain that limits training, such as:
- Muscle strains and tight, overworked muscles in the hamstrings, calves, back or shoulders
- Low back pain and neck pain
- Tendonitis at the elbow, shoulder or Achilles
- Knee pain, including pain from osteoarthritis
- Lingering soreness that disrupts sleep
The evidence on acupuncture for sports injuries varies by condition. Research is most encouraging for some long-lasting pain problems, including low back pain, neck pain and knee osteoarthritis. For fresh injuries, such as a recent ankle sprain or hamstring strain, studies are fewer and smaller, so the evidence is limited.
What an acupuncture session feels like
Expect questions about your injury, your sport, your health history and any medicines you take. Then, while you lie comfortably, the acupuncturist places the needles, which usually stay in for a while as you rest.
Most people feel little or nothing as the needles go in. Once they are placed, you might notice a dull ache, tingling, warmth or heaviness around a point, which is normal. Some practitioners use electroacupuncture, which passes a mild electrical current between pairs of needles. Many people find sessions relaxing.
Making acupuncture for sports injuries part of your recovery
Acupuncture works best in a supporting role. Easing pain can open a window when moving and exercising feel easier, and that is the time to rebuild strength and control with physical therapy and a gradual return to your sport.
A few habits help you get the most from it:
- Keep doing your rehab exercises, since tissue gets stronger through progressive loading
- Track pain, sleep and how training feels after each session, so you and your care team can tell whether it is helping
- Share your training and competition calendar so sessions can be timed around it
- Talk with your team if you notice no change after several visits
At Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation of NY & CT (PMR), acupuncture can be coordinated with physical therapy, chiropractic care and medical massage as part of one sports injury recovery plan.
Is acupuncture safe for athletes?
Acupuncture is generally safe when a licensed practitioner uses sterile, single-use needles. Mild soreness, minor bleeding or a small bruise at a needle site are the most common side effects. Tell your acupuncturist if you take blood thinners, have a bleeding disorder, are pregnant or have a pacemaker, since these can change how treatment is done.
Some injuries need a medical diagnosis before acupuncture. See a doctor promptly if you can't put weight on a leg, a joint looks deformed, you felt a pop followed by fast swelling or pain keeps getting worse.
Serious problems from acupuncture are rare. Call 911 for sudden chest pain or shortness of breath after needling near the chest or upper back, and see a doctor if a needle site becomes red, hot or swollen or you develop a fever.
Frequently asked questions
Is acupuncture the same as dry needling?
They use similar thin needles but come from different traditions. Acupuncture is based on traditional Chinese medicine and uses points along meridians throughout the body. Dry needling is a Western technique in which a clinician, often a physical therapist, places needles into tight bands or trigger points in muscle. Training requirements and state rules differ for each.
How soon after an injury can I get acupuncture?
It depends on the injury. For a muscle strain or sore back, acupuncture can often start within days, once a clinician has ruled out anything more serious. For a suspected fracture, ligament tear or major swelling, get a medical diagnosis first. If you've had surgery, check with your surgeon before needles are placed anywhere near the incision.
Can I work out after an acupuncture session?
Light activity such as walking or easy mobility work is usually fine. Many acupuncturists suggest skipping intense training for the rest of the day, especially after your first few sessions, because some people feel tired or briefly sore. Pay attention to how your body responds, and plan harder workouts around your sessions as you learn what works for you.
Explore acupuncture at PMR
If pain is slowing your return to training, our team can help you decide whether acupuncture belongs in your plan and how it fits with your rehab. Find our locations, or request an appointment and we’ll reach out to set up a time.
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