Acupuncture in Sports Medicine and Athletic Injuries

By Dr. Santiago Sifre

Acupuncture has been utilized for millennia to help address athletic injuries and to
improve sports performance. The use of acupuncture in this way dates to the
development of Chinese martial arts and to the battlefield. Since the Han Dynasty,
Chinese armies have had an acupuncture Corps. Chinese physicians mastered early
brain, spine and other surgeries caused by the ravages of war. They also mastered the
use of acupuncture, Moxibustion, Cupping, massage and bone setting adjustments to
help heal the injuries sustained in the battlefield. In the process of perfectioning martial
arts training and fighting, Chinese physicians developed very clever applications for the
use of these techniques.

These techniques have continued to be perfected in modern times. More advanced
technologies such as electro acupuncture, lasers and trigger point injections and
peptides have significantly contributed to improvements in outcomes.
Sports performance is enhanced by maintaining the mind-body continuum in optimum
balance and improving oxygenation. In other words, by grounding the mind and
fortifying Chi and blood circulation. Also, by working with the muscular, bones, ligaments
and tendons to maintain a supple, strong and flexible musculoskeletal system. This is a
wellness practice.

Athletic injuries on the other hand are about rehabilitation. This process needs to start
as early as possible post injury, whether surgery is necessary or not. For example, if an
athlete sustains a torn knee ligament, and it is not a complete tear, the athlete can
regain full function and fully recover. Part of this is that athletes tend to be in superb
conditioning, are highly motivated and very focused. Therefore, the optimal conditions
for full recovery exist. However, depending on the degree of injury, it will take a
comprehensive approach to treatment as detailed above. This may require up to 16
sessions in some cases.

I have worked with many athletes over the years including college and professional
ones. It has been my experience that there is a huge difference between the potential
for full recovery of athletes even in major injuries and that of those that have not
developed the same inner resources. In other words, regular people out of shape.
However, in most cases these people can also be helped, even if it takes longer.