Acupuncture for Athletes: Pain Management & Recovery
Acupuncture can have some extremely rewarding effects when it comes to pain management and recovery. For athletes that train regularly, having a non-invasive technique that can be used to improve pain management and reduce inflammation is extraordinary.
While many athletes utilize acupuncture as a means to recover and control the symptoms of pain that weigh heavy on their bodies, there are large number of athletes that aren’t interested. With this in mind we might be able to recognize that acupuncture can deliver not only a performance advantage but a means to stay stronger and healthy as you push your body to the limit.
Top Athletes Using Acupuncture for Recovery
NFL Fullback Tony Richardson
Tony Richardson, a Jets fullback, suffered from severely bruised ribs going into the 2010 playoffs. To maintain his blocking stance, he needed to be pain-free, but traditional methods like heat and ice weren’t enough (Men’s Journal).
Acupuncture Treatment:
- Recommended by teammate Marcus Stroud, Richardson tried acupuncture before the first playoff game.
- Lisa Ripi, the acupuncturist who works with Richardson, administered a treatment plan of around 80 needles in a pre-game session to help reduce pain.
Results:
- He played the entire game with minimal pain.
- Now, over 30 NFL athletes use acupuncture for training and recovery.
Pittsburgh Pirates Pitcher Aj Burnett
AJ Burnett cites acupuncture treatment as a vital aspect of his health.
Acupuncture Treatment:
- When negotiating new contracts as a pitcher he suggests that there is a need for an acupuncturist for his health on staff or available.
- Burnett receives regular treatments and he has absolutely no doubt that acupuncture has helped him in his professional career.
Why it Works:
- Pitchers experience repetitive strain on their shoulders, elbows, and arms.
- Acupuncture helps reduce inflammation and prevent injuries.
NBA Shooting Guard Kobe Bryant
Kobe Bryant is one of the most famous faces in the NBA. With all of his success, he attributes much of his good health to acupuncture treatments. In 2013 Kobe went down with a leg injury but experienced a rapid recovery thanks to acupuncture.
Acupuncture Treatment:
- Helped speed up his recovery.
- He shared a picture of his leg with acupuncture needles in it even showcased how pleased he was that the treatment was working.
Impact on the NBA:
- Other basketball stars like Charles Barkley, Steve Nash, Yao Ming, and Grant Hill also use acupuncture.
- It has become a growing trend in the NBA.
Cyclist Vincenzo Nibali
Nibali won the 2014 Tour de France and is one of the most famous professional cyclists in the world. He attributes his success in the Tour de France and in the sport itself to his use of acupuncture (Wall Street Journal).
Acupuncture Treatment:
- His team, Astana, received acupuncture twice a day during the Tour—on the team bus and at hotels.
Results:
- This quick sports acupuncture helped Nibali to stay strong and go on to win four different legs on the Tour de France.
- While he has suggested that acupuncture really does nothing for structural damage it does assist all of the riders with pain. This ensures better endurance and a way to deal with pain that is drug free.
NFL Quarterback Aaron Rodgers
Aaron Rodgers is one of the most respected quarterbacks in the NFL and is also a strong advocate for acupuncture. Rodgers experiences pain just like any other NFL athlete whether it’s through rigorous training or getting hit on the field. Acupuncture is a way that he deals with his performance training pain.
Acupuncture Treatment:
- One of the greatest times that acupuncture helped Rodgers was through a serious strain that occurred right before the playoffs in 2015. Rodgers was advised to take a full week off and sit an NFC championship game but instead he took to advanced acupuncture treatment to recover from the pain in just a few days.
- By working with the strained leg, Rodgers was pain-free and had an incredible game, throwing for three touchdown passes and 317 yards.
Why it Works:
- With intense treatment, even severe muscle strain can be overcome through acupuncture so that athletes can get back on the field.
Experience the Benefits of Acupuncture
For managing pain as well as treating acute injuries minimizing downtime, many athletes around the world are seeing the advantage of acupuncture treatment.
If you would like to experience these advantages for yourself please contact our offices to book an appointment.
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