Though we commonly think of athletes as being invincible, they are not immune to sports related injuries, pain or stress. Despite healthy regimes and consistent endorphin release, athletes often succumb to muscle problems such as strains, sprains, tension, and other issues. At Sage, our accredited team of acupuncturists is here to provide athletes with a soothing atmosphere and the treatment they deserve. Each of our treatment plans includes a detailed consultation, a relaxing acupuncture session, and in- depth herbal, diet, and lifestyle recommendations. Visit Sage today to regain your muscular strength through serenity and relaxation.

Sports acupuncture involves a combination of orthopedic treatment and Eastern Medicine techniques to treat injuries and disorders common among athletes. This unique branch is built on the study of motor and trigger points and how they can be healed through the ancient medical system of acupuncture. In addition to acupuncture we utilize other modalities such as cupping, TENS stimulation and infrared therapy.  At Sage, our sports acupuncture treatments are designed to restore muscle balance and integrity through the needling of anatomically specific points. This soothing treatment can instantly relax tight muscles or strengthen weak muscles, re-establishing symmetry both within your energy pathways and in your muscular structures.

Sports acupuncture has been shown to provide athletes with the following health benefits:

• Reduced post-injury rehabilitation time.
• Greater range of joint and muscle motion.
• Decreased pain and inflammation.
• Increased muscular strength and function.
• A release of muscle spasms.
• Stress relief and relaxation.
• Immune system stimulation.
• Increased endurance and athletic performance

Western Science has explained the effectiveness of acupunctures on Motor Points for Athletic Support. Motor Points are specific locations in a muscle where nerve injunctions are housed. A nerve injunction is a spot with a very high concentration of nerve endings. These injunctions are the most electrically charged areas within the muscle. Activating a motor point with an acupuncture needle can act like pressing a “reset” button. Once the needle is placed in the appropriate location, the muscle’s energy is re- calibrated, returning it to its normal state.

During an acupuncture session at Sage, you will notice that your muscles may tingle or twitch upon needling, despite the procedure being painless. This response is a good sign and means that the motor point is being properly activated and re-polarized.

Eastern medicine refers to Trigger Points, or isolated places in the muscle where pain exists or causes referred pain. According to Chinese medical theory, a trigger point is called an “ah shi” point – a tender region of the body. Many factors can lead to the development of a trigger point, these include, but are not limited to: Acute injury, wear and tear, or energy blockage.

Energy blocks can cause tight knots or ropy bands to develop in the muscle, leading to tension and aches. The blood and energy flow within these regions becomes impeded and promotes painful, involuntary muscle dysfunction. Sports Acupuncture is an excellent treatment for athletic conditions because it promotes free blood flow and energy, as well as tissue regeneration. The increase in circulation helps to eliminate pain, promoting muscle relaxation and healing.

During an acupuncture session at Sage, you will notice that your muscles may tingle or twitch upon needling, despite the procedure being painless. This response is a good sign and means that the point is being properly activated and re-polarized.

Besides acupuncture other modalities may be used for Sports Acupuncture. One of the most common and effective is cupping. You may have seen Micheal Phelps in the Olympics winning the gold medal with his cups marks on display. Cupping is an incredibly powerful modality when added to acupuncture. It can relax your body and mind, even helping with stress and anxiety. It is shown to improve blood flow and circulation which releases stagnant painful areas. It is known to clear toxins and reduce inflammation. In addition to cupping, herbal linaments, oils and patches may be used or recommended for home care.

Contact the Sage Wellness Center today to experience true relaxation and the highest grade of wellness care. Please call (650) 343-7899 to schedule your complimentary acupuncture consultation. We look forward to hearing from you.