Running, whether professionally, for physical fitness or just for fun, provides significant benefits for the body. It releases feel-good hormones like endorphins, improves cardiovascular health, boosts energy and contributes to overall mental and physical well-being. 

However, running also impacts the body, causing wear-and-tear and sometimes chronic injury. Plantar fasciitis, runners’ knee, iliotibial band syndrome, Achilles tendinopathy and hamstring injury are just some of the injuries runners experience. If left untreated, these injuries can cause long-term damage. 

Acupuncture, an age-old Chinese technique used to treat specific clinical conditions, is also ideal for treating many other running-related injuries. Furthermore, the method offers runners preventative solutions to keep the body injury-free.

What Is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is an ancient form of medical therapy that originated from traditional Chinese medicine. It involves using needles to stimulate specific areas on the skin, those with an abundance of nerves, to treat a range of medical issues. The stimulation causes curative responses from the body’s tissues, organs, glands or processes, making it a great means of treating running injuries. The procedure is minimally invasive and the patient may only feel some slight discomfort .

How Can Acupuncture Help with Running Injuries?

Acupuncture provides runners curative and preventative benefits by identifying and correcting imbalances, addressing chronic injuries and relieving pain. Below are some ways acupuncture can help with running injuries.

Reduced Inflammation           

Inflammation is common among injured runners. It typically results from acute, traumatic incident or overusing muscles and can become chronic the longer it’s left unattended. Affected areas become swollen, sore and painful as levels of cortisol – the stress hormone – rise. Acupuncture reduces inflammation by lowering the release of cortisol in the affected area.

Less Pain

Runners often experience pain and discomfort in their lower limbs, impacting their performance. Acupuncture helps to relieve pain by releasing endorphins, the body’s natural pain-relieving hormones, and serotonin, a mood-related neurotransmitter. Usually, pain is a symptom of underlying conditions for which acupuncture may also be helpful.

Faster Recovery

Acupuncture speeds up recovery from injury by improving blood circulation in the affected area. Improved blood circulation allows muscles and tissues to heal quicker and shortens recovery time. 

Fewer Injuries

Running takes a toll on the body, and without proper maintenance, bodies are susceptible to injury and long-term issues. One of the best benefits of acupuncture is that it can help to prevent injury. Regular visits to our Langley acupuncture clinic can keep your body in prime shape and reduce the injuries you experience. 

Acupuncture helps the blood flow freely, relaxes muscles and relieves joints. It also keeps muscles balanced and functioning well while boosting their performance.

What Injuries Can Acupuncture Treat?

Acupuncture can treat many running injuries, including two of the most common: hamstring injuries and Achilles tendinopathy.

Hamstring Injuries

A hamstring injury is a tear or strain in the group of muscles at the rear of the thigh. Symptoms of a hamstring injury usually include pain, muscle spasms, swelling and inflammation. This type of injury is common in runners and can be painful and difficult to treat – but acupuncture is an effective remedy. It targets the affected area to stimulate healing, increase circulation, relieve pain and reduce inflammation.

Achilles Tendinopathy

Achilles tendinopathy, caused by repetitive or strenuous activity on the Achilles tendon, occurs when the large tendon that runs behind the lower leg gets irritated and inflamed. It may be accompanied by restricted movement when flexing the toes. Acupuncture helps with Achilles tendinopathy by restoring the tendon and improving blood flow to the affected area, speeding recovery.

Are You Ready to Schedule an Acupuncture Appointment?

Pain and discomfort from running injuries can be debilitating. Our acupuncture clinic in Langley takes a holistic approach to treatment. If you are ready to schedule an acupuncture appointment, contact us at Movéo Sport & Rehabilitation Centre. 

Call us today at 604-371-4771 to schedule an appointment or book online.