According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, nearly 2 million Americans yearly suffer sports-related injuries. These injuries are commonly the result of an overworked and strained body due to intense or extreme workouts.
Acupuncture is an effective and powerful way to treat sports-related injuries or enhance performance. However, it also helps by improving the body's ability to rest and recover from extreme workouts and exercise. This is achieved through blood flow stimulation, improved cell metabolism, recovery, and enhanced muscle growth.
If you wish to achieve optimal performance with your workout, then acupuncture may be right for you. Continue reading to learn more about how this ancient therapy can help you!
How Can Acupuncture Improve Athletic Performance?
Acupuncture can improve overall athletic performance by increasing blood flow and energy levels. This allows the body to recover quicker after an intense workout or injuries. Athletes can push themselves harder more often due to rapid healing and improved stamina.
Acupuncture is a popular form of treatment for different types of sports-related injuries and strains. According to the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, acupuncture is being utilized by sports therapists for:
- Strength enhancement
- Pain relief
- Physical performance
- Improved aerobic performance
- Flexibility
Aerobic performance can be improved through increased oxygen flow in the bloodstream. This also increases muscle development since the muscles and tendons receive more blood and oxygen. This enables athletes to perform long sprints or other intense activities without experiencing burnout.
We will dive into the unique ways acupuncture can help you enhance your athletic performance!
Increased Stamina
As we briefly discussed above, acupuncture can increase blood flow and oxygen levels in the body. Runners and other cardio athletes should track their oxygen saturation levels during workouts.
This will help you identify possible issues with your workout or overall health. If you notice you lose your breath quickly while running, you may want to see your doctor. However, if you're trying to improve your energy levels, acupuncture can help address and increase stamina levels.
Loosens Muscles
Muscle tightness and muscle rigidity are both debilitating conditions in the body. This can manifest all over the body but is most commonly felt in the thighs, calves, and biceps.
The cause of muscle tightness and rigidity is typically linked to stress. This stress can be related to psychological anxiety or physical stress from pushing the body too hard.
Acupuncture will help loosen and relax the body and the mind. Acupuncture will also help you sleep and relax the body so you can endure more exercise.
Increase Muscle Growth
Bodybuilders are known to use acupuncture to help improve their muscle development. Acupuncture enhances their performance while also decreasing pain and aches from over-exertion.
Increased muscle blood flow will help improve muscle growth by removing toxins and improving performance. But it will also help you by decreasing aches in the muscle and decreasing muscle loss through recovery times.
Investing in Acupuncture Can Enhance Your Performance
Dr. Aleksandra Mihaljovic is a fitness and exercise enthusiast and knows firsthand how to address athletic injuries. As a trained doctor of traditional Chinese medicine and holistic healer, her clinic specializes in helping patients reach peak performance.
Her fitness performance program offers a personalized treatment plan for people of all ages and levels of athleticism. Whether you're an avid daily runner, lift weights, or enjoy playing sports, her treatments can help you achieve your best results.
Contact her office today to get started on a personalized journey of healing and self-improvement!
