Sport, when performed correctly and persistently, is beneficial. As your body supports the introduced stimuli, it will begin to transform and move closer to your goals (be it for weight loss, swelling, or performance). However, it typically hits the plateau when your body has adapted to your exercise routine. Athletes or individuals seeking to defy their limits can be caught in a daunting performance plateau.
Whether you participate in competitions or play sports for leisure, reaching a plateau is a common but frustrating event. In addition to personal changes, such as adjustments to your schedule and routines, TCM can improve sports performance.
Acupuncture has been an effective treatment for all forms of sports injuries and pain management. With new research and testimony from athletes of a new age, acupuncture has gained popularity as a form of natural sports enhancement.
Benefits
1. It strengthens the muscle: acupuncture stimulates the muscles to increase blood supply. With adequate blood flow to the muscles, the energy reserves are abundant. They provide enough energy to achieve that extra strength. 2. It reduces delayed muscular soreness (DOMS): Acupuncture reduces the pain and duration of DOMS such that the recovery period is shortened. 3. It speeds up muscle reconstruction: acupuncture speeds up the removal of inflammatory materials from muscles, speeding up the process of rebuilding muscle fibres. 4. It enhances flexibility and prevents joint injuries: acupuncture allows more joint movements. It reduces the injuries caused by abnormal joint movements. 5. It allows a good absorption of nutrients: Acupuncture improves the digestive system for better absorption of nutrients.
The Programme
The Sport Improvement Program has two components:
Performance Enhancement
• Identify areas of practice where improvements may be made. • Identify the limiting factor that goes beyond the fitness plateau. • Boost performance through acupuncture and/or tuina for joint or muscle flexibility. • Improve performance with acupuncture and/or medications to restrict endurance/strength. • For patients preparing for an event (marathon, combat, competition), TCM can enhance muscle sustainability and prevent injury.
Injury Management
• To find out the cause and source of the pain. • To recognize and deal with pain. • To identify the main contributors to pain and modify the exercise routine.
