Muscle strains are a common sports injury experienced by athletes. Muscle strains occur when a muscle is injured as a result of being stretched beyond its normal range of motion. These injuries can happen for many reasons, such as:
- Inadequate warm-up/recovery
- Muscle tightness
- Overusing the same muscle groups
- Muscle imbalance
- Previous muscle injury
- Faulty technique
TYPES OF MUSCLE STRAINS
There are generally two types of muscle strains: acute and chronic. Acute injuries are usually the result of a sudden traumatic invention, such as a body tackle in a football game. Chronic muscle strains occur over a period of time and can be caused by repetitive use.
In addition to strains, athletes can suffer from other muscle injuries, including contusions (bruises), soreness, cramps, and lacerations. Pain is the most common symptom of a muscle strain. Other symptoms can include stiffness, swelling, and bruising. Sports injuries aren’t the only cause of muscle strains; pushing or pulling heavy objects, falls, workplace accidents, and car accidents.
ACUPUNCTURE: AN ALTERNATIVE TREATMENT FOR MUSCLE STRAINS
Pharmaceuticals are often prescribed to relieve the pain caused by muscle strains. However, these medications can have negative side effects that can impact performance. It’s one of the reasons why more and more athletes are turning to acupuncture for relief from muscle pain and stiffness.
The practice of acupuncture was first developed in China thousands of years ago. It’s been used for thousands of years to treat and manage various health conditions, including muscle pain. Today, acupuncture is practiced all over the world, including Orange, CA.
Acupuncture involves the insertion of thin, hair-like needles just under the skin. The needles are placed at specific points called meridians or acupoints along the body. In traditional acupuncture, the needles are used to direct the flow of qi, or life energy, to restore balance and health.
HOW DOES ACUPUNCTURE RELIEVE MUSCLE PAIN?
Acupuncture can relieve the pain and other symptoms of muscle strains in numerous ways. The needles increase the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the affected muscle, helping to speed up recovery and decreasing inflammation. They also stimulate the body’s immune response systems, accelerating healing and reducing pain.
The length of the first session is usually between 60 and 90 minutes. Everyone responds differently to the experience. Some people feel immediate relief, while others require a few sessions to experience improvement.
Acupuncture can be applied to treat a wide range of muscle injuries:
- Hamstring strains
- Calf strains
- Groin pulls
- Hip flexor strains
- Sciatica
- Tennis/Golf elbow
- Shoulder strains
ACUPUNCTURE FOR MUSCLE STRAINS IN ORANGE, CA
If you’re experiencing pain from a muscle strain or other sports injury, acupuncture can help. QaulityAcu is a health and wellness clinic in Orange, CA, that specializes in pain management. Licensed acupuncturist Gregory G. Maruki provides expert acupuncture, massage, and cupping therapies based on traditional Chinese medicine. Patients all over the Orange County area come to Quality Acupuncture Inc. for effective, long-lasting pain relief.
Quality Acupuncture Inc. is conveniently located at 2832 E. Chapman Ave. Our office hours are Monday – Friday from 10:00 AM until 5:00 PM and Saturday from 9:00 AM until 3:00 PM. Contact us today to schedule your appointment. We accept most forms of insurance and always welcome new patients.