Acupuncture for Runners (and Others)

Running elicits either a love it or hate it response from most people.  There is nothing quite like the runner’s high you get after a good workout, but it is definitely hard work for your body.  As we age, it gets more and more difficult to keep up with demanding exercises like running as our joints, muscles and tendons accumulate a lifetime of wear and tear.  Acupuncture is an invaluable tool to keep you running, even if it’s at a slower pace, as you age gracefully.

Many running injuries stem from muscle tightness leading to structural imbalances.  An example of this is runner’s knee which is often caused by the quad muscles located in our thighs.  A tight quad muscle pulls on the patella in the knee causing it to track differently and resulting in pain.  Releasing the quad allows the patella to move back into place and restore proper alignment so running pain-free is possible again. 

In addition to knee pain, common running injuries that respond well to acupuncture include:

• IT Band Syndrome – the thick band of tendon and fascia that runs down the outside of your leg from the hip to your knee can easily get inflamed from running
• Plantar fasciitis and foot pain
• Achilles tendonitis
• Shin splints
• Hip pain, bursitis
• sciatica

Acupuncture, cupping, gua sha, and sometimes deeper trigger point needling can all be used to treat these common running injuries.  Remember to be intentional about your running pace, as faster can lead to more injuries.  Also get yourself a foam roller so you can keep your fascia looser in your hips, quads, and calves on a daily basis.  If you need help getting back out there on the running trail, don’t hesitate to contact us and give us a call!  We’re always here to help!