Acupuncture for Sore Muscles

Here at Triangle Acupuncture Clinic we see an uptick of patients for knee pain, low back pain and shoulder pain every spring.  This is in large part due to the impending bathing suit season and everyone dusting off their running shoes to get back out there and exercise.  What makes us think that we can go from “hibernation on the couch mode” to “training for the Olympics” in just a couple of weeks? 

As I myself have been humbled by my body’s refusal to cooperate with a new exercise goal, and not to mention hitting the lovely age of 40 this year, it’s important for us all to remember the mission is to exercise for the long haul.  It’s more important that you will be able to continue an exercise program for many years than it is to beat yesterday’s running time.

If you do find yourself with an injury, I urge you to make an appointment with us as soon as possible.  Don’t ignore a sore muscle or joint and continue to lift weights or exercise the affected area.  We have many tools for getting muscle spasms to relax and decreasing joint inflammation, often within just a couple visits for acute injuries.  If you do tune in to watch the Olympics this year, pay close attention to China’s gymnastics team.  They are often shown on the sidelines treating each other with sticks of moxa just like we use in our clinic.  Moxa, short for moxibustion, is a warming technique that topically applies Chinese Mugwort, an herb that decreases inflammation and restores circulation in areas subjected to trauma.   The mugwort has been prepared in a stick form that looks very much like a cigar.  Once it is lighted, it burns very slowly and the acupuncturist holds it near the swollen or inflamed area.  Over several minutes you can see swelling decrease and better circulation returning to the joint.  We often give moxa sticks to patients so they can continue the treatments at home. 

Another option for treating acute muscle strains and joint injuries is acupuncture with electrical stimulation.  Commonly referred to as e-stim, this involves attaching little clips to the ends of certain needles and running a very small current, much like a tens-unit.  It is a very comfortable experience and often just feels a little tingly.  Your acupuncturist will know which of these techniques to use in order to get you back on the track quickly.  Just don’t wait for a small injury to get worse, we’re in the business of keeping you healthy and active!