Teen Athletes Benefit from Traditional Chinese Medicine
High school sports are a big part of many teens’ lives. Unfortunately, injuries from sports are also a big part of young athletes’ lives. I was a volleyball player in high school, part of a very successful championship team and I sustained my share of injuries. Where I grew up in the rural Midwest, we did not have access to massage therapists or acupuncturists. For sports-related injuries we were advised to stretch and do more warm-ups and take Epsom salt baths. These cure-alls were not always the best methods to deal with sustained injuries or complex physical issues affecting performance.
Thankfully, most areas of the country now have access to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treatment options for teen athletes. Before treating a sports injury in a teen with surgery or other invasive procedures, I recommend trying acupuncture, massage and herbal remedies.
Recently in the clinic I have treated a number of teen athletes who have physical complaints that are not being alleviated with conventional methods of therapy. Some of the teens sought out massage and cupping, others were treated with acupuncture and herbal formulas, and some received a range of treatments. Acupuncture has been shown to be highly effective in treating muscle and soft tissue issues, chronic pain, joint inflammation, and connective tissue weakness. It alleviates pain and inflammation caused by ankle sprains, shin splints, compartment syndrome, back and neck injuries, concussions, and wrist weakness.
During a treatment session focused on alleviating sport related issues, the acupuncture needling will also aid in relieving existing digestive problems, menstrual issues, anxiety, ADD/ADHD and lack of focus, and exhaustion. All acupuncture points have from two to 10 functions per needle site—TCM works within the concept of meridians and the relationship between organ systems and areas throughout the body. The body is a whole system working simultaneously and not separate parts that are “malfunctioning”. When paired appropriately, an acupuncture treatment addresses numerous complaints, chronic and acute, in one session.
Young athletes and children in general have resilient, strong constitutions. They are full of yang (energy) and tend to recover very quickly. Young athletes are also driven to achieve success, and they are ready to do what it takes to get back to winning. But a recurring or lingering health issue will take longer to resolve, as will treating several related complaints. If your teen athlete is living with knee pain, recurrent ankle sprains, and low back weakness as a result of volleyball, soccer, football or other athletic participation and competition; they have problems focusing on schoolwork; and they’re dealing with common teen issues such as acne, stomach aches, and menstrual cramps, they will need more than likely need a few treatments to regulate the system. A series of acupuncture treatments accompanied by herbal medicines can help them recover more quickly and get back in the game.
Along with acupuncture, I have successfully treated sports injuries in young people with acupressure, acu-tacks and massage. This is a great way to introduce TCM and relieve any fear of needles or new treatment methods from an apprehensive teen.
Before you opt into surgery for a still growing and developing teen, make an appointment at Acupuncture by Andrea to discuss other available treatment options. You will be amazed by the results achieved through non-invasive Traditional Chinese Medicine.