"My shoulder actually feels quite a bit better, and I'm able as well to carry more with that arm than I could before the treatment"
Acupuncture can be very effective in treatment of sports injuries, acute and chronic pain and repetitive stress injuries. Acupuncture is one of the quickest ways to restore muscle balance and function.
It can help to restore communication between the central nervous system and the injured muscle. When a muscle is sore, over strained or painful, there are often tight palpable knots within it. These points can refer to other areas of the body and are called trigger points. Trigger point acupuncture seeks to produce an involuntary twitching from the affected muscle or muscle group. This style of acupuncture can reduce tightness, pain and aid in the healing process.
Motor points have been shown to be even more effective in the treatment of muscle pain. Motor points are found at specific sights in the body and they most often correspond to the area where the nerve enters the muscle belly. A motor point is defined as the most electrically excitable area containing a large concentration of nerve endings. ( Matt Callison, founder of the AcuSports Clinic in San Diego and author of the Motor Points Index.)
When thin, sterile and disposable needles are inserted into a motor point and manipulated, it causes shortened muscles to stretch and relax. Motor point acupuncture can not only change the length of the muscle but also reset the “dysfunctioning muscle spindle and to correct the abnormal muscle function and reflexive spasm.” (Callison)
Whether an injury is old or new, from acute trauma, over strain, repetitive use or daily life activities, motor point and trigger point acupuncture can help to restore muscle balance so that you can get back out there and do what you love. It is a very safe and effective with minimal side effects. It can also be useful for injury prevention and performance enhancement.