Aaron Rodgers, the star quarterback of the Green Bay Packers, maintained an MVP-caliber season despite battling an injured left hamstring and a calf strain.
With access to one of the greatest medical staffs in the world, Rodgers turned to an age-old treatment for help: acupuncture.
Acupuncture Saves The Game
In a mid-season game against the New Orleans Saints, Rodgers sustained a hamstring injury. During an auspiciously timed bye week, Rodgers’ healing regimen included acupuncture. According to Paul Imig of Fox Sports, Rodgers said, “I got a little acupuncture, which helped release it a little bit…it’s feeling better.” Rodgers was ready for his next game and his improved hamstring showed as his team blew out the Chicago Bears, 55-14.
Acupuncture To The Rescue – Again
Late in the season, Rodgers suffered a serious calf strain. Again, acupuncture was an important part of his treatment plan, which allowed him to play even into the postseason. As reported by Rob Demovsky of ESPN, Rodgers expressed his gratitude for acupuncture, saying, “I’ve got to give a lot of credit to our training staff…They spent a lot of hours with me this week. They did a great job of getting me ready. My acupuncturist as well. She really helps.”
Many athletes who have used acupuncture to treat sports injuries will not be surprised to hear Rodgers’ acknowledgement and gratitude toward his acupuncturist. The sprains and strains that are common in sports related injuries often cause swelling and a reduced range of motion. Acupuncture can help suppress inflammation, alleviate pain, and quicken healing times. Without acupuncture, Rodgers’ hamstring or calf injury may have forced him to miss playing time. Luckily, his treatment allowed him to play an extended season into the playoffs.
Should I Try Acupuncture For My Injury?
You do not have to be one of the NFL’s most talented quarterbacks to benefit from acupuncture for sports injuries. Professional athletes and weekend warriors alike might consider acupuncture to treat athletic injuries, whether chronic injuries like runner’s knee or acute strains and sprains. Acupuncture does more than just relieve pain. It will also improve energy flow, which will speed healing. Acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine can even help with injury prevention and lead to improved athletic performance.
With acupuncture, sports injury repair can take place without dangerous side effects. In the treatment of athletic injuries, doctors often prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen. Unfortunately, these drugs can have dangerous potential side effects, such as internal bleeding, kidney dysfunction, and ulcers. Acupuncture has no such side effects.
If you are struggling with an acute or chronic sports injury, acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine might be able to help you get back on your game. Whether you are struggling with a pulled muscle, shin splints, foot pain, knee pain, elbow pain, a sprain, a strain, or any other type of injury, please don’t hesitate to contact us to learn more about how acupuncture can help heal your sports injury. You can also find more information about acupuncture for sports injury here.