Keeping active is vital for maintaining health and well-being, yet engaging in sports without proper training, expertise, or adequate warm-up can lead to injuries. The intensity of workouts and the very nature of sports activities often increase the risk of injuries, which can afflict anyone from everyday persons to professional athletes.
Yes, even the most seasoned athletes are not immune to the hazards of their disciplines, facing everything from minor sprains to more severe, debilitating injuries.
But what are the risks associated with active lifestyles and the different types of sports injuries? And when dealing with the pains of these injuries, how can you support your body’s healing process without resorting to invasive procedures unless really necessary?
Common Sports Injuries
As mentioned, engaging in physical activities can trigger different types of sports injuries, which can impact daily life significantly. Here’s a breakdown of some common sports injuries and insights into their nature:
- Sprains: Often occurring during physical activities, a sprain is when ligaments—the tough bands connecting bones in a joint—stretch or tear. This typically happens when a joint is twisted or pulled into an unusual position. An example is an ankle turning inwards unexpectedly, resulting in sharp pain and swelling.
- Muscle Soreness: After intense or unfamiliar exercise, you may experience delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). This isn’t caused by lactic acid, as once thought, but rather, it’s due to micro-tears in the muscle fibres necessary for muscle growth and strengthening during the healing process.
- Ligament Injuries: These injuries range from mild to severe and are categorised into three grades: mild (grade 1), moderate (grade 2), and complete tears (grade 3), such as a ruptured ligament. Ligament injuries can occur in various body parts, including knees, ankles, and shoulders, often impacting mobility and requiring time and care for recovery.
- Soft Tissue Inflammation: Activities can lead to injuries involving muscles, ligaments, and tendons, leading to pain, swelling, and bruising. Types include contusions, tendonitis, bursitis, and stress injuries. These are common in both athletes and non-athletes and need proper management to heal.
- Lumbar Disc Herniation: A herniated disc occurs when part of the cushioning disc between vertebrae extends out of its normal boundary, causing nerve irritation and severe back pain. This condition is common among individuals who engage in activities involving repetitive lifting or twisting.
Given the pain and discomfort that one has to deal with when suffering from the symptoms of these injuries, knowing how to manage them effectively is crucial. This is where non-invasive pain management therapies could come in, if viable, to improve quality of life by addressing the pain.
TCM Therapies to Address Sports Injuries
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it is believed that pain and discomfort from sports injuries occur when the flow of Qi (energy) and blood is disrupted. TCM therapies aim to potentially restore this balance and support the body’s natural healing capabilities.
1. Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a pivotal TCM practice that involves inserting thin needles into certain points in the body to manage pain and address inflammation. This method is thought to promote healing by stimulating the body’s natural painkillers, such as endorphins, and improving blood circulation. By facilitating the flow of Qi and blood, acupuncture may help to restore energy balance and address discomfort, supporting the body’s recovery from sports injuries.
2. Tui Na Massage
Tui Na is a therapeutic form of Chinese massage that uses brushing, kneading, rolling, pressing, and rubbing techniques to stimulate the body’s meridians and muscles. This approach helps to activate the body’s defensive Qi and promotes energy flow, which may help manage pain and support recovery. Tui Na is beneficial not only in addressing pain but also in improving flexibility and managing muscle soreness, making it an alternative option for athletes recovering from sports injuries to consider.
3. Herbal Formulations
TCM also utilises herbal formulations to strengthen the body’s resilience and help with the rate of recovery. These herbs can be tailored to the individual’s needs and are often used in various forms, such as teas, pills, or topical poultices. By aligning with the body’s natural processes, these herbal formulations work to restore internal balance and support healing, addressing both the symptoms and underlying conditions of sports injuries.
Prioritise Your Health & Address Sports Injuries With TCM
Dealing with muscle strains and pains? Address your sports injuries and manage muscle strains with personalised TCM therapies. These therapies are tailored to your specific needs, helping to restore balance and support your body’s natural healing processes. Prioritise your health by exploring how TCM can facilitate your recovery.
