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From pro athletes to weekend warriors, a holistic approach to performance and recovery is on the rise, with acupuncture emerging as a standout option. In this guide, we’ll dive into acupuncture’s fascinating history, how it works and why it’s fast becoming a go-to for athletes of all levels.
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine practice with roots going back over 3,000 years. Originating in ancient China, it gradually spread worldwide and is now used in relation to a wide range of conditions.
The technique involves inserting ultra-thin needles into specific areas of the body, known as acupuncture points. There are over 2,000 of these points, each associated with energy pathways or meridians. The goal of acupuncture is to restore the natural flow of energy—or “qi”—through these meridians by clearing any blockages.
In Australia, acupuncture has been practised since the 1880s and remains one of the most popular complementary therapies. The profession is regulated, with practitioners required to register with the Chinese Medicine Board of Australia or be endorsed by the Medical Board of Australia.
When did athletes jump on the acupuncture bandwagon?
Acupuncture has been a fixture in sports recovery for decades, with countless athletes vouching for its benefits. NBA legends like Shaquille O’Neal, Grant Hill and the late Kobe Bryant credited acupuncture as a key part of their wellness routine. Canadian snowboarder Mark McMorris even said it helped him win his Olympic medal as part of his recovery plan for a broken rib.
Olympic runner DeeDee Trotter is another fan, often sharing how acupuncture supported her on the path to the podium.
Closer to home, Australian athletes like Olympic swimmer Daniel Kowalski have openly acknowledged the role of acupuncture in their careers. Kowalski credits it with helping him bounce back from shoulder injuries, improve his sleep and boost his overall well-being.
It’s not just elite athletes turning to acupuncture, though. Weekend warriors and club-level players across sports—from rugby to tennis—also incorporate acupuncture into their recovery routines.
How does acupuncture help with sports recovery?
While science continues to explore exactly how acupuncture works, there’s evidence that it can offer real benefits for athletes. Here’s a look at some of the key ways acupuncture can assist with sports recovery:
Pain relief
Athletes often face pain from muscle overuse or injury, which can interrupt training. Studies (Source: A) suggest acupuncture may provide effective pain relief, potentially even reducing the need for medication.
Injury recovery
Acupuncture doesn’t just help with pain—it’s also been shown to reduce inflammation (Source: B) and speed up healing for injuries (Source: C) like sprains, strains and sports hernias.
Flexibility
Research (Source: D) suggests that acupuncture may improve flexibility in the hamstrings, which is a win for athletes across many sports.
Rest days
By helping muscles relax after a tough workout or training session, acupuncture may ease next-day soreness, making it easier for athletes to get back into action sooner.
Prevention
Acupuncture might also help prevent injuries. By activating weaker muscles and releasing muscle tension, it could help reduce the risk of injury during intense activity.
Can acupuncture improve sports performance?
While more research is needed, acupuncture shows potential as a performance enhancer. Targeted acupuncture has been linked to improvements in muscle strength and power. A 2022 study review (Source: E) found that acupuncture and dry needling may benefit a range of conditions and help athletes reach their peak performance.
Acupuncture and dry needling are promising tools in an athlete’s recovery and performance toolkit, offering an alternative way to stay strong and balanced on and off the field.
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