Healing Beyond the Surface: Acupuncture for Sports Medicine Pain Relief
Acupuncture is an ancient healing practice that has been gaining recognition in modern medicine for its effectiveness in pain relief and overall wellness. Shore Physicians Group’s primary care and non-operative sports medicine physician, Dr. Megan McQuarrie, M.D., C.A.Q.S.M., incorporates battlefield acupuncture into her patient care to address pain related to sports medicine injuries and issues. Her unique approach blends traditional techniques with her expertise in sports medicine, providing patients with a comprehensive path to recovery.
How Acupuncture Works
Acupuncture involves the insertion of thin, sterile needles into specific points on the body to stimulate the nervous system and promote natural healing. Battlefield acupuncture is the insertion of semi-permanent needles into the ears to assist in healing and pain relief. These points align with energy pathways called meridians, which help balance the body’s energy flow. From a modern medical perspective, acupuncture is believed to stimulate nerves, muscles, and connective tissue, increasing blood flow and triggering the release of natural painkillers like endorphins.
Acupuncture for Sports Injuries
For athletes and active individuals, sports injuries can range from acute sprains and strains to chronic conditions such as tendonitis or joint pain. Dr. McQuarrie’s expertise in sports medicine allows her to tailor acupuncture treatments to address these specific issues. By targeting areas of inflammation or pain, acupuncture can:
- Reduce Pain: Acupuncture stimulates the body’s natural pain-relieving mechanisms, offering relief without the need for medication.
- Improve Mobility: By reducing muscle tension and inflammation, acupuncture can help improve range of motion in affected joints or muscles.
- Accelerate Healing: Acupuncture promotes blood flow to injured areas, enhancing tissue repair and recovery.
- Alleviate Chronic Conditions: For conditions like runner’s knee, tennis elbow, or plantar fasciitis, regular acupuncture treatments can provide long-term relief.
The Integration of Acupuncture with Sports Medicine
As a non-operative sports medicine physician, Dr. McQuarrie focuses on holistic approaches to injury management and prevention. Acupuncture fits seamlessly into her practice, complementing other treatments such as physical therapy, strength training, and lifestyle modifications. For instance, an athlete recovering from a rotator cuff strain may benefit from acupuncture to reduce pain and inflammation while concurrently undergoing rehabilitation exercises.
Dr. McQuarrie also uses acupuncture to address secondary issues related to sports injuries, such as stress and sleep disturbances. Both can impede recovery, and acupuncture’s calming effects help restore balance to the body, supporting overall well-being.
Who Can Benefit from Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is suitable for patients of all ages and activity levels. Whether you’re a professional athlete, a weekend warrior, or simply someone dealing with pain from an overuse injury, Dr. McQuarrie can design an acupuncture plan tailored to your needs. Her compassionate approach ensures that patients feel supported throughout their recovery journey.
By incorporating acupuncture into her sports medicine practice, Dr. Megan McQuarrie offers a powerful tool for pain relief and recovery. This integrative approach addresses not just the symptoms but the root causes of sports injuries, enabling patients to return to their activities stronger and healthier.
The contents of this article have been reviewed by Dr. Megan McQuarrie with Shore Physicians Group. Dr. McQuarrie treats patients at Shore Physicians Group’s office located at 1645 Haven Ave, Suite C in Ocean City, NJ. To schedule an appointment with Dr. McQuarrie call 609.399.6263.
