Muscle & joint complaints
Acupuncture and laser for tendon problems & sports injuries
Tendon problems and sports injuries often occur when muscles, tendons and joints are exposed to more load than they can currently handle. Acupuncture and laser acupuncture can be used to reduce pain and tension and support the recovery process.
What symptoms can occur with tendon problems and sports injuries?
Tendon problems and sports injuries can develop through repetitive movements, a rapid increase in physical load, overuse or insufficient recovery. Symptoms can occur around muscles, tendons and joints and can affect both athletes and people who do not participate in sports.
Common symptoms include pain, stiffness, sensitivity and reduced tolerance to physical load. Symptoms may decrease during an activity or become worse and can remain present for some time after exercise.
Examples include Achilles tendon problems, heel pain, tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, jumper’s knee, runner’s knee, shoulder and rotator cuff complaints and other problems caused by repetitive or prolonged strain.
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Tendon problems and sports injuries from a TCM perspective
Within Traditional Chinese Medicine, pain and overuse complaints are considered in terms of circulation and factors that may influence recovery. Overuse, tension and impaired circulation may be associated with pain, stiffness, sensitivity or a heavy sensation.
Qi stagnation
Qi ZhiWhen the flow of Qi is obstructed, this may be associated with pain, tension and stiffness. Repetitive or prolonged physical strain may contribute to this pattern.
Blood stagnation
Xue YuImpaired Blood circulation may, within TCM, be associated with more localised, sharp or persistent pain and sensitivity.
Local stagnation
For symptoms around a tendon or joint, the local condition is also considered. Specific acupuncture points can be selected according to the location and individual symptom pattern.
How can acupuncture and laser acupuncture help?
Treatment is tailored to the nature and location of the complaint. Depending on the individual presentation, acupuncture, laser acupuncture or a combination of both may be used.
- 01Targeted acupuncture: very fine needles are used on selected acupuncture points. These may be local points around the painful area, as well as points elsewhere on the body.
- 02Laser acupuncture: selected acupuncture points can be treated with therapeutic laser light. Laser acupuncture is completely needle-free and can therefore be a comfortable alternative for people who prefer not to use needles.
- 03Local laser treatment: when symptoms are related to overuse, the affected area can also be treated directly. Depending on the complaint, this may include the Achilles tendon, calf, knee, elbow, shoulder or foot.
- 04Combining techniques: acupuncture and laser acupuncture can be combined within the same treatment, allowing both specific acupuncture points and the local area to be addressed.
- 05Supporting recovery: with tendon problems, finding an appropriate balance between load and recovery is important. Treatment can be used as support while gradually rebuilding tolerance to physical load.
Prefer no needles?
Every treatment can also be carried out completely needle-free with laser acupuncture, in which the same points are treated with therapeutic laser light. Ear acupuncture is always carried out with the laser. Acupressure, which also uses no needles, can be used as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are tendon problems?
Tendons connect muscles to bones and transfer the force of a muscle to a joint. Repetitive or prolonged strain can overload a tendon, which may lead to pain, stiffness, sensitivity and reduced tolerance to physical load.
What is tendinopathy?
Tendinopathy is a general term for complaints and changes in a tendon associated with overuse. Symptoms may include pain, stiffness, sensitivity and sometimes thickening of the tendon.
Can acupuncture help with Achilles tendon problems?
Acupuncture can be used as support for Achilles tendon problems. Treatment may focus on the painful area, surrounding muscles and specific acupuncture points selected according to the individual symptom pattern.
Can laser acupuncture be used for tendon problems?
Yes. Laser acupuncture can be applied to selected acupuncture points and, depending on the complaint, locally around the affected area. The treatment is completely needle-free.
Can acupuncture help with sports injuries?
Acupuncture can be used as support for various sports injuries and overuse complaints. Treatment is tailored to the location and nature of the problem and may focus on pain, tension and supporting recovery.
Which sports injuries can be treated with acupuncture?
Acupuncture can be used for various complaints caused by sports or overuse, including tendon problems, Achilles tendon complaints, heel pain, tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, knee problems and shoulder complaints.
Should I rest completely when I have a tendon injury?
Complete rest is not always necessary. With many tendon problems, a gradual and appropriate increase in load is important. The appropriate level of activity depends on the nature and stage of the complaint.
Can acupuncture and laser acupuncture be combined?
Yes. Both treatment methods can be combined within the same session. This allows acupuncture needles to be used on selected points and laser acupuncture on other points or locally around the affected area.
Related
Related complaints & patterns
Frozen shoulder
A stiff, painful shoulder where lifting and rotating become increasingly difficult.
Tennis elbow & golfer’s arm
Pain on the inside or outside of the elbow when lifting, gripping, or performing repetitive movements.
Knee complaints
Pain or stiffness when climbing stairs, squatting, or after sitting for long periods.
Personal Treatment Plan
Suffering from a tendon problem or sports injury?
During a treatment, your symptoms are assessed and the most appropriate form of acupuncture or laser acupuncture can be selected.