Sports Injury
What is Sports Injury?
Definition
Sports injuries are injuries to the musculoskeletal system arising from physical activity. They include contusions, strains, ligament tears, fractures, and overuse damage.
Common Causes
- Insufficient warm-up
- Overloading and inadequate recovery
- Technical errors in sporting exercises
- Equipment deficiencies
- Uneven terrain or external impact
- Muscular imbalances
Physiological and Pathological Mechanisms
- Mechanical overloading of tendons, ligaments, and muscles
- Inflammatory reactions following tissue damage
- Neural irritation through compression or traction
How Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) understands Sports Injury
Sports injuries create Blood stasis and Qi stagnation in the affected area. TCM promotes the resolution of stasis and the dispersal of swelling fluid through targeted treatment.
Treatment Principles
Acupuncture
Local needling and distal points to resolve Blood stasis, reduce inflammation, and promote healing.
Tuina Treatment
Specific techniques depending on injury type: gentle drainage for acute swelling, deep tissue work in the subacute phase.
Traditional Chinese Medicine
External herbal preparations and internal formulas to resolve Blood stasis and promote tissue regeneration.
Lifestyle Adjustments
Acute phase: cooling and rest (RICE method). Subacute phase: targeted physiotherapy and gradual increase in loading.
When to See a Doctor Immediately
Warning Signs
- Severe swelling and instability after a sprain
- Audible crack at the moment of injury
- Complete loss of joint function
- Deformation of the joint
When to Contact a Clinic
If a fracture, ligament tear, or dislocation is suspected, seek a doctor or emergency department immediately.