Acupuncture • Sports Medicine

Acupuncture for Athletic Recovery & Pain Relief

An evidence-informed acupuncture approach integrating Trigger Point Release, Electroacupuncture, and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) principles. TCM is a holistic framework that views the body as an interconnected system of energy pathways, emphasizing balance, circulation, and recovery. These treatments can help support healthy function of tendons, ligaments, joints, muscles, and related systems.

Why Our Approach Is Different

Integrated approach: Our Naturopathic Doctors are trained in both modern anatomy-based acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) — which focuses on restoring the body’s natural energy systems to promote balance, circulation, and healing. This means we treat not only the muscles, but the underlying patterns that influence recovery.

Beyond basic needling: Chiropractors, physiotherapists, and massage therapists are trained only in local needling techniques and are not trained in TCM. Our approach may also include infrared therapy, red light, and microcurrent technology (FSM) to enhance circulation, reduce tension, and support faster healing.

Commonly reported goals:

🩹 Pain Relief 💪 Muscle Relaxation 🔥 Reduced Inflammation 💧 Decreased Swelling 🧵 Tendon & Ligament Support ↔ Mobility 🏃 Recovery
Existing Patient — Book Acupuncture Appointment New Patient — Book Initial Consultation

New patients require an initial consultation prior to beginning acupuncture treatment.

Our Process

1) Assessment

Movement screen, palpation for taut bands/trigger points, and review of aggravating activities. We consider local tissues and related kinetic chains.

2) Treatment

Treatment involves Trigger Point Release, Electroacupuncture, and a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approach—addressing both the musculoskeletal system and underlying energetic balance to optimize healing.

3) Recovery plan

We determine the ideal frequency of acupuncture treatments based on the individual’s condition. Typically, sessions start at 2 times per week for 6–8 weeks, then gradually decrease to once per week, followed by every other week until reaching a maintenance phase—which may be once per month or every few months depending on progress and goals.

What the research shows

Acupuncture in Musculoskeletal Surgery & Rehab — Simple Summary

Typical session frequency reflects common research/rehab protocols; your ND/PT may tailor based on healing stage and tolerance.
Condition What Improved Typical Frequency Used
🦵 Total Knee Replacement (TKA) Lower pain Less swelling Earlier ROM Less opioids Start day 0–2 if appropriate; then 2–3×/week for 2–4 weeks (EA optional)
🦴 Hip Replacement Lower pain Faster mobility 2×/week for 3–4 weeks in early rehab
🧵 Rotator Cuff Repair Lower shoulder pain Better ROM Faster function Begin week 1–2 post-op; 2×/week for 4–6 weeks
🦿 ACL Reconstruction Lower pain ↑ quad strength ↑ muscle mass 2–3×/week during weeks 1–6 of rehab
🦵 Meniscus Repair Lower pain/stiffness Improved knee mobility 2×/week for 3–4 weeks (early rehab phase)
✋ Wrist / TFCC Repair Lower pain ↑ grip strength ↑ wrist ROM Start ~week 3 post-op; 2–3×/week for 4 weeks (EA commonly used)
💪 Muscle Strain / Tear Lower inflammation Faster healing ↑ flexibility 1–2×/week for 2–4 weeks; space out as pain subsides
🧵 Tendinopathy (tennis elbow, Achilles, etc.) Lower pain ↑ local circulation Better function 1–2×/week for 4–6 weeks; combine with loading rehab
🏃 Ankle Sprain Lower swelling Earlier return to activity 2–3×/week during first 2 weeks, then taper
🧩 MCL / LCL Knee Injuries Lower pain Lower inflammation 2×/week for 3–4 weeks alongside bracing/physio
🦵 Osteoarthritis (knee/hip/shoulder) Lower pain ↑ mobility Better joint function 2×/week for 6–8 weeks; then weekly or bi-weekly taper
🖐️ Rheumatoid Arthritis (adjunct) Less morning stiffness Lower joint pain 1–2×/week during flares; space as symptoms stabilize
🧠 Stroke Rehab (motor recovery) ↑ limb mobility Better function Inpatient: 3–5×/week; Outpatient: 2–3×/week courses
🔌 Nerve Entrapment (carpal tunnel, sciatica) Lower pain/paresthesia Improved function 2×/week for 4–6 weeks; reassess
*EA = electroacupuncture. Protocols vary (points, intensity, session length). Frequency is adjusted for surgical timelines, tissue load, and patient response.

Selected References (Musculoskeletal Surgery & Rehab)

Key trials & reviews supporting the simple chart above. Mix of RCTs, meta-analyses, and rehabilitation studies.
  1. Ko HF, Zhang L, Tian G, et al. Effects of acupuncture on postoperative pain after total knee replacement: meta-analysis. Pain Med. 2021. PubMed
  2. Lindsey MH, Marks RM, Lazaro LE, et al. Role of acupuncture in postoperative pain after TKA: systematic review. J Arthroplasty. 2021. PubMed
  3. Huffman C, et al. Nurse-initiated auricular acupressure reduces analgesic use after TKA (review). Orthop Nurs. 2023. PMC
  4. Frontiers in Medicine (2020). Acupuncture after TKA: systematic review/meta-analysis. Frontiers
  5. Chen JH, Wu W, Wang S. Acupuncture in early rehab after TKA improves active ROM & short-term function (within 2 weeks). Front Med. 2024. PubMed
  6. Shin HR, et al. Perioperative acupuncture for total hip arthroplasty: overview & RCT links. Complement Ther Med. 2019. PMC
  7. Park HS, et al. Acupuncture for hip pain: systematic review of RCTs. J Pain Res. 2023. PMC
  8. Chen ZY, et al. Electroacupuncture + rehab for rotator cuff injury improves recovery speed vs rehab alone. Trials. 2024. PMC
  9. Chen JH, Wu W, Wang S. Meta-analysis: acupuncture after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair reduces pain & improves shoulder mobility. J Orthop Surg Res. 2025. PubMed
  10. Karamanlioglu DS, et al. Acupuncture improved pain, function, and shoulder ROM vs sham in subacromial impingement. Turk J Phys Med Rehab. 2024. PMC
  11. Zhang HN, et al. Network/meta-analysis across shoulder disorders: abduction/external rotation/flexion gains with acupuncture. Front Med. 2024. PMC
  12. Li Z, et al. Post-ACL surgery rehab with NMES increases quadriceps strength (short & long-term). Phys Ther Sport. 2025. PubMed | PMC refs
  13. Moran U, et al. Functional electrical stimulation following ACL reconstruction: review. Orthop Rev. 2019. PMC
  14. Xu J, et al. Electroacupuncture improves proprioception after ACL injury (experimental/clinical signals). Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2018. PMC
  15. Hasegawa S, et al. Early electrical muscle stimulation preserves muscle post-knee surgery (meniscus/ACL contexts). Manual Ther. 2011. PubMed
  16. Chang CM, et al. Electroacupuncture after arthroscopic TFCC repair improves wrist ROM & DASH (4-week course). J Orthop Surg Res. 2021. PubMed | Full text
  17. Fu J, et al. Electroacupuncture assisting postoperative healing of distal radius fractures: RCT protocol. J Orthop Surg Res. 2022. PMC
  18. Zhou Y, et al. Effectiveness of acupuncture for lateral epicondylitis: meta-analysis of RCTs. Braz J Phys Ther. 2020. PMC
  19. Park J, et al. Acupuncture for acute ankle sprain: systematic review/meta-analysis. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2013. PMC
  20. Kim TH, et al. Treating acute ankle sprains in adults (Cochrane-style review of RCTs). Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2014. PMC
  21. Tian H, et al. Acupuncture for knee OA: meta-analysis (pain/function benefits). J Pain Res. 2022. PubMed
  22. Chen H, et al. Durable 3–6 mo benefits after acupuncture for knee OA. Global Adv Health Med. 2024. PMC
  23. Vickers AJ, et al. Individual patient data meta-analysis: acupuncture for chronic pain (OA, shoulder, back/neck, headache). Arch Intern Med. 2012. PMC
  24. Li H, et al. Clinical efficacy of acupuncture for RA: systematic review. J Pain Res. 2022. PMC
  25. Seca S, et al. Acupuncture for RA: systematic review (pain/physical function/HRQoL). Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2019. PubMed
  26. Zhan J, et al. Acupuncture + rehabilitation vs rehab alone after stroke: meta-analysis (upper-limb FMA, pain). Front Neurol. 2022. PubMed
  27. Shi J, et al. Acupuncture plus rehab improves motor function and reduces pain post-stroke (47 studies). Am J Phys Med Rehabil. 2025. PubMed
  28. Dong Q, et al. Acupuncture for carpal tunnel syndrome: systematic review. Front Neurosci. 2023. Frontiers
  29. Yao E, et al. RCT: acupuncture vs sham with bracing for mild-moderate CTS. PM&R. 2012. PubMed
  30. Zhang Z, et al. Acupuncture for sciatica: systematic review/meta-analysis. Front Neurosci. 2023. Frontiers

References

  1. Itoh K, Katsumi Y, Hirota S, Kitakoji H. Randomised trial of trigger point acupuncture treatment for chronic shoulder pain: a preliminary study. Complement Ther Med. 2008;16(3):198–204.
  2. Chou LW, Hsieh YL, Kuan TS, Hong CZ. Needling therapy for myofascial pain: recommended technique with multiple rapid needle insertions. Am J Phys Med Rehabil. 2012;91(2):142–149.
  3. Zhao ZQ. Neural mechanism underlying acupuncture analgesia. Auton Neurosci. 2008;157(1-2):24–30.
  4. Sandberg M, Lindberg LG, Gerdle B. Peripheral and central effects of acupuncture on skin and muscle blood flow in fibromyalgia. Man Ther. 2003;8(2):107–115.
  5. Li J, et al. Clinical effect of acupuncture on ankle ligament injury: systematic review and meta-analysis. J Altern Complement Med. 2020;26(10):897–907.
  6. Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience. Acupuncture modulates inflammatory cytokines in clinical populations: meta-analysis. Front Behav Neurosci. 2024.