1. Hip Bursitis: also-called trochanteric bursitis.
2. Snapping Hip Syndrome
3. Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS)
4. Patellofemoral Syndrome: also called "Runner's Knee,"
5. Pulled Hamstring
6. Plica Syndrome
7. Shin Splints
8. Stress Fractures
9. Ankle Sprain
10. Achilles tendonitis
11. Plantar Fasciitis
12. Arch pain
13. Exercise induced compartment syndrome
Most running related injuries are due to overuse, overtraining, improperly warm-up or a biomechanical flaw in body structure and motion. During the exercise and competition, there is a tendency to overdo things and cross the fine line between peak fitness and injury. Thus it is important to avoid “doing too and much too soon.”
Acupuncture has been in existence for over 3000 years. This ancient Chinese practice involves inserting fine needles in specific areas of the body to improve circulation, restore energy, and promote healing.
Research studies have shown that acupuncture stimulates endorphins, the body's natural painkillers, in the central nervous system and adenosine, another painkiller in the peripheral nervous system, and also increases range of motion. In 1996, the World Health Organization issued a report on the efficacy of acupuncture, saying that it could benefit patients with knee pain, plantar fasciitis, sprains, lower-back pain, and osteoarthritis. The main focus
of acupuncture is to maximize health, relieve pain, maintain balance in the body and increase vitality. This is accomplished by treating the person as a whole (i.e. physical, mental and emotional), not just the injured area.
The Chinese Tuina therapy is a kind of massage therapy in Chinese medicine. It stretches muscles, releases tension, breaks down scar tissue, promote the blood circulation and improve flexibility. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, any injury will cause damage to the Qi and Blood circulation in the body, which will then cause pain and swellings. The Tuina-massage can effectively promote the Qi and Blood circulation and remove the symptoms. Although there's limited research on it as an injury-prevention and treatment tool, Tuina-massage is especially beneficial for run injury prevention. Since the more miles you log, the more stress your body endures. Having a massage within 24 hours after an intense workout can soothe muscles and enhance recovery. Just as Scott Jurek says his weekly massage keeps him from getting sidelined.
In addition, Chinese Medicinal Herbs are also an option in treating and preventing run injury.
In my practice, I use west medicine to establish a diagnosis and use east medicine to do the treatment. Many athletes had been benefited from this therapy integration. I invite you to explore this safe and effective method of pain management
