Riding a bicycle is preferred by people across the globe for being active, staying in shape, and having an active life. With the increasing consciousness for a healthy life, more and more people are turning to cycling for different purposes. Some use a bicycle for recreation and fitness, while some even use it as a mode of transport. Many people have even started being a part of cycling sports such as cycle marathons and triathlons which includes cycling. However, while it’s such an excellent option for staying fit, cycling also has several risks of injuries. The most common cycling injuries occur due to excess cycling, lack of stretching before cycling, poor cycle set up and trauma following a collision or accident.
Cycling overuse can lead to inflammation, bruising, scar tissue, tension or persistent abnormal pain signals leading to pain and temporary dysfunction of the joints. Riding for miles can lead to cycling overuse injuries such as pain in the back, shoulder, neck, knee, and hip. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and ulnar nerve palsy also occur if one grips the handlebars tightly for a long time. These injuries and pains can be effectively treated with the help of right massages and acupuncture.
If you wondering what is acupuncture and how it can help you with cycling injuries, then here are the answers to your questions.
Acupuncture is a component of the traditional Chinese medicine that can be traced back at least 2,500 years. The theory of acupuncture is based on the fact that there are patterns of energy that flow (known as Qi) through the body which are essential for health. Disruptions of this flow are believed to be responsible for irritation, pains, discomfort, and even some diseases. Acupuncture works by stimulating specific anatomic sites commonly known as acupuncture points, or acupoints. The most common method used to stimulate acupoints is the insertion of fine, sterile needles into the skin.
Acupuncture works by restoring the normal energy balance within the body, thereby, allowing natural healing to occur. Acupuncture is fantastic for relaxing tight muscles, calming down irritated nerves, relieving pain, and restoring balance. This solution can also loosen joints which do not move properly and release the soft tissue pulling those bones into a stuck position. If the muscles are not overly tight, there is less opportunity for jamming of the joints or subluxation. Acupuncture may be used on its own or as an adjunct to conventional treatments, most commonly, massages. Massages with acupuncture work miraculously to lengthen muscles which are shortened from long hours in a fixed position while the acupuncture keeps them from contracting again.
Acupuncture can successfully treat immediate conditions of cycling overuse such as musculoskeletal problems (back pain, neck pain, knee pain and others) It also helps in treating the aftereffects of these pains such as nausea, migraine headache, anxiety, depression, and insomnia. If you too are suffering from cycling overuse injuries and pains, we suggest you try acupuncture and see the results. Get in touch with our experienced physiotherapists to start your treatment today.