The repetitive motion of riding a bike and sitting in the same position for long periods of time can take a negative toll on the rider’s upper body, arms and knees. Specifically, the shoulders, neck, back, tail bone, wrist, forearms and knees take the brunt of the ride. If you’re riding long distances or are an older rider, you’re likely to experience more chronic discomfort. It’s essential that you keep your body hydrated so your tissue stays flexible, do daily stretches and always stretch before and after each and every bike ride.
What if all that isn’t enough? What if wearing the proper gear that’s supposed to provide maximum support and prevent injury doesn’t work effectively? Then you’ll need to address the aches and joint pains of overuse before it becomes chronic, especially if you’re not looking to stop cycling anytime soon. While acupuncture might not seem like it would be the best option to address these injuries, the treatment can do much more than you’d think.
Pain Relief
Acupuncture is quick and effective at stopping any pain at the source, as well as reducing inflammation in joints that are common among active cyclists. The experience of pain relief is usually instantaneous and eliminates the immediate need for pharmaceuticals or other unnatural remedies.
Faster Healing
Whether you’re experiencing a one-time injury or chronic pain due to overuse, acupuncture treatments allow for an acceleration of the body’s natural healing process. This is done through the stimulation of blood flow at the site of the injury, agitating stagnation, and encouraging important nutrients to move towards the injury for a faster recovery.
Relax Tense Muscles
Acupuncture increases flexibility through working with connective tissue. This treatment affects the kinesthetic connection across your entire body. In order for muscles to properly relax, they need to be surrounded by flexible connective tissue. Acupuncture also works to loosen up stiffness in the quads, hamstrings, hip flexors and lower back.
Calm Irritated Nerves
The overuse of your body through rigorous activity can result in pinched nerves. Whether it’s caused by bones, scar tissue, muscles or adhesions, acupuncture can open up the space around the nerves, encouraging them to heal more effectively.
At Inspirit Health Group, we want to help our patients heal their bodies through the use of conscious and comprehensive medical care. Without harmony between the mind, body and spirit, any and all pain will present itself, intensifying over time until it becomes unbearable. Located in Vancouver, British Columbia, we treat each patient as an individual, getting to know them and not just their symptoms. Our experienced Vancouver staff offers acupuncture services along with massage therapy, naturopathic medicine, allergy testing, diet counselling, clinical counselling and more. To learn more about how you can find balance within your body, give our Yaletown acupuncturists a call to book your appointment today.
