In their relentless pursuit of excellence, athletes are constantly pushing the boundaries of their physical abilities. However, the road to mastering the sport is not without challenges, and injuries are inevitable along the way. Traditionally, athletes have relied on traditional physical therapy to recover from these setbacks and regain their competitive edge. But when Ben Shelton walked onto the court of the U.S. Open with a cupping scar on his shoulder, a 20-year-old tennis phenomenon reignited the debate about the practice of alternative therapies.
Beyond the traditional realm of rehabilitation, Shelton joins an increasing number of athletes seeking alternative approaches that offer unique benefits and accelerate their path to peak performance. Sports organizations like NBA and the NFL invested in alternative medicine practices and platforms to make them accessible to more players.
“We are constantly seeking new knowledge, techniques and tools to ensure that NFL athletes receive the best care possible,” said Allen Sills, NFL Chief Medical Officer. press release.
In pursuit of faster recovery, enhanced strength and greater agility, as modern sports become increasingly demanding, athletes seek innovative and unconventional physical therapy methods such as cupping and acupuncture. Now These alternative approaches often draw inspiration from ancient therapies to reshape how athletes recover and perform.
cupping
Cupping, better known for the large circular bruises it leaves behind, is a treatment believed to remove negative pressure from the body. This therapeutic practice reportedly Its history dates back centuries and is most commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine. However, unlike Asian medicine, where cupping is used as part of a physical check-up, athletes use cupping to address blood flow, muscle stiffness, soreness, and promote muscle regeneration between matches. .
Cupping therapy involves placing special cups on the skin and using heat or air to create suction that pulls the skin and blood vessels.Sheldon may have regained his interest in this therapy, but Shaquille O’Neal documented In 2000, when he was with the Los Angeles Lakers, he went to an acupuncturist for a cupping treatment.
acupuncture
Derived from ancient Chinese medicine, acupuncture involves inserting fine needles into specific points on the body. This practice aims to balance the body’s life energy, known as “qi” (pronounced “chi”), while stimulating energy flow, reducing discomfort, and promoting the body’s natural healing processes. purpose. This practice is also believed to help with pain, fatigue, infertility, headaches, insomnia, anxiety and depression.
Athletes like Kobe Bryant have used acupuncture as a complementary therapy to support their physical health.For Bryant, he reportedly Throughout my basketball career, I have used acupuncture to manage pain and help with injury recovery. This technique helps reduce inflammation, relieve muscle tension and promote overall recovery, making it valuable for athletes seeking a natural, holistic way to optimize performance and stay in peak physical condition. It will be a useful tool.
Reiki
Reiki is a Japanese healing practice aimed at promoting relaxation and stress reduction and supporting the body’s natural healing processes. Based on the belief that energy imbalances can cause physical and mental distress, Reiki therapy includes the act of “laying on hands.” This is the act of the practitioner channeling energy through gentle hand movements with the goal of promoting healthy energy flow.
Athletes like Ja Morant report using Reiki as a complementary therapy to enhance their health. Morant, who was suspended for contact with law enforcement, has incorporated Reiki into her wellness routine to reduce stress, increase mental clarity, and maintain a balanced mental state. .
“I’m in a very comfortable space,” Morant said. interview. “I was constantly talking to my therapist. .”
This practice helps athletes manage career demands, optimize mental and physical performance, and promote overall wellness.
dry needling
Unlike acupuncture, dry acupuncture is a modern Western medical practice used to treat physical pain. Both treatments involve the insertion of needles, but dry needle sticks cannot balance the energies in the body. Instead, it uses needles and electrical stimulation to the affected muscle or “trigger point.”
According to medical expertsDry needling can be used before a match, after a match, during halftime or breaks, or after an injury, and may “enhance an athlete’s health and may improve sports performance.” Thus, Lakers’ Anthony Davis and former Steelers player James Harrison reportedly I used dry needling as a restorative treatment.
chiropractic care
One of the most popular and mainstream forms of alternative therapy is chiropractic care. This holistic healthcare approach focuses on musculoskeletal pain, usually in the spine and nervous system.
Athletes such as Tiger Woods, Venus Williams and Michael Jordan rely on chiropractic care to manage injuries, improve joint mobility, reduce pain and enhance overall performance. was often A chiropractor can help athletes by optimizing musculoskeletal health, reducing injury risk, and promoting faster recovery if an injury does occur.
Haniya Philozin is a multimedia storyteller and multicultural lifestyle reporter. With her passion for digital media, she works harder than ever to find new ways to tell and share her stories.
TheGrio is available free on your TV via Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Roku and Android TV. TheGrio’s Black Podcast Network is also free. Download the Grio Mobile App today! listen ‘write blackwith Maisha Kai.
