Muscular Injuries
The effect of acupuncture on muscle blood flow
Treating muscular conditions in the neck, shoulder, arms, back, hip and legs are a daily occurrence in Turnpike Clinic. Poor blood flow affects muscle pain though muscular pain occurs for many reasons, poor blood flow inside the muscle is a common cause (Tanaka, Mori et al. 2009). In order for the muscle to function, it must receive adequate blood flow. Compromised blood flow allows waste metabolic substances such as lactic acid to accumulate, resulting in muscle fatigue and pain and negatively affecting overall muscle endurance. Good blood flow enhances the removal of metabolic waste and allows the muscles to obtain more oxygen to perform their job.
Sufficient blood flow is also important to prevent injury. This is why it’s important to spend some time warming up before starting any serious physical activity.
How acupuncture improves muscle blood flow and helps attenuate pain and fatigue. A series of experimental studies demonstrated that acupuncture can improve blood flow in ischemic tissue (tissue with poor blood flow), thereby enhancing the removal of substances that cause pain and fatigue (Sandberg, Lundeberg et al. 2003; Sandberg, Lindberg et al. 2004; Sandberg, Larsson et al. 2005).
The increase in blood flow caused by acupuncture is mediated by two mechanisms: localized vasodilatations via the axon reflex and a generalized systemic response via the autonomic nervous system (Tanaka, Mori et al. 2009).
In clinical practice, it is important to consider and utilize these two mechanisms simultaneously to generate desirable short- and long-term clinical outcomes.
Different types of massage therapy have also been shown to positively influence blood circulation (Tanaka and Mori 2006).
Sufficient blood flow is also important to prevent injury. This is why it’s important to spend some time warming up before starting any serious physical activity. How acupuncture improves muscle blood flow and helps attenuate pain and fatigue A series of experimental studies demonstrated that acupuncture can improve blood flow in ischemic tissue (tissue with poor blood flow), thereby enhancing the removal of substances that cause pain and fatigue (Sandberg, Lundeberg et al. 2003; Sandberg, Lindberg et al. 2004; Sandberg, Larsson et al. 2005).
