Improving blood circulation can have many positive benefits for athletes looking to improve their performance while reducing pain and muscle tightness. Whether you are a professional athlete, work out regularly, or play sports for fun, acupuncture and massage therapy can help stimulate the required blood flow you need to notice a difference in your fitness and recovery.
At Bowen Hills Acupuncture and Remedial Therapies, we offer both acupuncture and remedial massage solutions to help aid blood circulation for our clients. You will be looked after by Ken, who holds a Bachelor of Health Science (Acupuncture) and a Cert IV in Ammo Tuina Traditional Chinese Massage, while being an athlete himself and possessing a deep knowledge about sports recovery.
Let’s take a look at how blood circulation can be improved through acupuncture and remedial massage, and why these forms of treatment may be beneficial for you as an athlete
The Basics of Blood Circulation and Athletic Performance
Athletes need strong blood circulation to aid their performance, mitigate muscle soreness, and optimise injury recovery. If you regularly partake in physical exercise, then maintaining adequate blood flow is crucial to every aspect of being active. Blood flow provides much-needed oxygen to your tissues to help them better operate and recover, meaning the greater your circulation, the more likely your muscles will be able to perform these tasks.
Both professional and amateur athletes are encouraged to take the necessary steps towards improving their blood circulation so their muscle tissues will continually receive this oxygen. While these steps can include better hydration and rest, acupuncture and remedial massage may also help your blood circulation so you can run faster, jump higher, and recover more quickly.
Acupuncture’s Potential Role in Supporting Circulation
Acupuncture is a therapy steeped in ancient tradition, offering a potential way for athletes seeking enhanced performance and recovery strategies. We recommend reading our Athlete’s Guide to Sports Massage and Acupuncture.
A 2016 systematic review of all available randomised controlled trials (RCTs) discussed whether acupuncture may potentially enhance blood flow and facilitate more efficient delivery of oxygen and nutrients to tissues, supporting muscle recovery and endurance. Eight RCTs met the inclusion criteria and while this systematic review could not draw firm conclusions about the effectiveness of acupuncture in increasing blood circulation, all the trials included in the review showed some changes in circulation.
While intriguing, it is important to recognise that the evidence surrounding acupuncture’s impact on blood circulation varies. Some research suggests that acupuncture may indeed have a positive effect on circulation, contributing to improved muscle recovery and overall athletic performance. However, these findings are not definitive, and responses to acupuncture can differ from person to person.
If you are interested in exploring this therapy, it’s recommended to consult with the professionals at Bowen Hills Acupuncture and Remedial Therapies so we can tailor a treatment plan suited to your individual needs and goals.
Massage Therapy’s Potential Role in Supporting Circulation
Remedial massage aims to potentially resolve damaged, knotted, and tense muscles, as well as the enhancement of blood circulation. By applying targeted pressure to muscle tissue, these techniques seek to alleviate tension and improve the flow of blood throughout the body, potentially speeding up recovery and improving performance.
While many individuals report positive outcomes, it’s important to acknowledge that the effectiveness of remedial massage can vary widely. More comprehensive research is needed to fully understand its impact, suggesting a personalised approach when integrating it into a wellness routine.
Contact Bowen Hills Acupuncture and Remedial Therapies
If you want to find out more about how our acupuncture and remedial massage services can help circulate blood flow and improve your athletic performance, book an initial appointment at Bowen Hills Acupuncture and Remedial Therapies today.
