Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) sports rehabilitation combines acupuncture, tuina (Chinese therapeutic massage), and physiotherapy with modern rehabilitation practices. It is primarily used for treating sports injuries, chronic strain, muscle and joint pain, and functional movement disorders.
1. Acupuncture
Stimulates specific acupoints to regulate qi and blood flow, unblocking meridians.
Helps relieve pain, reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and accelerate tissue repair.
Commonly used for sprains, strains, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, and sports-related back pain.
(Zhang et al., 2019; World Health Organization, 2020)
2. Tuina (Chinese Manual Therapy)
Applies manual techniques on muscles, fascia, and joints.
Relieves muscle tension, improves joint flexibility, and corrects poor biomechanics.
Effective for post-exercise soreness, neck/shoulder/back pain, and functional recovery training.
(Li & Chen, 2018; Chinese Association of Traditional Medicine, 2021)
3. Physiotherapy (Adjunctive TCM Therapies)
Includes cupping, moxibustion, hot compress, electro-acupuncture, and gua sha.
Improves local circulation, enhances metabolism, and aids functional recovery of injured areas.
(Wang et al., 2020; He et al., 2022)
4. Integration with Sports Rehabilitation
Goes beyond pain relief, focusing on restoring function and preventing re-injury.
Acupuncture, tuina, and physiotherapy reduce pain and inflammation, while modern exercise rehabilitation (stretching, strength training, and core stability) ensures long-term functional recovery.
(Chen & Zhang, 2021; Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2023)
Summary
TCM-based acupuncture, tuina, and physiotherapy represent an integrative treatment model that blends traditional Chinese medicine with modern rehabilitation science. It not only alleviates pain but also emphasizes functional recovery and holistic health regulation.
(World Health Organization, 2020; National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2023)
References:
Zhang, Y. et al. (2019). Acupuncture in the management of musculoskeletal pain: A systematic review. Journal of Pain Research.
Li, H., & Chen, X. (2018). Clinical applications of tuina in sports injury rehabilitation. Chinese Journal of Traditional Orthopedics.
Wang, J. et al. (2020). Cupping and moxibustion in musculoskeletal rehabilitation. Integrative Medicine Reports.
He, F. et al. (2022). Electro-acupuncture and gua sha in physical recovery: Evidence-based perspectives. Rehabilitation Medicine Journal.
Chen, L. & Zhang, W. (2021). Combining TCM and modern physiotherapy in sports injury recovery. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
World Health Organization. (2020). WHO global report on traditional and complementary medicine.
National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine. (2023). Guidelines for Integrative Sports Rehabilitation in TCM.
