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Application of Acupuncture Therapy in Sports InjuriesHe Jianxin, Xinjiang University HospitalAbstract: This article introduces the experience and insights gained from using filiform needle therapy and the “New Nine Needles” technique in the treatment of sports injuries. It is believed that this treatment method has broader indications and significant efficacy compared to using filiform needles alone, making it worthy of promotion and application.Sports injuries are common clinical conditions. Over the past seven to eight years, I have extensively applied acupuncture therapy and the “New Nine Needles” technique developed by Shi Huaitang, director of the Shanxi Acupuncture Research Institute, in the treatment of such diseases, achieving good results. The report is as follows:1. Soft Tissue Strain of the Neck:Treatment Method: ① Use a magnetic round needle (developed by Teacher Shi Huaitang, same below) to tap along the cervical spine (bilaterally) and the affected area with moderate force several times until local redness appears. ② Use filiform needles to puncture the affected side’s Fengchi (GB20), Tianzhu (BL10), cervical spine, Houxi (SI3), and Xuanzhong (GB39) points, applying a reducing technique and leaving the needles for 20 minutes.If the patient is severe, additional use of the sharp hook needle (also developed by Teacher Shi Huaitang, same below) can be applied to puncture the Ah Shi point 2-3 times.This method is performed once daily. It is also effective for stiff neck.Case: A XXX, male, Uyghur, 18 years old, new university student, consulted in October 1986. He reported that he injured his neck while rolling over before physical education class yesterday, with pain and limited movement.Examination: There was significant tenderness on the left side of the C4-6 spinous processes, with no visible abnormalities, and limited rotation and backward bending of the head.Diagnosis: Soft tissue strain of the neck.Treatment: After one treatment with the above method, he was more than half recovered, and after two treatments, he completely returned to normal.2. Shoulder Injury: Often caused by excessive and large shoulder rotation movements during sports, resulting in soft tissue damage.Point Selection: Select relevant acupoints based on the location of the injury and the meridian pathway, such as Jianyu (LI15), Jianliao (SJ14), Jianjing (GB21), Juban (SI9), Naozhen (SI11), Bingfeng (LI16), Tianzong (SI11), and distal points such as Hegu (LI4), Houxi (SI3), Zhongzhu (TE3), and Waiguan (TE5).Treatment Method: ① Use a magnetic round needle to tap the injury site and along the meridian pathway with moderate force until local redness appears. ② Based on the injury site, select local acupoints and distal acupoints for filiform needle insertion, applying a reducing technique and leaving the needles for 20 minutes. ③ After puncturing the Ah Shi point 2-3 times with the sharp hook needle, apply cupping for 15 minutes to extract blood. This method is performed every two days.Case: Ma X, female, Uyghur, 17 years old, sports class student, first consulted in early September 1989. The team teacher reported that two days ago, during a volleyball match, she felt severe pain in her right shoulder after spiking, leading to limited function and causing her to withdraw from the match. There was no significant effect from medication.Examination: There was significant tenderness in the anterior inferior aspect of the right shoulder and the supraspinous and infraspinous fossae, with slight swelling visible. Pain intensified during abduction and forward spiking movements.Diagnosis: Soft tissue injury of the shoulder.Treatment: Initially treated with the above method, then filiform needles were used to puncture Jianyu (LI15), Tianzong (SI11), Bingfeng (LI16), and Jianzheng (SI9), all with a reducing technique and leaving the needles for 20 minutes. After the procedure, she reported significant pain relief, and after continuing the above method for two more treatments, she was cured.3. Chest Contusion:Treatment Method: ① Use a plum blossom needle to tap the corresponding Jiaji points on the affected area several times with moderate force, and then tap the Ah Shi point until slight bleeding occurs, followed by cupping for 10-15 minutes. ② Use filiform needles to puncture the acupoints along the meridian pathway corresponding to the affected area, such as Yanglingquan (GB34) and Zhigou (SJ6) for rib pain, and Neiguan (PC6) for anterior chest pain, applying a reducing technique and leaving the needles for 20 minutes. During the needle retention period, instruct the patient to take deep breaths and cough.Case: An X, male, Uyghur, 20 years old, police officer, consulted in May 1990. His parents reported that he suddenly felt sharp pain in the left side of his chest like a needle after performing a task, accompanied by chest tightness, making it difficult to take deep breaths or cough, and he could not lie flat, causing him to rest his head on the table all night. Examination at XX Hospital and X-ray showed no abnormalities, and medication was ineffective.Examination: There was strong tenderness in the left chest between the 5th and 6th ribs along the midclavicular line, but no visible abnormalities, and he was moaning continuously.Diagnosis: Chest contusion.Treatment: Initially treated with the first method, then filiform needles were used to puncture Neiguan (PC6), Zhaohai (KD6), and Shanzhong (RN17), applying a reducing technique and leaving the needles for 20 minutes, instructing him to try coughing and taking deep breaths. During the needle retention, the pain significantly decreased, and he could cough and take deep breaths with ease, stating that it felt like “the window was opened, and air was coming in, which was very comfortable.” The next day, his mother accompanied him for a follow-up, stating that he had been feeling well since returning home yesterday afternoon, but the chest pain recurred in the evening, although it was mild, allowing him to lie flat and rest through the night. He was treated again with the previous method, and the pain disappeared. Two days later, the patient happily called to report that after the second treatment, he had fully recovered and returned to work.4. Acute and Chronic Injury of the Interspinous and Supraspinous Ligaments (Lumbar and Back Region):Treatment Method:Acute: ① Use a plum blossom needle to tap the lumbar and back Du meridian and Jiaji points heavily. After tapping the Ah Shi point until slight bleeding occurs, apply cupping for 15 minutes to extract a small amount of blood. ② Use filiform needles to puncture the intervertebral points (between the spinous processes) and the Jiaji points in the affected area, applying a reducing technique and leaving the needles for 20 minutes. After needle removal, use filiform needles to puncture Renzhong (GV26) and both Houxi (SI3) points, instructing the patient to perform forward and backward bending movements for 5 minutes. This method is performed once daily.Chronic: In addition to the above method, use filiform needles and fire needles in a 3:1 ratio (i.e., after three treatments with filiform needles, use fire needles for one treatment) to puncture the intervertebral points and Jiaji points. This method is performed every three days.Case 1: Li XX, male, Han, 21 years old, new university student, consulted in September 1988. He reported that two days ago, he suddenly felt back pain while playing basketball, and medication had no effect. Currently, he has limited bending ability and has no similar medical history.Examination: There was significant superficial tenderness at the L3-5 spinous processes and interspinous spaces, with tenderness also present at the adjacent Jiaji points. Bending forward increased the pain, and no other abnormalities were noted.Diagnosis: Acute injury of the supraspinous ligament.Treatment: After one treatment with the above method, the symptoms completely disappeared, and follow-up indicated he had recovered.Case 2: Mei XX, male, 36 years old, Uyghur, teacher, consulted in July 1990. He reported that more than six months ago, he experienced severe back pain while spiking a volleyball, which slightly improved with rest and heat application but continued to cause pain. Three days ago, after moving watermelons, the back pain worsened, limiting his ability to bend and even making it difficult to tie his shoes, with medication providing no relief.Examination: There was significant tenderness at the L4-5 interspinous space, and pressure increased the pain, with tenderness also present at the adjacent Jiaji points and muscle tension in the lumbar region. X-ray examination showed no bone abnormalities.Diagnosis: Chronic injury of the interspinous ligament.Treatment: ① Use a plum blossom needle to tap the lumbosacral Du meridian and the affected Jiaji points. ② Use filiform needles to puncture the L4-5 interspinous space and the adjacent Jiaji points, applying cupping for 20 minutes. In the second consultation, two days later, he reported a significant increase in bending ability, but still experienced pain while tying shoes. The same treatment was applied, followed by puncturing Renzhong (GV26) and both Houxi (SI3) points, leaving the needles for 10 minutes while instructing him to perform forward and backward bending movements. In the third consultation, two days later, he reported that he was more than half recovered. Fine fire needles were used for deep and rapid puncturing of the L4-5 interspinous space, adjacent Jiaji points, and both Yaoyangguan (GV3) points.Several days later, he encountered me after class, stating that after three treatments, the symptoms had completely resolved, and he had returned to normal activities.5. Superior Gluteal Nerve Injury:Treatment Method: ① Deeply puncture the affected side’s Zhijian (GB30) and Huantiao (GB29) points with filiform needles, requiring the needle sensation to first diffuse outward and then spread to the leg and foot, applying a reducing technique without leaving the needles. ② Fire needles: Puncture the Ah Shi point and leave the needles. It is essential to puncture the pathological reaction material accurately, and multiple punctures can be performed, leaving the needles for 1 minute each. This method is performed every two days.Case: Wu XX, male, Han, 24 years old, worker, consulted in December 1989. He reported that several days ago, due to heavy overtime work repairing cars, he gradually felt pain in his waist and left buttock, with limited movement, and in recent days, he also felt pulling pain in his left leg. Medication had no significant effect. XX Hospital’s surgery department diagnosed him with “superior gluteal nerve injury.”Examination: A cord-like structure could be palpated about 3-4 cm below the left iliac crest, with significant tenderness, and no other abnormalities.Treatment: Initially, filiform needles were used to puncture the affected Zhijian (GB30) and Huantiao (GB29) points (both in the lateral recumbent position), applying a reducing technique to allow the needle sensation to diffuse outward and then to the foot, with rapid puncturing without leaving the needles. Next, fine fire needles were used to puncture the cord-like structure three times, leaving the needles for 1 minute each.Progress: After the first consultation, the symptoms were significantly reduced, and he returned to normal work. More than ten days later, during a follow-up, he reported that there were still slight symptoms, and the same treatment was applied. His wife later reported that he had fully recovered and had not experienced any issues for over a year.6. Piriformis Syndrome:Treatment Method: Mild cases: ① Filiform needles: Deeply puncture the affected side’s Jiayi (GB30), Zhijian (GB30), Huantiao (GB29), and Ah Shi points, requiring the needle sensation to first diffuse outward and then to the foot. Then puncture Weizhong (BL40), Yanglingquan (GB34), and Zusanli (ST36) points, applying a reducing technique and leaving the needles for 20 minutes. Cupping is applied for 15 minutes on the Ah Shi point. ② Fire needles: After filiform needle treatment, use fine fire needles for deep and rapid puncturing of the Ah Shi point 2-3 times. This method is performed every two days.Severe cases: Injection therapy: Select Dazhui (GV14), affected side’s Ciliao (BL32), Zhijian (GB30), Huantiao (GB29), Ah Shi point, Yanglingquan (GB34), and Chengshan (BL57) points, using 20 ml of 10% glucose and 100 mg each of vitamin B1 and B6 injection. After routine disinfection of each point, the injections are performed sequentially. Before injecting the Ah Shi point, the needle must be inserted until a sensation of qi is felt, then 10 ml is injected into the Ah Shi point, and 2-5 ml is injected into the other points. This method is performed every two days, with 10 treatments constituting one course.Case 1: Jia XX, female, Han, 22 years old, student, first consulted in May 1984. She reported that five days ago, after high jump training, she experienced pain in the right waist, buttock, and leg, with limited movement. She had previously been diagnosed with “piriformis syndrome” at a hospital, and medication and electrical therapy had no significant effect.Examination: There was significant tenderness at the right Dazhui (GV14) and Guanyuan (RN4) points. The right gluteus maximus showed slight swelling, and there was significant deep tenderness in the projection area of the piriformis muscle. The straight leg raise test showed significant pain at 60°, while pain decreased after 60°.Diagnosis: Piriformis syndrome (mild).Treatment: In addition to the above filiform needle technique, the right Dazhui (GV14) point was also punctured to allow the needle sensation to reach the foot, and fire needles were applied as above. After two treatments, the symptoms disappeared, and she was considered cured.Case 2: Ai XX, male, 49 years old, Uyghur, cadre, first consulted in September 1990. He reported that two days ago, he suddenly experienced severe pain in his waist and legs while sleeping at night, making it impossible to sleep, with difficulty turning over and bending. After two days of medication and electrical therapy, his condition worsened, and he was bedridden. He had a history of sports injuries in his youth, and X-ray examination showed no bone changes.Examination: There was significant tenderness at the right Dazhui (GV14), Zhijian (GB30), Huantiao (GB29), and the projection area of the piriformis muscle. There was significant tenderness along the back of the right leg following the pathway of the Yangming meridian, including Chengfu (BL36), Yinmen (BL37), Weizhong (BL40), and along the pathway of the Taiyang meridian, including Zusanli (ST36) and Shangjuxu (ST37). There was also significant numbness in the outer calf, with pain radiating to the lower abdomen and groin. The straight leg raise test showed significant pain below 60°, while pain decreased above 60°.Diagnosis: Piriformis syndrome (severe).Treatment Progress: Initially treated with the above acupuncture method for two sessions, resulting in slight symptom relief, then switched to injection therapy. After three treatments, the back pain disappeared, and the pain in the buttock and leg significantly reduced, but numbness persisted. After 10 treatments, the symptoms completely disappeared, and he returned to normal work.7. Medial and Lateral Collateral Ligament Injuries of the Knee:Treatment Method: ① Use a sharp hook needle to puncture the Ah Shi point several times to induce slight bleeding (if the affected area is large, use a plum blossom needle to tap the affected area to induce slight bleeding), followed by cupping to extract a small amount of blood. ② For lateral collateral ligament injuries, puncture Xiyangguan (GB34) and Yanglingquan (GB34); for medial injuries, puncture Weizhong (BL40) and Yinlingquan (SP9), applying a reducing technique without leaving the needles. This method is performed every other day.Case: Luo X, female, Han, 21 years old, student, first consulted in May 1990. She reported that yesterday afternoon, while playing soccer, she suddenly felt pain on the inner side of her right knee and could not continue playing. Currently, she is limping. She has no previous similar medical history.Examination: There were two significant tenderness points on the inner condyle of the right knee, with slight swelling, and the valgus stress test was positive.Diagnosis: Medial collateral ligament injury.Treatment: ① After puncturing the two painful points with a sharp hook needle, cupping was applied for 15 minutes, resulting in significant bleeding. ② Filiform needles were used to puncture the affected Xuehai (SP10) and Yinlingquan (SP9) points, applying a reducing technique without leaving the needles. After the procedure, limping disappeared, but slight pain remained during internal rotation. After two days, the same method was applied again, resulting in complete recovery.8. Meniscus Injury:Treatment Method: Use filiform needles to puncture the inner and outer knee points, He Ding (ST35), Yanglingquan (GB34), and Yinlingquan (SP9), applying a reducing technique and leaving the needles for 30 minutes. During this period, connect to an electroacupuncture machine (G6805) using continuous wave for 10 minutes, then switch to sparse-dense wave for 20 minutes, adjusting the intensity to the patient’s tolerance. Sometimes, a one-inch long moxa stick can be inserted into the filiform needle handle at the inner and outer knee points for warming needle therapy (these two points do not use electroacupuncture at this time). This method is performed every two days, with ten treatments constituting one course.Case: Wang XX, female, 42 years old, Han, teacher at a secondary school, first consulted in early summer 1986. She reported that more than ten days ago, during a tug-of-war competition, she exerted too much force and immediately felt pain inside her right knee and on the inner side, with medication proving ineffective. The surgery department at the hospital diagnosed her with medial collateral ligament injury accompanied by meniscus injury, recommending surgery, which she refused, opting for acupuncture treatment instead.Examination: While walking, she limped on her right foot, and her knee could not fully extend. There was slight swelling in the knee joint, and significant tenderness was noted at the knee points and the attachment of the medial condyle, with positive grinding and valgus stress tests.Treatment Progress: Acupoints selected included inner and outer knee points, He Ding (ST35), Yanglingquan (GB34); additional points included Zusanli (ST36), Xuehai (SP10), and Yinlingquan (SP9). Filiform needles were used to puncture the upper points, applying a reducing technique, followed by electroacupuncture as described above for 30 minutes every two days. Sometimes, warming needle therapy was applied at the knee points. After one course, pain significantly decreased, and after two courses, symptoms disappeared, with everything returning to normal.9. Ankle Soft Tissue Injury:Treatment Method: ① First, use a sharp hook needle to puncture the Ah Shi point (if swelling is significant, use a three-edged needle to puncture the most swollen area several times, followed by cupping for 10 minutes to allow a large amount of blood to flow out), most patients report significant pain relief after this procedure. If pain persists, ② use filiform needles to puncture the outer ankle points, such as Qiu Xu (ST41), Shen Mai (BL62), and Jie Xi (ST44) for outer ankle injuries; for inner ankle injuries, puncture Shang Qiu (SP5), Zhaohai (KD6), and Jie Xi (ST44). All methods apply a reducing technique and leave the needles for 20 minutes. ③ For chronic cases, warming needle or fire needle therapy can be applied at the Ah Shi point, performed every two days.Case: Fang XX, female, Han, over 50 years old, teacher, first consulted in November 1989. She reported that two hours ago, she fell while going down the stairs and immediately felt pain in her left outer ankle, but she insisted on teaching two more classes. Later, the pain became unbearable, making it difficult to walk, and her husband brought her in by bicycle for treatment.Examination: There was slight swelling around the left outer ankle joint, with strong tenderness at two points just below and in front of the ankle joint, and X-ray examination showed no bone abnormalities.Diagnosis: Ankle soft tissue sprain.Treatment: ① After puncturing the two tenderness points with a sharp hook needle, cupping was applied for 10 minutes, resulting in approximately 8 ml of blood. ② Filiform needles were used to puncture Jie Xi (ST44), Qiu Xu (ST41), Xuanzhong (GB39), and Shen Mai (BL62) points, applying a reducing technique and leaving the needles for 20 minutes.After the procedure, pain significantly decreased, and she walked home by herself. After two more treatments with the same method, she was cured.10. Tennis Elbow:Treatment Method: ① Filiform needles: First, deeply puncture the affected arm’s Shizhu (LI5) point through the lateral epicondyle of the humerus, applying a lifting and thrusting technique without leaving the needles. Then, accurately locate the tender point (this is the key to treatment; if the tender point is not accurately located, it is difficult to achieve results) and use a 1-inch short needle for puncturing (1 in the middle and 4 around), with the middle needle using warming needle therapy, followed by puncturing Qu Chi (LI11) and San Li (ST36) points, leaving the needles for 20 minutes and applying a reducing technique. ② If the pain area is slightly larger, plum blossom needles can be used to tap the painful area, followed by cupping to extract a small amount of blood.This method is performed every two days.Case: Li XX, female, 42 years old, Han, new employee, first consulted in early summer 1981. She reported that there was no obvious cause for her right elbow pain for over ten days, with limited movement while pouring water and sweeping the floor, and medication was ineffective.Examination: There was a small sensitive point at the lateral epicondyle of the right humerus, with pain in the forearm muscles. Pain intensified during fist clenching and rotation.Diagnosis: Tennis elbow.Treatment: After one treatment with the above method, pain decreased, and after four treatments, she was cured.Experience: 1. Sports injuries fall under the category of “injury medicine” in traditional Chinese medicine. Acupuncture treatment for such diseases has a long history. Through years of clinical experience, I have found that acupuncture treatment for sports injuries is characterized by quick effects, high efficacy, low time consumption, and patient acceptance, which is particularly significant for grassroots medical units, especially for university hospitals and health clinics serving students and faculty who have tight schedules and limited time.2. The “New Nine Needles” technique developed by Shi Huaitang has broader indications and significant efficacy compared to using filiform needles alone. It aligns with the discussion in the “Lingshu” that “the nine needles each have their purpose, with different lengths and sizes, and new applications; if not used correctly, the disease cannot be alleviated.” For some conditions where filiform needles alone are ineffective, the New Nine Needles also demonstrate high efficacy. Therefore, the New Nine Needles technique is worthy of vigorous promotion and application.
▶ Note: This article was organized by Peiyi Education (WeChat public account: TCM-EDU), excerpted from the “Journal of Acupuncture” 1991, Issue 4, authored by He Jianxin. The various prescriptions and formulas mentioned are for reference and learning purposes only and should not be used as prescriptions. Please do not use them blindly; this platform does not bear any responsibility for any consequences arising from this!
Further Reading
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True Transmission of the Nine Needles, Professor Qiao Zhengzhong’s Clinical Operation Video of the New Nine Needles
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Inheriting the New Nine Needles, Needle Tips Through Spring and Autumn
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