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Athletes around the world are discovering that acupuncture and Oriental medicine speeds the recovery from injuries and therefore decreases lost time from training and competing. The 1998 Winter Olympics at Nagano, Japan highlighted the effectiveness of Oriental medicine when many of the world's foremost athletes chose acupuncture for the treatment of their injuries to keep them in the Olympic games.
One of the biggest proponents of acupuncture at the Olympics was figure skater Elvis Stojko, who received regular treatments to combat pain from a groin injury, pinched nerves, as well as recover from the flu that affected many of the athletes. Elvis stated that he couldn't have competed in the Olympics without undergoing acupuncture treatments. A strong testimonial to the power of Oriental medicine.
Another U.S. Olympic athlete that received acupuncture at the Olympic games was Brian Shimer of The Spirit of Florida bobsled team. In preparation for the competition, Brian received acupuncture on his back & legs to relieve his aches & pains, vowing to be ready for the upcoming bobsled event. Austrian skiing wonder Hemann Maier, following his horrific crash off an icy slope during the Olympic downhill competition, chose acupuncture to help treat his bruised shoulder and chest and sprained right knee.
Another downhill skier, Cary Mullen, used acupuncture to overcome double vision and headaches that resulted from a serious concussion received in a crash on Dec. 5, 1998.
Susan Humphreys, Canadian figure skating champion, received acupuncture treatments, along with other therapy, for an infection on her left ankle, thereby allowing her to continue competing at the Olympics.
Kevin Overland, the Canadian speed-skater who won the bronze medal at Nagano was almost unable to compete this year due to a hip injury. "I'd been in physical therapy a million and one times," said Overland. "I knew it wouldn't help in time, and a friend recommended acupuncture. I've really reacted well to it."
With million dollar contracts for professional athletes, the pressure is on to keep these people healthy and in top condition. More and more, these teams are turning to the time proven methods of Oriental medicine to heal their athletes and keep them in the game. It is becoming the norm, rather than the exception, to see an acupuncturist as part of the health care staff of professional teams.
Among the big names of athletes who have used acupuncture is NBA guard Muggsy Bogues of the Charlotte Hornets. Bogues was suffering from chronic knee pain that was threatening to end his career. With the help of an acupuncturist, he was able to overcome the condition and continue his career.
Last season, Jaromir Jagr of the Pittsburgh Penguins used acupuncture for the treatment of a groin injury. This type of injury can keep an athlete on the bench for a whole season, but with proper treatment with Oriental medicine, recovery might only take a week or less. "It's too bad I didn't do it last season, or earlier this season," said Jagr of his acupuncture treatment. "I just took it once, and it helped me. I've got no problem. No pain. And at least I know that if I have the problem again I have a cure." It was the Penguins' physical therapist, Mark Mortland, who introduced Jagr to Dr. John Lee who performed the acupuncture. Jagr said "...it was like a miracle to me, and I'm glad I did it. At least I can play again."
Six time Wimbledon champion Steffi Graf also realized the benefits of Oriental medicine when she injured her left knee. In regards to how she was treating her knee Graf said, "I've been undergoing all sorts of therapy - acupuncture, electric stimulation, massage - everything I can do to improve it." The list of professional athletes who have realized the benefits of acupuncture and Oriental medicine is growing every day. Carl Lewis, Kimiko Date, Jim McMahon and Charles Barkley have all experienced first hand what a powerful healing tool this medicine provides.
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"Early in my career, there were three 'solutions' to almost any injury: cut, shoot, or rest...Now, athletes cannot afford to lose even a few days of training in a season, and when my choices became herbs, ointments, and acupuncture needles instead of 'stay off it for a week,' I went from good to great."
Kate Schmidt, Olympic Medalist, Women's Javelin
"Using herbs, acupuncture, and chiropractic has helped me stay in the sport for a long time. If I would have gone the conventional way, I would not have been able to last for the ten years I was in triathlon sport."
Collen Cannon, Professional Triathlete
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