Acupuncture is an invaluable resource for increasing an athlete’s optimum performance during training and competition. Many top athletes use acupuncture to prevent injuries, as well as to speed recovery from existing injuries.
At some point in your athletic training, you will most likely develop “trigger points” in your muscles from overuse and repetitive motions. Trigger points, (also known as “ah shir”, or painful points in Chinese medicine) are small tender areas that develop in all connective tissue, especially muscle. Inactive trigger points can cause stiffness and decreased range of motion. Active trigger points cause pain either at the site of the trigger point or referred pain that radiates out from the tender point. Active trigger points in one muscle group may cause pain that forces you to compensate and overload another muscle group, resulting in a frustrating downward spiral of pain, dysfunction and inability to enjoy your sports activities.
Doctors who practice trigger point work, usually osteopaths or physical medicine specialists, typically treat by inserting a hypodermic needle into the trigger point and injecting it with a lidocaine solution. The disadvantage to this method is that it uses painfully thick hollow hypodermic needles and few areas can be treated in one session at a relatively high cost. Body workers trained in trigger point work locate them and apply pressure with their fingers or a massage tool. The disadvantage of this method is that it takes a long time to do what an acupuncture needle can do in just seconds.
Diana earned her Master’s degree at Tri-State College of Acupuncture in New York City. This is the only school in the United States that teaches an adaptation of trigger point therapy called Acupuncture Physical Medicine [APM]©. To the best of Diana’s knowledge, she is the only acupuncturist in Denver that performs this unique, effective method of treatment. APM is a comprehensive system combining classical meridian acupuncture with the treatment of trigger points using acupuncture needles to release tight bands of muscle.
As a yoga teacher for over a decade, Diana understands how keeping the body / mind connection strong will enhance your athletic performance. In her acupuncture practice, she uses visualization and breathing techniques to help you to relax your body while increasing concentration and focus. These tools are yours to take home and use in your active daily life. Diana may also recommend self-help through specific yoga poses or acupressure points to help you to relieve pain, build strength and increase flexibility.
• Ankle pain/strain
• Back pain
• Calf pain/cramps
• Elbow pain / “tennis elbow”
• Foot pain and Plantar Fascitis
• Hamstring strain
• Hip pain
• Hip Flexor strain
• IT band pain
• Runner’s knee
• Neck pain
• Psoas strain
• Piriformis pain / sciatica
• Sciatica
• Shoulder pain /Rotator cuff injury
• Wrist strain
• Race anxiety
• Performance enhancement
• Preventive maintenance
