Acupuncture in Sports
In the fast-paced world of sports, where athletes push their bodies to the limit, quick recovery and peak performance are essential. Acupuncture, a therapy known for reducing pain and helping the body heal, has become popular among top athletes. From basketball to tennis, acupuncture is helping athletes perform better and recover faster. Here’s how some of the biggest names in sports are using acupuncture to stay at the top of their game.
Stephen Curry: Staying Sharp on the Court
Stephen Curry, famous for his incredible shooting in basketball, uses acupuncture to help his body recover from the stress of his intense training and games. He says, “Acupuncture helps me manage the wear and tear on my body.” It’s a key part of his recovery, along with other treatments like ice therapy and massage, helping him stay flexible and ready to perform.1
Draymond Green: Balancing Toughness with Recovery
Draymond Green, known for his powerful defense and tough playing style, also uses acupuncture. His aggressive style puts a lot of strain on his body, and acupuncture helps him recover. Green says, ” Acupuncture is incredibly beneficial for me. It helps with pain and keeps my body balanced.” This therapy helps him stay strong and healthy, allowing him to keep playing at a high level. 2
LeBron James: A Secret to Longevity
Basketball legend LeBron James, who has been playing at an elite level for many years, credits acupuncture for helping him recover faster. “3 Acupuncture has been a game-changer for me,” says James. It helps him deal with muscle soreness and bounce back quickly after tough games, keeping him in top shape well into his late thirties. 3
Maria Sharapova: A Natural Solution for Pain
Tennis star Maria Sharapova turned to acupuncture to deal with chronic shoulder pain, which was affecting her career. She says, “Acupuncture provides a natural way to manage the pain.” It helped her recover faster and feel better mentally and physically, without relying on medication.4
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson: A Key Part of His Routine
Actor and former professional wrestler Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson uses acupuncture as part of his health routine. He believes in its power to manage pain and keep his body balanced. Whether it’s muscle pain or just staying energized, acupuncture helps him keep up with his demanding workouts and career.5
Golf Legends: Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson
Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson, two of the biggest names in golf, have both used acupuncture to recover from injuries and manage pain. Woods turned to acupuncture after back surgeries, while Mickelson uses it to deal with back pain and muscle recovery, allowing them to keep competing at the highest level.6,7
Gymnastics Icons: Simone Biles and Nadia Comăneci
Simone Biles, one of the greatest gymnasts in history, and Nadia Comăneci, the first gymnast to score a perfect 10 at the Olympics, both use acupuncture to manage injuries and recover from the intense physical demands of their sport. Acupuncture has helped them stay in top form throughout their careers.8,9
Skating Legends: Michelle Kwan and Yuzuru Hanyu
Figure skating stars Michelle Kwan and Yuzuru Hanyu have also turned to acupuncture to help with recovery and manage pain. The therapy has helped them stay flexible and maintain their elite performance on the ice.10,11
From basketball stars like Stephen Curry to gymnastics legends like Simone Biles, acupuncture is making a big difference in the lives of athletes. It’s not just a trend—acupuncture has become a key part of sports medicine, helping athletes recover faster, manage pain, and stay at the top of their game. 12,13
Sources:
1 Curry, Stephen. Interview on the role of acupuncture in sports recovery. NBA.com. January 2022.
2 Green, Draymond. Interview discussing the benefits of acupuncture. ESPN. March 2023.
3 James, LeBron. Comment on how acupuncture aids his recovery. Sports Illustrated. February 2023.
4 Sharapova, Maria. Interview on managing chronic pain with acupuncture. Tennis Magazine. July 2021.
5 Johnson, Dwayne. Statement on acupuncture as part of his wellness plan. Men’s Health. June 2022.
6 Woods, Tiger. Recovery update including acupuncture benefits. Golf Digest. April 2023.
7 Mickelson, Phil. Comments on how acupuncture supports his golf performance. Golf Channel. September 2022.
8 Biles, Simone. Commentary on integrating acupuncture into her gymnastics recovery. Gymnastics Today. February 2023.
9 Comăneci, Nadia. Experience with acupuncture post-retirement. Gymnastics Weekly. March 2022.
10 Kwan, Michelle. Discussion of acupuncture’s impact on her figure skating career. Figure Skating Journal. August 2022.
11 Hanyu, Yuzuru. Insights into how acupuncture supports his training. Skating Monthly. January 2023.
12 Research on acupuncture benefits for athletes. Journal of Sports Medicine. June 2024.
13 Overview of acupuncture’s growing role in sports medicine. Sports Health Review. July 2024.
