The tensor fasciae latae is a narrow muscle situated on the outside of the thigh that spans from the hip to the tibia. Relatively small, this muscle belongs to the gluteal muscle group and is involved in hip flexion, stabilization, and abduction. The TFL plays a critical role in hip mechanics, whether you’re getting up from a chair or walking up a flight of stairs. Overuse or improper use of the tensor fascia latae can lead to severe pain which can limit your mobility and radiate to other parts of your body. Fortunately, acupuncture for tensor fasciae latae pain is an effective all-natural treatment for this common condition.
Acupuncture can help you overcome the aches, pain, and stiffness caused by inflamed tensor fasciae latae muscles. Acupuncture alleviates muscle tension while also reducing inflammation, eliminating pain, and making it easier for you to use your muscles properly.
Why is acupuncture for tensor fasciae latae pain so effective?
Tensor fasciae latae pain can make something as simple as walking down the block difficult. If you’re an athlete, especially a cyclist, then you’re at an increased risk of developing a TFL injury. Overuse of these muscles can lead to chronic inflammation. TFL pain can range from sharp, shooting pains down the outside of your leg, to a deep, dull ache that worsens with exercise.
Improper use of the tensor fasciae latae muscles is a major contributor to this type of pain. Not stretching before or after exercise can cause these muscles to become stiff. If your tensor fasciae latae muscles aren’t working correctly, then nearby muscles must work harder to compensate. Over time, this can lead to widespread musculoskeletal dysfunction and chronic pain.
Acupuncture for tensor fasciae latae pain is highly effective because it targets tense, overused muscles and forces them to relax. As needles are inserted, this triggers a rush of blood to the injured area. This increase in circulation provides the body with oxygen and other materials needed to make repairs, while also removing pro-inflammatory byproducts.
Better circulation helps your body tackle inflammation on its own. It also provides pain relief to surrounding muscle groups, easing tension so you can use your muscles more effectively. In this way, acupuncture isn’t just a good treatment measure for TFL pain, it can also be used as a preventative measure to stop the pain before it starts.
Acupuncture can raise your pain threshold naturally
What makes acupuncture more effective than pain medications is the fact that it works on multiple levels to stimulate healing. A Tylenol may alleviate your TFL pain for a few hours, but it won’t do much to help your body recover. Acupuncture, on the other hand, triggers your immune and nervous systems, encouraging your body to heal itself.
But acupuncture doesn’t just stop the pain, it can also help you cope with the pain by raising your pain threshold naturally. Acupuncture releases endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, and these endorphins latch onto the opioid receptors in your brain, changing the way your body responds to pain.
At the same time, acupuncture also upregulates serotonin activity. Serotonin helps us regulate our mood so we feel happy and optimistic. Serotonin also improves sleep quality, which can suffer if you’re dealing with severe TFL pain.
Overall, acupuncture promotes healthy brain function giving you the mental support you need to overcome your TFL pain without having to rely on prescription medicines. Acupuncture can even improve your memory and ability to focus, so you can keep up with your day-to-day responsibilities in spite of your TFL injury.
Is acupuncture enough to treat tensor fasciae latae injuries?
Acupuncture can provide fast and effective relief for tensor fasciae latae injuries. If you’re an active person, then acupuncture can also help you prevent TFL injuries from occurring. But acupuncture isn’t the only therapy that can be used to treat TFL.
Because TFL pain is often the result of improper muscle use, we usually recommend corrective exercise therapy. During each session, we’ll help you identify which movements are contributing to your poor muscle function. We’ll also show you how to use your body efficiently, so all of your muscle groups are working together. The better your muscles function, the less likely you are to sustain an injury.
It’s not uncommon for a TFL injury to cause pain in other parts of the body. Pain often radiates, especially if the source of the pain has gone unaddressed for a long period of time. In addition to TFL pain, you may experience facet joint pain, psoas pain, or symptoms of a quad strain.
Cupping and soft tissue mobilization can be helpful for managing widespread pain. Using these therapies in addition to acupuncture allows us to address systemic musculoskeletal dysfunction more effectively. Depending on your symptoms, we may also advise orthopedic acupuncture, which is similar to traditional acupuncture, but targets certain muscle groups specifically to support healthy function.
Contact Lycoming Orthopedic & Sports Acupuncture today
If you’re dealing with a recent tensor fasciae latae injury, the sooner you start acupuncture treatments, the quicker your recovery will be. Even if you’re struggling with pain and limited mobility caused by an old TFL injury, you can still alleviate your symptoms and improve your quality of life with the help of acupuncture. It’s never too late to book an appointment.
So if you’re ready to find out firsthand how acupuncture can make all of the difference in your tensor fasciae latae symptoms, get in touch with us today. From your very first appointment, we will listen to your health concerns and future goals, and create a personalized acupuncture treatment plan that supports you on your path to recovery.
At Lycoming Orthopedic & Sports Acupuncture, we’re dedicated to helping our patients live the active lives they love. If you’re tired of struggling with tensor fasciae latae pain, we can help you through it. We’ve worked with hundreds of patients just like you. We have the knowledge and expertise to help you overcome your injury and get back on your feet.
