Acupuncture for Running Injuries in Portland

Portland runners love to run. We run in the rain, on trails, through neighborhoods, and in marathons. We also get injured — and when we do, we want to heal fast and get back out there. Acupuncture is one of the most effective tools I know for running injury recovery and prevention.

Most Common Running Injuries I Treat

In my Portland practice, the running injuries I see most often are IT band syndrome, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, runner's knee (patellofemoral pain), shin splints, hamstring strain, and hip flexor tightness. Acupuncture works for all of them — often faster than rest and ice alone.

How Acupuncture Heals Running Injuries

Acupuncture increases blood flow to injured tissues, reduces inflammation, and relaxes surrounding muscles that have tensed up to compensate for the injury. It also addresses the systemic patterns that contribute to chronic injury — for example, kidney deficiency in Chinese medicine is often associated with weak tendons and ligaments.

For acute injuries (something that happened recently), early acupuncture dramatically speeds the healing timeline. For chronic injuries (the IT band that's been bothering you for three months), acupuncture addresses the deep-seated tension and circulation problems that have built up.

IT Band Syndrome

IT band syndrome is one of the most common and frustrating running injuries. The iliotibial band runs from the hip to the knee and gets tight and inflamed from overuse. Acupuncture releases the TFL (tensor fascia latae) and surrounding muscles, reduces inflammation in the band, and addresses gallbladder meridian stagnation — the pathway the IT band follows in Chinese medicine terms. Most IT band cases resolve in four to six sessions.

Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis — that knife-like heel pain first thing in the morning — responds exceptionally well to acupuncture. Needles along the sole of the foot and at specific points on the calf and ankle reduce inflammation and release the fascial tightness at the root of the problem. I often combine acupuncture with cupping on the calf and Tuina to the foot.

Injury Prevention

Monthly maintenance acupuncture during your training season keeps small imbalances from becoming injuries. I work with a number of runners who come in regularly between race seasons — not because they're hurt, but because they want to stay that way.