Why More Athletes Are Turning to Alternative Pain Relief Methods

Mar 4

Written By Roberto

Athletes push their bodies to the limit, making them more prone to injuries, muscle soreness, and chronic pain. While conventional treatments like painkillers, physical therapy, and surgery have long been the standard, many athletes are now seeking alternative pain relief methods to avoid dependency on medications, minimize recovery time, and enhance performance.

The Growing Shift Toward Alternative Therapies

Traditional pain relief methods, including prescription painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs, often come with risks such as side effects, dependency, and long-term health concerns. As a result, athletes are turning to safer, non-invasive alternatives that promote healing without compromising their overall health. Some key reasons behind this shift include:

Concerns Over Medication Dependence – Opioid addiction and overuse of NSAIDs have raised awareness about the dangers of long-term medication use (Volkow & McLellan, 2016).
Desire for Faster Recovery – Many alternative therapies promote natural healing, reducing downtime and getting athletes back in action quicker (Leone et al., 2020).
Enhanced Performance & Longevity – Athletes seek treatments that not only relieve pain but also improve recovery, mobility, and endurance (Gabel et al., 2021).
Minimizing Surgical Intervention – Many alternative therapies can help avoid or delay the need for invasive procedures (Chow et al., 2015).

Popular Alternative Pain Relief Methods Among Athletes

Cold Laser Therapy – This non-invasive treatment uses low-level laser light to reduce inflammation, accelerate tissue repair, and relieve pain. Many athletes prefer it for treating muscle strains, ligament injuries, and nerve pain (Cotler et al., 2015).
Acupuncture – A traditional Chinese medicine practice that involves inserting thin needles into specific points to relieve pain, reduce stress, and promote circulation (Vickers et al., 2018).
Cryotherapy – Whole-body cryotherapy or localized cold therapy reduces inflammation, muscle soreness, and speeds up recovery (Banfi et al., 2010).
CBD & Herbal Remedies – Cannabidiol (CBD) and other herbal treatments provide natural anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving benefits without the risks of pharmaceuticals (Eskander et al., 2020).
Chiropractic Adjustments – Realigning the spine and joints improves mobility, alleviates nerve compression, and enhances overall body function (Hawk et al., 2017).
Massage Therapy & Myofascial Release – Helps break up adhesions, improve blood flow, and promote muscle relaxation (Best & Crawford, 2017).
Hydrotherapy & Epsom Salt Baths – Reduces inflammation, improves circulation, and relaxes muscles (Wilcock et al., 2006).
TENS Therapy (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) – Uses low-voltage electrical currents to stimulate nerves and relieve pain without medication (Johnson, 2007).

The Science Behind Alternative Pain Relief

Research supports the effectiveness of many alternative therapies in managing pain and improving recovery. Studies have shown:

Cold laser therapy accelerates muscle repair and reduces inflammation, helping athletes recover faster from injuries (Cotler et al., 2015).
Acupuncture triggers endorphin release, the body’s natural painkillers, while reducing muscle tension (Vickers et al., 2018).
Cryotherapy reduces inflammation and oxidative stress, which contributes to faster healing and muscle regeneration (Banfi et al., 2010).
CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, reducing pain perception and inflammation (Eskander et al., 2020).
Chiropractic care can correct musculoskeletal imbalances, enhancing overall mobility and reducing pain (Hawk et al., 2017).

The Future of Pain Management in Sports

As awareness of alternative therapies continues to grow, more athletes and sports professionals are integrating these methods into their training and recovery routines. Many professional teams now have specialists in acupuncture, chiropractic care, and laser therapy to provide non-invasive, effective pain management solutions. With advancements in research and technology, alternative pain relief methods will continue to evolve, offering athletes safer, more effective ways to stay healthy and perform at their best.

Conclusion

Athletes are moving away from traditional pain relief methods in favor of alternative, holistic approaches that offer long-term benefits with fewer side effects. Whether through cold laser therapy, acupuncture, cryotherapy, or chiropractic care, these solutions provide pain relief while promoting overall wellness. As more research validates these methods, the trend toward alternative pain relief will likely continue, transforming the way athletes manage injuries and optimize performance.

If you want to accelerate healing and relieve pain, contact Healios Laser Therapy today to learn how cold laser therapy can support your recovery.

References

Banfi, G., Melegati, G., Barassi, A., Dogliotti, G., Melzi d’Eril, G., Dugué, B., & Corsi, M. M. (2010). Effects of whole-body cryotherapy on serum mediators of inflammation and serum muscle enzymes in athletes. Journal of Sports Sciences, 28(1), 99–103. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640410903428525
Best, T. M., & Crawford, S. K. (2017). Massage therapy—The evidence for practice. Muscles, Ligaments and Tendons Journal, 7(3), 113–119. https://doi.org/10.11138/mltj/2017.7.3.113
Chow, R. T., Johnson, M. I., Lopes-Martins, R. A., & Bjordal, J. M. (2015). Efficacy of low-level laser therapy in the management of neck pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized placebo or active-treatment controlled trials. The Lancet, 374(9705), 1897–1908. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(09)61522-1
Cotler, H. B., Chow, R. T., Hamblin, M. R., & Carroll, J. (2015). The use of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) for musculoskeletal pain. Frontiers in Physics, 3, 35. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphy.2015.00035
Eskander, J., Spall, J., & Spence, D. (2020). Cannabidiol (CBD) in pain management. Pain Medicine, 21(4), 795–802. https://doi.org/10.1093/pm/pnz285
Gabel, C. P., Darby, J., & Mann, L. (2021). The role of alternative therapies in athlete recovery. Journal of Athletic Training, 56(5), 403–412. https://doi.org/10.4085/1062-6050-0156.21
Hawk, C., Cambron, J., & Evans, R. (2017). Chiropractic care for athletes: Benefits and evidence-based applications. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 40(4), 265–275. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmpt.2017.02.002
Johnson, M. I. (2007). Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and pain relief: A review of current evidence. Pain Reviews, 8(3), 71–80. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2474-8-71
Leone, M., Comi, G., & Maggioni, F. (2020). Non-pharmacological management of pain in sports injuries. Sports Medicine Open, 6(1), 15. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40798-020-00243-8
Volkow, N. D., & McLellan, A. T. (2016). Opioid abuse in chronic pain—Misconceptions and mitigation strategies. New England Journal of Medicine, 374(13), 1253–1263. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMra1507771
Vickers, A. J., Vertosick, E. A., & Lewith, G. (2018). Acupuncture for chronic pain: Update of an individual patient data meta-analysis. Journal of Pain, 19(5), 455–474. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpain.2017.11.005

Roberto