Acupuncture helps elite volleyball players

#Acupuncture was successfully used to improve shoulder problems experienced by international female volleyball players during a month-long period of intense competition. Range of movement, strength and pain were assessed before and after treatment by a group of researchers from the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield. All scores were improved post-treatment and athletes were able to continue overhead activities.

The researchers concluded that acupuncture "may help maintain rotator cuff balance and strength, reducing further pain and injury" (source: BMJ Acupuncture in Medicine).

Gwyneth extols virtues of Chinese medicine

Gwyneth Paltrow has been praising the health benefits of Chinese medicine. The Daily Express may have been surprised by "cupping" but it is a commonly used procedure that can be hugely effective in relieving muscular pain, particularly on the back and shoulders.

"Cupping" involves attaching small glass cups to the skin by means of vacuum pressure. The cups are normally left in place for a few minutes and cause no pain, although they can leave slightly red, circular patches on the skin which will fade after a day or two.