Necessary Conditioning for Female Athletes: A Case Report on Gynecological problems and Acupuncture / 全日本鍼灸学会雑誌

ABSTRACT

The physical condition of athletes should be adequately assessed to ensure better performance. Because athletes are often challenged with the limits of strength and energy during training, orthopedic problems and poor physical condition, such as sports injuries, are unavoidable. Furthermore, in female athletes, the effects of hormonal changes and symptoms associated with the menstrual cycle cannot be estimated. The author experienced sports-related gynecological disorders in her active years. From participation in the 2004 Athens Olympic Games (athletics, women's hammer throw) up to 2012, the year of retirement, the author experienced repeated acute low back pain and struggle for daily training and conditioning. Moreover, women experienced endometriosis (ovary chocolate cysts) and anemia due to menorrhagia. Strong menstrual pain halted training activities. Premenstrual syndrome caused poor physical condition because of premenstrual edema and body stiffness. Because of the low mood at the time of resection for bilateral chocolate cysts in 2009, acupuncture was used as a part of conditioning. This was considered as "liver blood deficiency" in oriental medicine, from the perspective of the circulatory system. It increased awareness regarding physical fatigue, condemned the practice of forced training in poor conditions, contributed as a coping mechanism and prevented injury. Health problems progressing to organic dysmenorrhea may be completely prevented through an early diagnosis and treatment without residual pain. Menstrual problems can be treated with suitable hormonal therapies. Female athletes are recommended to undergo regular medical examinations by a gynecologist. Hormonal therapy combined with symptomatic treatment is preferable to appropriately treat pain associated with menstruation; training should be planned considering menstrual cycle occurrence. It is advisable to find personalized conditioning methods, such as acupuncture, in conjunction with medicine.