Blog: Feature Stories

Most of us probably wouldn’t say we’re fans of needles. The recent frequency of flu and COVID vaccines aside, needles aren’t on most folks’ want-to-do list. So who’s signing-up for more needles in the form of acupuncture or dry needling? The short answer: athletes of all types, and even everyday folks, in search of drug-free relief, routine body maintenance, and general well-being.

The Team at Greenapple Sports and Wellness provides both types of therapy – acupuncture and dry needling. We asked Doctors Doug Bradberry and Eric Goodman five questions to satisfy the interested, skeptical, or just plain curious.

1. For starters, how are dry needling and acupuncture similar?

The application of both is very similar. Both techniques use the same needles and may even target the same spots. Using needles is a much different way of stimulating tissues compared to other techniques that may use tools or someone’s hands. This specific type of stimulation, deep into the muscle, can make a stubborn problem spot disappear. It’s a way to trigger the body to respond to an area that just can’t be accomplished any other way.

2. How do these therapies differ?

Acupuncture treats the body as a whole by balancing the body’s energy levels. Energy, or Qi, is responsible for life and can become stagnant or too excited. If it’s stagnant, it needs be tonified, or sped up. If it’s too excited, it needs to be sedated, or slowed down. Different diseases or dysfunctions in our bodies may be caused by these different states of energy. Acupuncture helps to establish a balance in our Qi.

Dry needling is a form of myofascial release, with similar effects as massage, Active Release Technique (ART), Graston Technique, or cupping. The goal of dry needling is to release a tight muscle or trigger point and promote blood flow which can assist in the healing process. It does not necessarily correct the cause of muscle tightness (which can be discussed in a separate conversation) but can be a powerful tool in providing relief for over worked, tight, sore muscles.

3. When is dry needling used v acupuncture?

We recommend acupuncture when a patient is suffering from a systemic issue, such as insomnia, stress, anxiety, allergies, etc. We use dry needling more for musculoskeletal conditions like sprains, strains, muscle pain, tightness, trigger points, etc.

Acupuncture and dry needling may stimulate the same spot on the body with the same needle, but the reason to stick the needle there is different. Dry needling is driven by symptoms and more modern exam finding. Dry needling practitioners will also manipulate the needle during the treatment by either twisting the needle in the muscle or “pistoning” the needle up and down to get more stimulation to the area.

4. Are there any risks associated with this type of therapy?

There is very little risk when acupuncture and dry needling are applied appropriately by a skilled provider. Knowing the anatomy and using the right length of needle is important, as is using a sterile needles to minimize the risk of infection at the site. Some patients may experience some bruising, which typically subsides in just a few days.

5. What does it feel like to undergo one of these therapies?

There is very little, if any, pain with these treatments. The anticipation of needles being used is typically the worst part. When you do feel anything, it is usually a small pinch when the needle is set in the skin. When the needle is pushed deep into the muscle there can be an achy sensation. When a therapeutic point is stimulated, there can be a twitch response or a small spam of the muscle.

Yeah, we know running has more to do with perseverance and grit, or sometimes just getting out of the house and taking those first few steps. But even if you’re a master of motivation and self-discipline, there’s life, injury, illness, or other issues and distractions that can keep you from getting in those miles. We’ve all been there. And when you’re in that groove, your playlist hits that perfect song, and the breeze is at your back… you know you’re lucky to be a runner.

This year’s class of Novant Heath Charlotte Marathon Ambassadors is one lucky group, too. Arguably, this Team sure have the right perspective on their running.

Mike Cooke
I’m lucky to be a runner because injury took it away from me for 3 months. It’s a gift being able to head out the door with just your legs to carry you, no matter how much “better” I wish it was, it’s better than not being able to run at all. Too many people take it for granted. @CLTNATIVEAGAIN

Sandy Johnson
As a runner, I see our city from a different perspective (literally). Being on foot, I get to see a lot of the little things that can go unnoticed as they flash by when inside a car. The world seems a more calm and human place when you have the time to look around and connect with nature. You can go down paths that drivers don’t even know exist. I’m lucky because running feels like a key to a secret garden I didn’t know I needed, and would never have found otherwise.  @dagr8sandarina

Deanna Nichole
Running has its ebbs and flows, for me when I’m feeling a struggle I remind myself I’m lucky to have my legs to run. #traumasurvivor @deannanichole78

Tracy Dean
I’m lucky to be a runner and a healthy female. Running out in nature gives me a sense of gratitude. Running is not for everyone but for me it allows me to gain so much energy and focus.  There is nothing like the feeling you get when you complete a run whether it be long or short, crossing the finish line or gaining yet another medal.  @tracy_dean76

Josh Rhodes
I’m lucky to be a runner because it has taught me self-discipline, dedication and accountability. Now that I have been a dedicated runner, these traits have transferred over to my professional work life and personal life as well, too. Very lucky for that @cruisinmountainrhodes

Tia Smith
I’m lucky to be a runner because I still have the ability to move my body and push it to the limits. I know so many people wish they could, and I never want to take this for granted. @tiasmith_tri

David Small
I’m lucky to be a runner because there are plenty of people that don’t have the ability to walk let alone run! Running gives me the opportunity to push my body to its limit and in the process motivate others to move more and explore new heights in regards to their own physical fitness. @davidbanter

Alex Nikoukary
I’m lucky to be a runner because it takes me to new destinations. I am able to explore Charlotte and meet lots of new people! @anikoukary3

Anthony Cortina
I’m lucky to be a runner because it has opened me up to a great community of people from all parts of the city I live in!  @aj2cortina

Lili Haus
I’m lucky to be a runner because it allows me to connect with a supportive and welcoming community no matter where I am. @lilizards_

Brooke Shepard
I’m lucky to be a runner because it’s brought so many opportunities. The connection with the running community has been all great experiences. Most importantly running helps me take care of my health! @runnerbnc21

Jessica Carranti
I’m lucky to be a runner because I have an able body. I see patients daily that wish they could just STAND UP or WALK! Mobility and strength is a gift from God, and it should not be taken for granted. @jessica_carranti

Jonathan Landi
I’m lucky to be a runner because after getting hit by a car I didn’t think it would happen again. But here we are, still a work in progress but enjoying every step of the way. @corredor.champloo

Meg Taylor
Every time I run, I feel so incredibly fortunate to be able to move my body in this way.

As far as prevention goes, running is pretty good medicine. Study after study shows runners are at less likely to die from all causes, including cardiovascular disease, and cancer. But just because you’re logging the minutes and the miles isn’t a guarantee you’ll enjoy a lifetime of optimal health. Granted, it sure ups your odds, but that doesn’t mean you should skip out on routine screenings that can go even further toward that whole goal of long term good health.

Yes, that includes screening for colorectal cancer and that dreaded colonoscopy. More on that in a minute…

Philip Sanford was in high school when his mom was diagnosed with stage four colorectal cancer. She was just 41. As a grown-up, a runner, and an advocate, Sanford’s picked up the cause his mother was unable to continue. He’s been to Capitol Hill to lobby for better outcomes. He’s also the local director for Charlotte’s colon cancer awareness run, the “Get Your Rear in Gear” 5k.

“There’s a reluctance to getting screened,” Sanford told John Carter on WBTV. There are still gaps in insurance as to who can be screened at what age – and that’s one of the biggest things we do at the local level, is to get people in front of a doctor and get a colonoscopy or a non-invasive FIT test.”

Bottom line, no pun intended, testing for colorectal cancers saves lives. Judy Caswell is proof of that. Before her diagnosis, she ignored the signals her body was trying to share. She waited nearly four years before she finally went to the doctor. Thankfully, it wasn’t too late.

“If your body feels ‘off,’ cramping, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, bleeding… DO NOT attribute it to just running or working out too hard,” warns Caswell. “Colorectal cancer shows up in young people! Get it checked out!”

Yes, there are factors that raise your risk for colorectal cancers, like family history, or certain digestive disorders, like Crohn’s Disease. Obesity, diets high in red meat and processed foods and lower in fruits and vegetables, and smoking and drinking are also contributors.

African Americans are also disproportionately affected by colorectal cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, they’re about 20% more likely to get colorectal cancer, and about 40% more likely to die from it than most other racial or ethnic groups.

But to Caswell’s point; age, lifestyle, and activity level don’t automatically exclude you from the risk group.

The good news and bad news about screening

The overall mortality rate for colorectal cancer continues to drop. Through awareness, events, messaging, and people’s openness to talking about their own diagnosis; more people are being screened. Technology continues to improve that catches and removes smaller, potentially precancerous polyps earlier. And when colorectal cancers are caught earlier, the survival rate is near 90%.*

The bad news is only about 4 out of 10 colorectal cancers are found at this early stage. And, let’s be brutally honest here. Most people are still reluctant to jump right into a procedure that involves such a personal space—even if it could save their lives. And everyone has heard the horror stories of colonoscopy prep.

But take heart. Mercifully, this part of the process has improved, too.

And what about running and my risk for colorectal cancer?

The web is chock-full of articles, studies, and citations that confirm what your doctor, your gym teacher, and your mom, have always said: exercise is just good plain good for you.

And you don’t have to be an Olympian to reap the cancer-fighting benefits of regular running. “Any amount of running,” as at least one study concluded, “even just once a week, is better than no running**”

But Sanford is quick to remind us, that doesn’t mean runners are bulletproof.

“The main thing I wish runners knew is that colorectal cancer is what I’d call an equal opportunity cancer,” he added. “You can be young, in great shape, and still get it. Don’t be afraid to talk to your doctor and encourage a referral to a gastroenterologist.”

*Source: American Cancer Society

** Pedisic Z, Shrestha N, Kovalchik S, Stamatakis E, Liangruenrom N, Grgic J, Titze S, Biddle SJ, Bauman AE, Oja P. Is running associated with a lower risk of all-cause, cardiovascular and cancer mortality, and is the more the better? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Br J Sports Med. 2020 Aug;54(15):898-905. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2018-100493. Epub 2019 Nov 4. PMID: 31685526.

As runners, we can burn through some carbs. They’re fuel for our brain and our body, and keeping those furnaces stoked can be a task. Dialing in a pre-run or pre-race dish that sits well can present its own set of challenges. Enter the old standby: pasta. We’re fans, of course. But even the Italian in us can get bored with it.

In part of an occasional series with our friends who know a LOT about food, we went in search of a dish that was easy to make, well-balanced, and adaptable to dietary differences and tastes. So we called Rhonda Stewart, Senior Instructor in the College of Culinary Arts at Charlotte’s Johnson & Wales University. She’s got more letters of certification behind her name than a can of alphabet soup. Trust us, she’s good. And so is her recipe for Yaki Udon Noodles with Stir-fried Veggies and Shrimp

Yaki Udon Noodles with Stir-fried Veggies (and protein of your choice)
Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

• Udon noodles, 4 servings
• 2 Tbsp., divided Cooking oil
• 1 pound Shrimp, tofu (or thinly sliced chicken, pork, or extra vegetables)
• 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 4 cloves arlic, fresh, minced
• 1 cup cabbage, green, shredded
• ½ cup carrots, thinly sliced
• 1 cup mushrooms- cremini or button, thinly sliced
• 1 cup croccoli, cut into florets
• ½ cup peppers – red, yellow, or green, thinly sliced
• 1 Tbsp. fish sauce or oyster sauce
• 2 Tbsp. soy sauce
• 2 Tbsp. mirin
• 2 Tbsp. brown sugar
• 3 Tbsp. Korean BBQ Sauce
• 1 Tbsp. sesame oil
• 2 Tbsp. sesame seeds, toasted
• 4 Scallions, thinly sliced

Method of Preparation:

1. Season shrimp or your choice of protein with salt and pepper.
2. Combine all sauce ingredients in a small bowl: fish sauce, soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, Korean BBQ sauce, and sesame oil. Set aside.
3. Follow the package directions for the udon noodles. Rinse with cool water. Drain.
4. Heat wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 Tablespoon oil. Sauté shrimp (or another protein choice) until opaque and firm. Set aside.
5. Add the remaining oil to the wok/skillet. Add onion and garlic, cooking until aromatic.
6. Add cabbage, carrots, mushrooms, and broccoli, stirring and cooking until tender-crisp. Add peppers, and continue stirring for 1 minute.
7. Add reserved noodles and sauce mixture to the wok, stirring until combined.
8. Add reserved cooked protein to the wok, bringing to a boil.
9. Immediately portion to plates or a serving platter.
10. Garnish with scallions and sesame seeds. Enjoy!

Note: We substituted the 2 Tbsp rice vinegar and 2 tsp sugar for the mirin, since we didn’t have any on hand. We also chose purple cabbage and Japanese BBQ sauce, just because we prefer them.

 

Spring weather is anything but predictable, but there’s at least one thing we can count on: as the weather warms up, many of us will again take our running shoes out of hibernation. And even if we’ve been running regularly, there’s always the temptation to go too far, too fast, or too often. Either way, it’s the quick route to sidelining your season before it ever really gets going. As the saying goes, let’s not be that guy this year. Following some simple yet sage advice will help you run smart this spring, and run strong into the summer!

Warm-up and cool-down

No matter how short or slow your run will be, or how tight on time you are, taking a few minutes to warm up and cool down should be part of your program. A good, dynamic warm-up will make sure your body is as ready to go as your brain. And yes—a brisk 5- to 10-minute post-run walk is a perfectly good cool-down routine.

Layer-Up (and Down)

As we get further into more springlike weather, fluctuating temperatures can pose a challenge to any outdoor athlete. No matter how far or long you’re out there, things are bound to change this time of year. Light, breathable layers – and plenty of zippers – can make it easy to adapt as the weather warms, or cools. Staying dry keeps you feeling comfy on the run, and also mitigates blisters and chafing.

Don’t Push It Yet

While it can be tempting to greet every, single, gorgeous morning with a run… don’t. Unless, of course, a daily run is already part of your routine. If not, alternate run days and walk days to enjoy the season and build your tolerance for the activity. If you are a daily runner, and good for you, resist the urge to pile on the miles. Adding 10 percent per week is still a safe and reasonable standard for building mileage smartly.

Drink Plenty of Water

As you add miles to your spring calendar, you’ll likely sweat more than you did during your winter training or hibernating. Drinking water before as well as after your runs is an excellent habit to get into before the weather really warms. You’ll need to drink more throughout the day when things heat up for good. If you’re not already, begin keeping tabs on how much you’re actually drinking. Staying hydrated helps you regulate your temperature on the run, and speeds up recovery.

Is it the Shoes?

If it’s been a while since you’ve checked into a new pair of running shoes, spring is as good a time as any to explore your options. Winter running may have trashed your current pair, or maybe you took your running shoes to CrossFit, the gym, or played driveway hoops since January. And let’s be honest; some fresh kicks will really energize a new running routine, right? The Charlotte area is lucky to have some great specialty running shops loaded with folks who know their stuff. Pay them a visit for a professional assessment of your current shoes and options that will suit you and your running style.