Many people seek complementary and alternative approaches to sport and competition. Understanding the evidence base helps make informed choices.
Complementary Approaches with Evidence for Sport and Competition
Acupuncture: Several studies show modest effects on sport and competition symptoms, particularly for anxiety and pain-related presentations.
Yoga: One of the best-evidenced complementary approaches — multiple mechanisms relevant to sport and competition.
Massage therapy: Reduces cortisol and increases serotonin — documented effects on sport and competition symptom severity.
Supplements: Omega-3s, magnesium, and vitamin D have meaningful evidence for some sport and competition presentations.
Complementary Approaches with Limited Evidence for Sport and Competition
Crystal healing, homeopathy, and many energy medicine approaches lack scientific evidence for sport and competition. Risk of harm is low, but opportunity cost of forgoing evidence-based treatment is real.
Using Complementary Approaches Safely for Sport and Competition
Complementary approaches work best as additions to, not replacements for, evidence-based sport and competition treatment. Always inform your healthcare providers of everything you're using.