TCM KL - MY TCM & Acupunture Centre

Bone Setting in Sports Injuries

In Malaysia, sports are a big part of everyday life, whether it is badminton games, football matches, or training at the gym. But with an active lifestyle comes the risk of injury, from sprained ankles to joint dislocations.

While many seek conventional medical treatment, some prefer traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) approaches for a more natural path to recovery. One such therapy is bone setting (正骨). It is a manual, non-surgical technique used to realign bones and joints, support healing, and restore mobility after an injury.

Common Sports Injuries Treated

Sports injuries are often caused by overuse, awkward movements, or sudden impacts. Instead just relieving symptoms, TCM focuses on correcting underlying imbalances and addressing not only the injury itself, but also restoring proper body alignment.

Here are some injuries that may benefit from bone setting and TCM therapies:

Dislocated Joints

A dislocated joint happens when a bone moves out of place, usually due to a fall or impact. Bone setting techniques gently guide the joint back into position, helping to prevent long-term issues and support soft tissue repair.

Sprain and Strain

Sprains involve overstretched or torn ligaments, while strains affect muscles or tendons. Both are common in high-movement sports like football or badminton. Bone setting helps reduce swelling, improve alignment, and restore function. Treatment is often paired with herbal compresses or acupuncture for better recovery.

Ligament Joint

Torn or overstretched ligaments can lead to pain and instability in the joint. Bone setting aims to realign and stabilise the area, reducing stress on surrounding tissues. Herbal remedies may be added to reduce inflammation and promote healing.

Fractures

For stress fractures or simple bone injuries, bone setting may support the body’s natural healing by realigning bone fragments and strengthening recovery with herbal support that nourishes the bones and blood.

Bone Setting Techniques That Support Body-alignment Healing

TCM bone-setting uses hands-on techniques to slowly and safely realign the joints and restore balance. At MyTCM & Acupuncture Centre, we combine traditional methods with a personalised treatment plan based on your injury and recovery needs. Here are some of the key techniques we use:

Manual and Joint Manipulation

Practitioners apply controlled pressure to guide misaligned joints and bones back into proper position. The goal is not to force, but to encourage natural alignment and help the body move more efficiently, and ease stiffness.

Traction Therapy

Traction involves gentle stretching of the affected limb or spinal segment. It is especially helpful for conditions such as dislocated joints, nerve impingements, or spinal misalignments.

Heat and Cold Therapy

Before any manipulation begins, practitioners often use heat to loosen tight muscles and improve circulation before treatment. Cold therapy helps reduce swelling and discomfort, especially right after an injury.

Splinting and Bracing

Traditional bone setters use splints or braces to support and stabilise the affected area while the body heals. Proper support not only prevents further injury but also creates a foundation for effective recovery.

Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicines

Topical oils, poultices, or compresses made from Chinese herbs are commonly used to ease pain and reduce inflammation. Internal herbal supplements may also be prescribed to support tissue regeneration and boost recovery.

Muscle Energy Techniques

This technique combines passive positioning with gentle muscle contraction to help reposition joints and relieve tension. It is especially useful for stubborn misalignments and can increase flexibility while reducing muscular strain.

Bone-Setting and Cracking Massage

Deep massage techniques target the muscles and joints. Occasionally, a popping sound may occur; this is a natural release of pressure in the joint, not a sign of harm. Many patients find this release relieves stiffness and tension.

If you are looking for TCM bone setting specialists in Kuala Lumpur, we invite you to visit MyTCM & Acupuncture Centre. Our clinic is a trusted choice for athletes seeking Traditional Chinese Medicine for sports-related injuries. Contact our clinic today to book an appointment.

Our TCM Practitioners

Senior Physician Mr Jerry Huang

Mr Jerry Huang is a highly experienced traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practitioner with over 15 years of expertise in acupuncture, orthopaedics, and fertility enhancement. He holds degrees in Nursing and TCM from Chung Shan Medical University and Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, respectively. Trained under renowned TCM physician, Dr Bian Song-Jing, Mr Huang specialises in TCM bone-setting.

Senior Physician Ms Angeline Low

Ms Angeline Low brings 12 years of expertise in TCM, with a focus on orthopaedics, fertility (pre-IVF), and acupuncture. She earned her Master of Medicine in TCM (2011-2013), specialising in TCM Orthopaedic (Bone & Trauma). Her professional development includes an apprenticeship with Dr Bian Song-Jing, enhancing her proficiency in TCM, including bone setting for athletes.

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