A remedy that has been around for thousands of years is one of the newest treatment options in the field of sports medicine. Acupuncture, which the National Institutes of Health endorsed recently for control of some types of pain, is also finding its niche in the treatment of sports injuries.

"We have had excellent success with acupuncture in treating sprains and strains and other sports-related injuries," said Dr. John Cianca, an assistant professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. "Within a treatment or two, many patients have noticed a fifty to seventy-five percent reduction in pain and swelling." This allows patients to begin other components of their rehabilitation much sooner, limiting time spent on the sidelines.

"Acupuncture can also be helpful for athletes, like cyclists and runners, who experience overuse injuries," said Cianca. Acupuncture, practiced in China for more than 2,000 years, involves inserting thin needles into specific nerve points on the body.

You've trained for months for the marathon, but have you given any thought about what to do after you reach the finish line?

Doug House, an exercise physiologist with the Pain Control and Functional Restoration Clinic at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, has these suggestions for the two to six post marathon hours:

* Drink plenty of fluids, even if not thirsty.
* Stretch to keep muscles as loose as possible.
* Take a warm bath and, if possible, get a massage.
* Take a nap.

In the week following the race, House recommends:

* Gradually adjusting your caloric intake to match pre marathon training levels.
* Steadily resuming normal activities without overexertion.
* Stretching daily.

Want to become a better tennis player? Go for a run.

While your backhand might not benefit directly from a twenty minute run, you will get an aerobic workout, which helps to improve your overall fitness level. This is the idea behind cross training.

"Cross training has several benefits, including improving aerobic conditioning, adding variety to your workout regimen, and reducing the risk of overuse injuries," said David Brennan, an exercise physiologist in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.

A tennis player might leave the racket at home once or twice a week and go for a run or swim instead. A cyclist might switch to some smaller wheels and take up in-line skating occasionally. "This approach can help your performance level in the activity you enjoy most," said Brennan.