Twins Have an Acupuncturist and Why It Matters More Than You Think

Wait… the Minnesota Twins Have an Acupuncturist? What For?

More than you’d think.

Hi, I’m Nikki Vanecek, and I’ve been part of the Minnesota Twins’ medical team for the past five years. When people hear that I practice acupuncture for a Major League Baseball team, they usually raise an eyebrow. Acupuncture? For baseball players? What could they possibly need that for?

The answer is simple: everything.

I wasn’t just hired as a sports acupuncturist. I’m a Traditional Chinese Medical Practitioner, which means I address the full spectrum of physical, mental, and emotional well-being. My work supports much more than just injury recovery or pain relief though those are important, too.

Why Professional Athletes Need Acupuncture

Unless you’ve been inside the world of pro sports, it’s hard to fully grasp what these athletes go through. From the outside, it looks like they have it all: fame, money, elite-level resources. But behind the scenes, there are long days, constant travel, sleep disruption, performance pressure, and a ton of physical and emotional stress.

These players train daily. They’re expected to perform at peak levels under constant scrutiny. And like anyone else, they experience stress, anxiety, fatigue, digestive issues, and immune challenges. Sometimes more than the average person.

This is where acupuncture comes in.

What I Treat as a Professional Sports Acupuncturist

I work with players on everything from muscle tightness, soreness, and recovery, to energy crashes, headaches, sleep issues, and illness prevention. When something’s off even slightly it can impact performance. My role is to help them rebalance quickly and safely, so they can stay on the field and give their best.

Here’s what acupuncture helps support in professional athletes:

• Faster recovery from injuries and training

• Improved sleep quality and energy regulation

• Enhanced mental clarity and emotional balance

• Immune system support and illness prevention

• Reduced inflammation and muscle tension

• Better digestion and stress resilience

Acupuncture isn't just about needles  it's about restoring balance. Traditional Chinese Medicine activates the body’s natural healing systems and supports the nervous, digestive, immune, and endocrine systems. That’s crucial for athletes dealing with daily physical and emotional demands.

Behind the Scenes of Pro Sports

Yes, professional sports can look glamorous. But fans often don’t see the discipline, the physical toll, the homesickness, or the emotional exhaustion that comes with it. Athletes give more than their bodies they give their time, energy, focus, and resilience every single day.

That’s why the Minnesota Twins have made acupuncture part of their long-term athlete care and performance strategy. It’s one tool in a broader toolkit focused on prevention, recovery, and optimal performance.

Why Acupuncture Is a Game-Changer for Athlete Performance

Professional athletes rely on every small edge to stay at the top of their game. Whether it's managing pain, improving sleep, or navigating stress, acupuncture is a non-invasive, drug-free way to keep their bodies and minds in sync.

So next time you watch a player crush it on game day, remember there’s a team behind them making sure they’re well enough to do it. From massage therapists to strength coaches, nutritionists to acupuncturists, it takes a village to support elite performance.

To every athlete out there: thank you. It’s not easy. But you show up. And I’m honored to be part of the team that helps you keep doing what you do best.

Give us a call or book online to have one of our providers help you incorporate Traditional Chinese Medicine into your life!