Sports Injury Treatment Diet: Eat an organic, whole foods diet containing healthy complex carbohydrates and quality non-processed fats (no more than 20% to 25% of diet). Also emphasize fresh organic fruits and vegetable and sufficient amounts of protein foods, which are necessary for muscle repair. Don't eat solid foods immediately before strenuously exercising, and drink adequate fluids an hour or so before heavy exercising, even if you do not feel thirsty, since dehydration decreases performance capabilities. Flower Essences: Rescue Remedy Cream applied topically. Herbs: Effective herbal remedies include valerian root (muscle relaxant and effective for cramps and spasm), lobelia extract (applied topically), passionflower (to support the nervous system), white willow bark (to reduce inflammation and ease pain), feverfew ( to reduce pain and inflammation), and turmeric and boswellia, both of which decrease inflammation. For muscle and connective tissue injuries, comfrey root is both soothing and stimulates tissue repair. When used topically, comfrey root also soothes and stimulates repair of injured muscles and connective tissues. Note: Comfrey should be used internally only under the supervision of a qualified health-care professional. Homeopathy: Arnica taken orally and arnica ointment applied topically help to soothe and prevent inflammation of the muscles and surrounding tissues. Hydrotherapy: Hydrotherapy is the application of water, ice, steam and hot and cold temperatures to maintain and restore health. Treatments include full body immersion, steam baths, saunas, sitz baths, colonic irrigation and the application of hot and/or cold compresses. Hydrotherapy is effective for treating a wide range of conditions and can easily be used in the home as part of a self-care program. Many Naturopathic Physicians, Physical Therapists and Day Spas use Hydrotherapy as part of treatment. We suggest several at-home hydrotherapy treatments. Please seek the advice of your alternative health care practitioner before undergoing these procedures to make sure they are appropriate for you. *Purified water is essential for any hydrotherapy treatment. The section: Remedies for Treating Chlorinated Bath Water, offers clear instructions and recommendations. Juice Therapy: Drinking fresh, organic vegetable juices will supply your body with rich reserves of needed nutrients. Nutritional Supplementation: To help prevent sports injuries, supplement with vitamin B-complex, vitamin C, vitamin E, magnesium and free-from amino acids. To recover from sports injuries, supplement with calcium, magnesiums, manganese, free-form amino acids, and proteolytic enzymes (taken away from meals). For recover from fracture sustained while exercising, supplement with vitamin B-complex, vitamin B6, zinc, and essential fatty acids. Other useful nutrients include selenium, the amino acids cysteine and glutathione, coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), pycnogenol, dimethyl glyciene (DMG), SOD (superoxide dismutase), and germanium sesquoxide. Topical Treatment: Apply a topical solution of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) over the affected area. Close Browser/Window To Return To The Main Menu |