Optimal Health University™
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Natural Alternatives for Muscle Strains
Summer’s here! And with it come hiking, swimming, softball games, in-line skating and, unfortunately, muscle strains. This summer, before heading for the hills, going up to bat, or taking the plunge, be prepared for the possibility of muscular injury. To prevent strains, visit Dr. Edelson regularly for checkups and preventive care. If strains do occur, Dr. Edelson has a winning formula to speed healing and get you back in shape and back outdoors this summer.
What’s unique about Dr. Edelson’s approach to repairing sore muscles is that it’s a drug-free strategy. Chiropractors know that cutting-edge scientific research indicates that today’s popular solution to muscle injuries, pain relievers (including the seemingly benign over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin, Motrin, Alieve, Nuprin and Orudis) have dangerous side effects and may actually slow your muscle injury’s healing. As forerunners in the holistic healthcare movement, chiropractors choose natural, wellness-oriented solutions that allow the body to heal itself. Instead of endorsing drugs with potentially dangerous side effects, chiropractors look to breakthrough scientific research to develop nonpharmacological, highly effective plans for staving off muscle ache. Below is a sampling of the all-natural, cutting-edge therapies recommended by doctors of chiropractic.
Conquer Muscle Pain With Chiropractic
Chiropractic care is a powerful weapon in the battle against muscle soreness, because chiropractors know that proper posture is key to ending muscle aches and pains. How is posture linked with muscular health? Muscles attach to the vertebrae of the spine. So, when vertebrae are out of alignment, muscles may also be affected. These areas of spinal misalignment are known as vertebral subluxations. Chiropractors use safe, gentle and effective maneuvers called chiropractic adjustments to eliminate vertebral subluxations, in turn restoring alignment to the spine and preventing muscle ache (Spine 24; 2:146-52).
Not only do chiropractic adjustments prevent muscle injury by restoring proper alignment to the spine, but they may also directly affect the muscles in your limbs. This is because muscles extend from the spine to the limbs. For example, adjustments to the lower back have been shown to reduce the muscle inhibition associated with knee pain. (J of Manipulative & Physiological Therapeutics; April 1999; 22 (3):149-53).
Beat Strain Pain With Bromelain
Looking for an effective drug-free alternative to over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications? Ask your chiropractor about the pineapple enzyme, bromelain. Bromelain is available in supplement form and is usually taken three times per day in 250mg to 750mg doses. Unlike drugs that “cover up” the source of pain and may actually prolong the healing process bromelain goes to the root of the problem by reducing inflammation on a cellular level. (Med Sci Sports Exerc. 1992 Jan; 24(l):20-5). That’s why many chiropractors who work with professional athletes recommend bromelain to their patients. But you don’t need to be an elite athlete to benefit from bromelain. Used in conjunction with preventive chiropractic adjustments, this supplement can speed repair from muscular injuries in all patients. (One caveat: for optimal effectiveness, don’t take bromelain with food, take it between meals.)
Fight Ache With Flavonoids
Flavonoids are the new stars on the nutrition front. These potent plant chemicals have been shown to reduce the risks of cancer, heart disease and several other conditions. Now, late-breaking research indicates that flavonoids may also ward off muscle ache by hastening tissue repair on a molecular level. Specifically, it seems that flavonoids suppress the synthesis of nitric oxide, a chemical instigator of inflammation (British Journal of Pharmacology 1999 Feb; 126:673-80).
Although flavonoids are abundant in many fruits and vegetables as well as in chocolate, wine, various grains, certain flowers and green tea doctors of chiropractic usually recommend that patients also take them in supplement form to receive concentrated doses. Grape-seed, green-tea and pine-bark extracts and citrus bioflavonoids are all rich sources of flavonoids.
Mend Muscles With Massage
Massage is another technique proven to accelerate muscular repair (J Orthop Sports Phys 77ter 1994 Feb; 19:93-9). It is vital, however, to check with your doctor of chiropractic before trying massage for relief from muscle soreness. In some cases, massage can be counterproductive, actually aggravating your condition. Your chiropractor can evaluate the type of muscular injury you are suffering from, and tell you if massage is a safe option for you.
Heal With Heat and Cure With Cold
Two of the most effective remedies for sore muscles are also the least sophisticated: heat and cold. In fact, chiropractors recommend heat therapy, cold therapy or a combination of both more than any other adjunctive therapies to chiropractic adjustments. Why? Because although these methods are “low-tech,” they work wonders.
Kick Inflammation With Curcumin
Curcumin is a potent anti-inflammatory from an unlikely source: it is the yellow pigment in the spice turmeric. Curcumin is also available in supplement form (usually taken in 200mg doses three times per day and not exceeding 800mg of curcumin per day). Like bromelain, it is important to take curcumin between meals for it to be most effective. However, generously seasoning meals with copious spoonfuls of turmeric will provide relief from mild inflammation.
Scientific evidence supports the use of curcumin in injury care. In one study, injured rats were treated with curcumin. Compared with control rats, the wounds of the experimental animals showed more cells associated with wound healing. (Wound Repair Regen 1998; 6:167-77).
Bank on Berry Delicious Relief
Ongoing research suggests that antioxidant chemicals known as anthocyanins may relieve inflammation. Anthocyanins are plentiful in sour cherries (the variety used in pies and jams), blueberries, strawberries and raspberries. So this summer, prevent muscle inflammation while you cool off with a berry smoothie or indulge in a bowl of berries for dessert.
Thyme to Tackle Muscle Trouble
Have a muscle strain? It may be time to try thyme. Scientists are currently investigating the health-promoting benefits of this herb, which appears to have anti-inflammatory properties. When cooking with thyme, be creative. Thyme is a flavorful addition to sauces, potatoes and fish and may also be brewed to make tea. But don’t go overboard, extreme amounts of this herb may be toxic. (Choose fresh thyme for optimal results.)
Omit Pain With Omega-3
Omega-3 fatty acid, the lipid abundant in “fatty” fish such as salmon and sea bass, has been shovat to mitigate inflammation in animal studies (Ant J Vet Res 1998; 59 (7):859-63). If you aren’t keen on fish, fatty acids with similar anti inflammatory properties are found in flaxseed oil and evening primrose oil.
Mitigate Pain at the Movies
Watching movies is an effective way to fight pain, according to a new report. 200 subjects were shown films of various lengths and subject mater. A control group that did not watch any films was also established. The volunteers’ pain tolerance was tested before and after viewing the movie. The study found that watching films can decrease a patient’s sensitivity to pain after a 30-minute delay period.
Speed healing From Muscle Strains Naturally
Why risk the potentially dangerous side effects of pain-relieving drugs when natural and effective alternatives are available from your doctor of chiropractic? So next time you “pull” a muscle, turn to your chiropractor instead of your medicine cabinet your body will thank you for it!
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