Sports Injury Treatment and Holistic Remedies

Sports Injury Treatment and Holistic Remedies
While organized physical activity is a positive component of a healthy lifestyle, sports and other forms of exercise do create the potential for sports-related injuries. Not warming up appropriately, poor training techniques and even accidents can lead to a wide range of common injuries. Effective natural treatments, however, safely and quickly relieve pain and reduce inflammation that may be caused by an injury.

What are Sports Injuries?

Sports injuries are common and include such conditions as sprains and strains, knee injuries, swollen muscles, injuries to the Achilles tendon, shin splints, rotator cuff injuries, fractures and dislocations. A sports injury is often the result of overuse, improper training practices, inappropriate gear worn or accidents during physical activity.

Natural Remedies for Muscle Strain and other Exercise Injuries

One of the first treatment practices that should be applied in the case of a sports injury involves the acronym RICE – rest, ice, compression and elevation. Following the initial treatment other options can be applied including natural treatment gels and soaks to relieve pain and prevent soreness. Arnica gel, Epsom salts and vinegar are among the most effective treatment options.

Arnica Gel Arnica gel is derived from the herb arnica and is used to treat a variety of health conditions. The compound contains powerful anti-inflammatory properties that promote healing and reduce pain. The gel relieves muscle soreness and can even treat sprain-related pain.

Epsom Salts Epsom salt is a naturally occurring mineral compound that contains vital nutrients including magnesium and sulfate. The combination of these and other minerals in the salt regulate the body's metabolic processes, reduce inflammation and restore muscle and nerve function. An Epsom salt bath also flushes the system of toxins, relieving pain in this way as well.

Vinegar Vinegar can be used in a variety of ways – as a soak, tonic or even rub – to relieve soreness and pain related to sports. Vinegar functions to pull toxins, including built up lactic acid, from the body to relieve inflammation and soreness. Vinegar also contains active vitamins and minerals that restore the body's ability to rebuild muscle and nerve tissue.

Staying active is an important part of staying healthy, but so is taking care of one's body. Natural remedies can help effectively treat sports injuries and offer relief of a variety of issues.