When athletes get injured, they want to heal STAT so they can get back into the game ASAP! There are certain products, services and devices that help to speed up the healing and recovery process for athletes as well as non-athletes from injuries such as slip and fall, accidents, and even degeneration due to aging.
As a Naturopathic Doctor, Acupuncturist, and Athlete, I have come across many helpful holistic healing agents* in my practice and I've also had the opportunity to test many of them out on myself (*holistic meaning non-toxic, non-drug, natural remedies). The following recommendations contain hyperlinks to the best products that I am aware of:
SPORTS MEDICINE RECOMMENDATIONS
For muscle tension I use topical magnesium spray. It's great for shin splints, muscle strains ("pulling" a muscle) and tight and sore muscles etc. Magnesium is an essential mineral for muscle relaxation. Epsom salt baths are effective because it is essentially a magnesium soak (and the Mg gets absorbed through the skin). I recommend 2 cups of the salt per warm bath with 1 cup baking soda (for detox, assisting with lactic acid removal) plus 10 drops peppermint essential oil (another natural muscle relaxer) for best results.
As a Naturopathic Doctor, Acupuncturist, and Athlete, I have come across many helpful holistic healing agents* in my practice and I've also had the opportunity to test many of them out on myself (*holistic meaning non-toxic, non-drug, natural remedies). The following recommendations contain hyperlinks to the best products that I am aware of:
SPORTS MEDICINE RECOMMENDATIONS
For muscle tension I use topical magnesium spray. It's great for shin splints, muscle strains ("pulling" a muscle) and tight and sore muscles etc. Magnesium is an essential mineral for muscle relaxation. Epsom salt baths are effective because it is essentially a magnesium soak (and the Mg gets absorbed through the skin). I recommend 2 cups of the salt per warm bath with 1 cup baking soda (for detox, assisting with lactic acid removal) plus 10 drops peppermint essential oil (another natural muscle relaxer) for best results.
Floatation tanks are amazing because they contain 1,000 lbs. of epsom salts and it relaxes the mind and body (remember, so much of sports is mental)! Float 8 located at 714A NE 13th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 has several floatation pods. My favorite room is the "cabin" because it has a high ceiling. They have an option for relaxation music or quiet, LED lights or dark. The no sound no light option is called sensory deprivation and some people report deep meditative experiences. Use discount code ag-547460 for $20 OFF your first float!
I also take magnesium orally. This is a powder that can be added to water. I recommend drinking it during workouts. I alternate with BRCAAs (branch chain amino acids for building lean muscle) in my water during workouts and sometimes I also use collagen (to offset wear and tear and prevent degeneration of the joints, especially the knees).
Another topical ointment that is a must have in every athlete's home is arnicare. It is used for pain, inflammation and bruising and injuries where the skin is not broken. When the skin is broken, it may be taken orally to help the body heal itself faster.
There are various different herbal pain patches available (look for ones with menthol, and herbs that stimulate blood flow that have excellent reviews) that can be left on for 12 hours such as this one for knee pain. These types of patches are good because it is similar to kinesiology taping which stabilizes the injured joint and helps with alignment. There are countless menthol products such as biofreeze, IcyHot, and many others that have the same effect. The patch just keeps the substance in contact with the skin for a longer amount of time so it doesn't rub off on clothes or sheets.
Nutrition can help or hinder the body to heal! Fruits and vegetables and clean protein and lots of water help the body to heal itself by supporting the immune system. Drink smoothies, soup, and have fresh wholesome food when you are injured or sick to get the most vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and nutrients as possible. Dehydration can also contribute to muscle pain and subpar function and performance of the body. Sugar suppresses the immune system. Additives, preservatives, food coloring, artificial sweeteners and chemicals in the food (even pesticides) are substances which contribute to poor mental and physical health.
I also take magnesium orally. This is a powder that can be added to water. I recommend drinking it during workouts. I alternate with BRCAAs (branch chain amino acids for building lean muscle) in my water during workouts and sometimes I also use collagen (to offset wear and tear and prevent degeneration of the joints, especially the knees).
Another topical ointment that is a must have in every athlete's home is arnicare. It is used for pain, inflammation and bruising and injuries where the skin is not broken. When the skin is broken, it may be taken orally to help the body heal itself faster.
There are various different herbal pain patches available (look for ones with menthol, and herbs that stimulate blood flow that have excellent reviews) that can be left on for 12 hours such as this one for knee pain. These types of patches are good because it is similar to kinesiology taping which stabilizes the injured joint and helps with alignment. There are countless menthol products such as biofreeze, IcyHot, and many others that have the same effect. The patch just keeps the substance in contact with the skin for a longer amount of time so it doesn't rub off on clothes or sheets.
Nutrition can help or hinder the body to heal! Fruits and vegetables and clean protein and lots of water help the body to heal itself by supporting the immune system. Drink smoothies, soup, and have fresh wholesome food when you are injured or sick to get the most vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and nutrients as possible. Dehydration can also contribute to muscle pain and subpar function and performance of the body. Sugar suppresses the immune system. Additives, preservatives, food coloring, artificial sweeteners and chemicals in the food (even pesticides) are substances which contribute to poor mental and physical health.
Make sure you are well hydrated. Avoid "energy" drinks. They have too much caffeine and can cause dehydration, anxiety and heart problems. Because athletes sweat a lot, we should also be putting electrolytes in our water to replenish what we excrete! Alkaline diet is anti-inflammatory so be mindful of eating more greens and fish and less meat and dairy. The herbalist known as Dr Sebi helped people to heal from so-called "incurable diseases" using the foods in the book link. As Hippocrates said, "Let food be thy medicine, and medicine be thy food!" Alkaline water machines can be expensive but may be worth the investment. You can also add chlorophyll drops to your water to make it more alkaline.
For a balanced diet, many athletes use the zone diet: 30% fats, 30% protein and 40% carbs. We all have different caloric needs based on our age, height, weight, genetics, physical activity, metabolism etc. Some athletes are trying to gain muscle mass and others may be wanting to get more lean. Using FREE Apps such as Better Human or My Fitness Pal can help athletes and nonathletes alike to obtain their fitness goals by tracking the foods that they consume and making sure they are eating in accordance with their goals. My favorite protein powders, health promoting supplements and nutritional products can be found here.
Acupuncture is great to keep the body balanced with optimal blood and energy flow. It can be used for prevention, maintenance, and treatment. Most acupuncturists also provide suction cup therapy (for muscle relaxation), infrared therapeutic heat, ultrasound therapy and other techniques that also help to stimulate and speed up the healing process of the body. According to the World Health Organization acupuncture is proven to be safe and effective in treating over 40 different conditions including: sciatica, sprains, tennis elbow, low back pain, knee pain, post operative pain, neck pain, periarthritis of the shoulder, and more! Get $25 OFF your first session when you mention this blog at Mibaso.org
Elite Athletes and Olympians Use Suction Cup Therapy!
I also go for regular tune ups with my chiropractor. I like to make sure that my spine and hips are in alignment, especially when I participate in high impact sports such as running and pole vaulting. In South Florida, I recommend Jillian Duquette. She is gentle and gets the job done without using excessive force. If you see her, please tell her that I referred you!
Many chiros and physical therapists use TENS units in their practice to contract and relax muscles which promotes circulation, lymphatic drainage, and healing. These devices are very inexpensive and can be utilized at home. Bruce Lee allegedly used TENS units to make himself look more muscular before shooting a movie!
Massage can also help to rehabilitate after injuries. Sports Massage can be deep and painful and experienced practitioners can be expensive. For affordable Swedish (relaxation) massage, I recommend supporting local massage schools such as Aveda. Massage devices such as this one can be helpful as well and are often used by health care practitioners such as physical therapists and chiropractors. Reiki and Craniosacral Therapy are also worth looking into for energy healing. Reiki is used in hospitals. They call it Healing Hands.
Yoga/Stretching, Foam Rollers and Exercise Bands are also very important. Flexibility is a key component to help people to bounce back from injuries faster. People who are more flexible are less likely to get hurt when they fall or have an accident that would otherwise hurt someone whose body is less limber. There are countless YouTube videos for Yoga, even specialty videos for specific concerns from herniated discs and beyond. Like everything, consistency is key. So daily practice, even 10 minutes per day is ideal. Exercise bands are ideal for resistence training. They help to rebuild muscle strength and improve range of motion without using heavy weights. Foam rollers allow self-massage and can be very beneficial.
Yoga/Stretching, Foam Rollers and Exercise Bands are also very important. Flexibility is a key component to help people to bounce back from injuries faster. People who are more flexible are less likely to get hurt when they fall or have an accident that would otherwise hurt someone whose body is less limber. There are countless YouTube videos for Yoga, even specialty videos for specific concerns from herniated discs and beyond. Like everything, consistency is key. So daily practice, even 10 minutes per day is ideal. Exercise bands are ideal for resistence training. They help to rebuild muscle strength and improve range of motion without using heavy weights. Foam rollers allow self-massage and can be very beneficial.
If you have access to an infrared sauna or cryotherapy and hyperbaric oxygen chamber therapy, those can also be utilized for athletes to help heal all kinds of injuries and ailments. They can be expensive therapies so it may not be so accessible for everyone (see Groupon for local deals and discounts). Some sports centers have ice baths for their athletes which would have the same effect as the cryotherapy. Ice and cold is best when the injury is acute (fresh, just happened). When it is sub-acute (up to 12 weeks post injury), alternating heat and ice (always end with ice) is a form of hydrotherapy which has the effect of pumping the blood through the body and helping the healing process. For a sprained ankle for example, put a hot pack (or enema bag) on the area for 3 minutes and then a pack of frozen peas or ice on the area for 30 seconds. Repeat this cycle 3 times. The entire treatment takes just over 10 minutes and helps to promote healing.
Cabbage poltice is great for reducing inflammation. Watch this video to learn more about this cheap and effective home remedy:
Cabbage poltice is great for reducing inflammation. Watch this video to learn more about this cheap and effective home remedy:
I recently injured my shoulder (I could not lift up my arm) and had access to try a device utilizing PEMF (Pulsed Electro-Magnetic Field) Therapy. It uses magnetic therapy to positively charge the cells in the body to aid microcirculation and promote healing. I can't say I understand exactly how it works but it is backed by 100s of scientific research studies and my experience with the treatment was very positive. In just a few sessions over the course of a week, the improvement has been dramatic! It's not 100% gone yet but I consider the speed of the healing process remarkable.
This 6 minute video gives a nice overview on this modality:
This 6 minute video gives a nice overview on this modality:
BALANCE AND MODERATION
As eager as we are for instant gratification, some things can't be rushed. Ultimately healing takes time and returning to a sport before the body is ready can lead to more debilitating injuries. It's okay to rest! Listen to your doctor and your body, don't rush it. Sleep is important for healing. Make sure you are getting enough good quality sleep. Experts agree that over-training is detrimental to progress and increases injury risk. We often put too much pressure on ourselves. It's important to participate in sports for our health and wellbeing and because we love it. When we put too much pressure on ourselves it can backfire and the stress causes us not to perform our best. Do things that nurture your spirit such as walking in nature, going to the beach (getting fresh air), music, art, dance, journaling etc.
The beauty of Naturopathic Medicine is that the treatment and the prevention strategies are often very similar. So see what resonates with you from this blog and ask your health care provider to create a plan to put some of these strategies into action. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!
SPORTS PSYCHOLOGY
Many people in the pole vault community follow Team Hoot on social media. Shawn Francis is a tremendous resource for athletes. His podcast contains numerous interviews with all kinds of experts who address the mental and emotional aspect of sports. I highly recommend it! As he says, "it's 80% mental and the rest is in your head." So to be the best at your sport, you have to be your best mentally. To cultivate a more relaxed and focused mind, meditation is a great tool and practice. Here is a free guided meditation created by yours truly as well as some positive affirmations. Hope you enjoy them!
One of my favorite remedies for stress and anxiety is Rescue Remedy. It is available in many forms and flavors and there is a formula for pets too (when loud noises scare them such as fireworks or thunder).
The beauty of Naturopathic Medicine is that the treatment and the prevention strategies are often very similar. So see what resonates with you from this blog and ask your health care provider to create a plan to put some of these strategies into action. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!
I wish I knew all this stuff when I was in high school, lucky you!!! 😊
Your partner in sports, health & wellbeing,
Ahuva Gamliel, ND, AP
Ahuva Gamliel, ND, AP
PS Text me if you would like a customized optimal health plan (786)537-0771
DISCLAIMER: The information shared in this blog is meant for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment. If you have a health concern or medical condition, please consult with your doctor before utilizing any of the information in this blog. Thank you!
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