treating SPORT INJURIES AND PREVENTING FATIGUE with homeopathy

Homeopathic remedies for pain and inflammation and the many uses of rhus tox or ruta.

A lot of my patients are active people that enjoy physical exercise.

Some of these patients are even part of an elite group of athletes or professional sports people and when they come to see me, I am often asked what would I recommend for a certain injury or to improve recovery times in addition to their treatment.

​Having treated many players at a professional Futsal team, I have gathered considerable experience in treating sports injuries and athletes so I have decided to write this small blog to assist with self-help in choosing the most basic homeopathic remedies for these complaints. 

In my experience, there is usually a sequence of remedies. From the first day of the injury symptoms may quickly change, even in a matter of days only.

Sometimes, a remedy will work a day to alleviate a set of symptoms but will stop working the other day even if the potency is raised. It is that time that a complementary or related remedy will continue and progress with recovery where the other had left off.

I guess all of these remedies are needed to provide relief because different set of systems are involved in an injury, ligaments, muscles, periosteum, nerve pain, shock, swelling, inflammation, etc

PREVENTING FATIGUE IN ENDURANCE SPORTS

Arnica 30: this is the most effective way to help fatigue in strenuous or endurance events such a running a marathon or playing a tournament.

The remedy has no side effects and does not contravene any rules for the use of drugs in sport. If the remedy is taken just before an event, it will help to maintain stamina through the demanding times for the duration of it.

Dosage: take 1 dose of Arnica 30 just before the start of the event and it can be taken  every 1 hour after again if needed and repeat for a few doses.

​For those that time would not allow them to stop, one pill can be put in a half a small bottle of water and a sip can be taken on the go. If the event is all day long with brakes, take one pill 3 times per day spaced out.
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​RECOVERY AFTER A MARATHON, TOURNAMENT OR VERY STRENUOUS WORKOUT-MUSCLE FATIGUE

Arnica 30/200c taken 3 times per day for 2-3 days, depending on the severity of the symptoms.
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INJURIES TRAUMA AND BRUISING

The first remedy to think of is always Arnica!

Arnica 200: Trauma of all varieties, mental or physical. First remedy after an injury.

​Give Arnica first and then asses reaction and see if other remedies are needed. 

Arnica 200: will help with all kind of bruises after an injury. 

Bellis-perennis 30: it can be useful if Arnica has not been able to help much or to follow after Arnica if there is still a lump in the area where there has been a blow.

Natrum-sulph 200: headaches that remain after a head injury.

Bryonia 200: pain after an injury that is worst for any movement. The person can not move the affected part because of the pain. 
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Hypericum 200: pain from injuries to parts rich in nerves, especially fingers, toes or nails. Injuries to the spinal cord and coxis.
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SPRAINS AND STRAINS

Arnica 200: this is the first remedy to give

Rhus-tox 30/200: parts feel stiff, dislocated sensation, affects the fibrous tissue, ligaments, and joints. Tearing in ligaments, tendons, and fasciae.  Pain is worst at the beginning of the movement after rest but after a while, it gets better.

The injury may feel better by hot applications or stretching the affected part.

Ruta 30/200: complaints from straining flexor tendons especially.  Lameness after sprains. Affects cartilage, periosteum, and tendons. Nodules in the tendons after sprains.

The pain feels as if bruised, sore and aching.

Ledum 200: affects the fibrous tissue, especially small joints ( such ankles), tendons and heels.

​The skin may look purple,  painful and puffy joints, discolouration  of the skin remains after pain and inflammation subside. Shoulder pain as if rheumatic pain.

For Plantar Fasciitis look at the following protocol.
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BANERJI PROTOCOL TIP

TENNIS ELBOW ( LATERAL EPICONDYLITIS)  

• Symphytum 200+ Rhus tox 30 twice per day

​INJURIES TO HAMSTRINGS

Arnica 200: first remedy for any injury.

Causticum 200: "sensation as if the muscles and tendons were too short". Tension and cramp-like pain in the legs.

Ruta 200: "tights feel broken". The pain is worst when stretching. Pain as if deep in the bone.

Rhus-tox 200: stiffness in the area and maybe a numbness feeling.
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INJURIES TO THE EYES 

Arnica 200: after any trauma to the eye. First remedy to help with black eyes.

Ledum 200: when black eyes have a bluish tinged after a few days and Arnica is not helping anymore.

Injuries to the orbit of the eye: Ruta or Symphytum, can be alternated.
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​INJURIES TO THE SHOULDER

Arnica 200 always first to address the trauma

Bryonia 200: if unable to move the arm, any movement is extremely painful. The joint may feel dry.

Ferrum metallicum 30: especially suited for left-sided tears although may be used in right side ones as well. The pain extends to the deltoid region and it feels better by moving the arm. Also suited for frozen shoulder.

Ferrum-muriaticum 30: rheumatic lameness remains time after injuries to the shoulders.

Sanguinaria 200:  right sided deltoid and shoulder affected. Cutting pain and stiffness which is worst on rising or turning the arm. The pain is worse at night and it is better by swinging the arms back and forth.

Also think of Rhus-tox and Ruta as part of the recovery process.

Download the worksheet to find which questions will help you to choose the most suitable remedy!