Athletic Performance -- Homeopathic Remedies

During athletic training, development of stamina and skill can be encouraged by a constitutional remedy-chosen by an experienced homeopath to fit the individual-and help the body work efficiently. Remedies listed here may help prevent and ease the aches and pains of physical exertion, and are useful as first aid for injuries. If any pain or injury seems serious, a medical practitioner should be consulted.

Although homeopathic substances listed in this article are generally not known to cause serious side effects, their effectiveness has not been demonstrated by scientific research. Consumers should check labels carefully, since a homeopathic product that is not diluted, or not diluted enough, can contain ingredients that cause allergic reactions, side effects, or interactions. It is always advisable to discuss any new treatment program with your healthcare practitioner.

For dosage information, please read the information at the end of this section. See also “Using Homeopathy With Professional Guidance” in What Is Homeopathy?

Homeopathic Options

Homeopathic Arnica is helpful for bruising, tissue-damage, shock, and soreness. If taken shortly after an injury occurs, both pain and swelling may be reduced, and healing can take place more quickly and efficiently. Conditions needing Arnica are usually worse from touch and heat. For sprains or deeper injuries that require days or weeks to heal, another remedy may follow Arnica. (Some athletes take Arnica "preventively" before a workout, to reduce the tendency toward soreness. Gels and ointments containing the herbal form or very low dilutions may be soothing to sore muscles.)

This remedy is often indicated for injuries resulting from collisions, falls, and twisting or wrenching motions that occur in active sports. It is especially indicated for bruising injuries involving the abdomen, trunk, and pelvis or deeper body areas. Bellis perennis may also be given for bruising, sprains, or strains when Arnica has been tried without significant result. Aggravation from soaking, or from wet applications, is another indication for this remedy.

Injuries to nerve-rich parts of the body (smashed fingertips or toes, a blow to the back, a fall on the tailbone, etc.) often are relieved by this remedy. Shooting pains and muscle cramping may be felt around the injured area.

This remedy is indicated for sprains and other injuries with pain and puffy swelling that are greatly relieved by ice, cold soaks, or cold applications. Ankles injured in the past that swell from overuse may also be helped with Ledum.

This remedy is very useful for limbering up after overuse of joints and muscles. The area feels extremely stiff and painful on initial movement, improving as motion continues. Warm applications and hot baths or showers also bring relief. Rhus tox is usually indicated for injuries in later stages, after acute inflammation and swelling have passed.

This remedy is indicated when overuse of muscles and tendons leads to remarkable stiffness. Injuries involving tendons, ligaments, and periosteum (the tissue that covers the bones) are likely to respond. It should be considered for injuries of elbows, wrists, and knees that feel stiff and sore and are slow to heal. Repeated injury or overuse that has led to thickening or even hardened growths on connective tissues, may also be helped with Ruta.

This remedy is sometimes used to ease muscular soreness and fatigue caused by overexertion. It may also help to relieve the cramps or spasms that occur after intense exercise.

Dosage

Select the remedy that most closely matches the symptoms. In conditions where self-treatment is appropriate, unless otherwise directed by a physician, a lower potency (6X, 6C, 12X, 12C, 30X, or 30C) should be used. In addition, instructions for use are usually printed on the label.

Many homeopathic physicians suggest that remedies be used as follows: Take one dose and wait for a response. If improvement is seen, continue to wait and let the remedy work. If improvement lags significantly or has clearly stopped, another dose may be taken. The frequency of dosage varies with the condition and the individual. Sometimes a dose may be required several times an hour; other times a dose may be indicated several times a day; and in some situations, one dose per day (or less) can be sufficient.

If no response is seen within a reasonable amount of time, select a different remedy.

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The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires February 2010.