CONDITION: Strains & Sprains

 

OVERVIEW: Strains, also known as pulled muscles, occur when a muscle has been torn or overstretched. Many people use these terms interchangeably, but the main difference involves the type of tissue involved. Sprains occur when a ligament has been torn or overstretched. Strains and sprains only involving a few damaged fibers usually cause only mild discomfort, but moderate and severe injuries can be debilitating.

 

SYMPTOMS:

• Decreased strength
• Muscle weakness
• Redness or bruising
• Pain
• Tenderness
• Swelling

 

CAUSES: Strains occur when the muscle is stretched beyond its limit or from an overly strong contraction. Sports that require jumping and quick starts, such as in hurdling, basketball, and gymnastics, can lead to this type of injury. Sprains occur when a ligament is overextended, as can happen when walking on an uneven surface, falling on your hand, skiing, and playing tennis.

 

WHAT MAKES IT WORSE:

• Not warming up before exercise
• Poor flexibility
• Poor posture
• Awkward body positioning

 

COMMON THERAPIES: Medications used to reduce pain include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) or prescription medication if pain is moderate to severe.

 

NATURAL INGREDIENTS WE USE:

Chamomile Flower Extract: Calms and reduces inflammation

Lavender Essential Oil: Reduces pain sensitivity

Lemongrass Essential Oil: Reduces inflammation & eases anxiety

Menthol: Reduces pain sensation & counters irritation

Plant-based MSM: Deeply penetrates to reduce inflammation

Vitamin A: Has restorative properties

Vitamin C: Supports cartilage production

Vitamin E: Works as a potent antioxidant

 

LIFESTYLE GUIDE:

• Try the RICE method—rest, ice, compression, and elevation—on the affected area.
• Stretch regularly for conditioning and to ward off future injuries.
• Apply our Ultra Relief Cream at the first sign of pain to ease discomfort.

 

Resources 

Harvard Health Publishing. “Muscle Strain.” Harvard Health Blog, Harvard Health Publishing, www.health.harvard.edu/a_to_z/muscle-strain-a-to-z.

“Muscle Strains.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 21 Dec. 2018, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/muscle-strains/symptoms-causes/syc-20450507.

“Sprains.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 22 Dec. 2018, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sprains-and-strains/symptoms-causes/syc-20377938. 

Noonan, Thomas J., and William E. Garrett. “Muscle Strain Injury: Diagnosis and Treatment.” Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, vol. 7, no. 4, 1999, pp. 262–269., doi:10.5435/00124635-199907000-00006.