Sports can be hard on the human body. While they benefit our mental health in many ways and help to avoid physical health issues like heart disease and diabetes, they can also take a toll on our muscles, tendons, and bones. For example, if you have ever “played through the pain,” then the sports you are playing will most likely negatively impact your health.
We have found that playing team sports, running marathons, and even going to the gym can cause muscle soreness, sprains, and strains that should not be ignored. Many such injuries can be prevented or have shortened recovery times through natural techniques.
Here at Flow Natural Health Care, we offer natural solutions that can keep you healthy as you enjoy your favorite sport, suffer an injury, or work to resolve lingering sports injuries. We provide specific health guidance and techniques that are particular to each patient, but in this article, we are providing several holistic techniques you can use to help prevent or speed the recovery of injuries.
1. Provide yourself with proper nutritional support.
Athlete John L. Parker Jr. once said: “If the furnace is hot enough anything will burn, even Big Macs.” It might be true that your body will use whatever food you throw at it – especially if you are training or in the midst of an athletic event. However, we have found that filling your body with excellent nutrition can only enable it to perform more efficiently. This means eating plenty of antioxidants, protein, healthy fats, and whole foods. These types of food support your system and help you make each performance your best.
As Floyd Mayweather Jr. put it “I can basically eat anything, but if I cheat, it makes me work that much harder.”
2. Naturally reduce inflammation.
There are many natural anti-inflammatories that you can take as you recover from a strain, bruise, sprain, or other injury. Some of our favorites are these spices:
- Boswellia
- Black Pepper
- Cayenne
- Cinnamon
- Clove
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Turmeric
Spices are fantastic because you can add them to your meals, incorporating these natural anti-inflammatories into your diet without feeling like you have to take another pill or vitamin.
3. Use a foam roller for sore or strained muscles.
Foam rolling is a fantastic way to practice self-massage, release tension, and reduce adhesions in areas that have been overworked. If you have an area that is chronically stiff or tight, we recommend foam rolling to help break up any adhesions that are blocking circulation to the area and causing inflammation.
4. Stay hydrated.
Hydration is so important for every single athlete. While many people swear by their particular sports drink or type of water, plain ol’ water is always a great bet. So, if you are worried about whether you should be drinking Gatorade or coconut water, just be sure you are sipping on plenty of H20.
5. Stretch both statically and actively.
Many runners, swimmers, bikers, and athletes, in general, stand or sit to stretch as they prepare for their workout. We recommend taking the time to stretch in motion as well. So, instead of standing still and stretching, try actively lunging, doing a yoga flow, or another type of active stretching movement before you begin your workout.
If you are suffering from a sports injury or you need support for your current athletic pursuit, it’s important to get the holistic health care you need. Your best performance may depend on your getting the right nutritional and physical support.
So, contact Flow Natural Health Care today to set up your appointment with our sports medicine specialist. We are here to make sure you have the tools you need to prevent injuries and to make a rapid, long-term recovery on any injuries you are currently suffering.
Tags: foam roller, nutritional support, Sports injury, sports medicine
