Remedies for Spring’s Strains and Pains

By Jan Wolfenberg Spring is upon us, and for many, this means a sudden increase in physical activity. It’s common to greet the warm weather and bright sunshine with a generous portion of over-enthusiasm. We are all so eager to shake off the winter cobwebs and get outside! Whether gardening, golfing, or just spring-cleaning, the sudden shift away from winter’s sedentary habits can put some stress on our bodies, which we often notice in the form of aches, pains, bruises, strained muscles and sprained joints. Western medicine offers us analgesic relief in the form of over-the-counter medications like aspirin, acetaminophen and naproxen sodium (brand names omitted), as well as prescription pain relievers. But these acute conditions can usually be helped greatly by a handful of natural options that have fewer side effects and tend to work with the body instead of against it. Give yourself a break First of all, if you are sore from over-doing, it is your body’s way of telling you to give it a break. Muscles that are strained from overuse need a day or two to recover. If there is swelling that accompanies any strain or sprain, cold packs can significantly reduce soreness while alleviating swelling. Pain relievers only mask the symptoms; they don’t cure the condition, which only wants time to heal. With your symptoms masked, you are out of touch with your body’s signals, and this permits you to continue pushing yourself instead of taking the time you need to recover. Trust your body’s wisdom and listen to its signals. Second, drink plenty of fluids and eat healthy foods. Healing tissues need to remain well hydrated, and sufficient fluids also provide a way for toxins to be excreted. Stick to water, pure fruit juices and herbal teas. Soda pop only burdens the immune response and slows healing, while fruit juice cocktails aren’t much better. In fact, white sugar and corn sweeteners (found in most convenience foods) are very hard on the body in general, and especially so during healing. Choose natural foods that are minimally processed, and include lots of fruits and veggies. These foods provide your healing tissues with the building blocks they need to repair themselves. Third, don’t forget to utilize good health care practitioners who perform body work. Chiropractors can help re-align anything that needs it and are often covered by health insurance. Massage therapists can loosen tight muscles, facilitate lymphatic drainage of toxins and encourage tissue healing while providing you with a one-hour vacation from your hectic new spring schedule. Your chiropractor or massage therapist may be able to recommend specific stretches or exercises, both to aid in healing this injury and preventing one in the future. If you’ve never worked with either of these types of professionals, ask your friends for referrals. Word-of-mouth recommendations are often the best way to locate a good practitioner. Natural Remedies Nature also provides some curative herbs and minerals that we can use to help our bodies heal the effects of overuse. Two […]