Alternative Medicine: Summer sprains and strains

If summer activities cause a sprain or a strain injury, early treatment is essential. Those who take the "tough it out" approach may end up with a chronic injury that affects their activity level for months or years to come. Initially, it is important to follow the principles of rest, ice, elevation, and compression to control inflammation and pain. If the pain and swelling increase or do not improve within a few days, it may be necessary to see a physician for further evaluation. More severe sprains or strains may require advanced interventions such as casting, crutches or surgery.

Mild-to-moderate strains and sprains usually can be addressed with aggressive but conservative treatment. As a naturopathic physician, I often prescribe inflammation modulating and soft tissue supportive natural medicine to stimulate recovery from injury. This can be achieved through specific botanical medicine or nutrient supplementation. Additionally, physical medicine treatments such as hydrotherapy, therapeutic exercise or soft tissue sports massage may help to stimulate healthy tissue repair and restore function.

-- Adam Rinde, ND, ACSM-HFI Resident and Naturopathic Physician Bastyr Center for Natural Health

Bastyr is a non-profit, private university offering graduate and undergraduate degrees, with a multidisciplinary curriculum in science-based natural medicine. The university's Seattle teaching clinic, Bastyr Center for Natural Health, is the Northwest's largest natural medicine clinic. Go to bastyr.edu or bastyrcenter.org.