While participating in sports activities offers numerous benefits and a sense of purpose, it is important to recognize the potential risk of injury accompanying such endeavours. Naturopathic therapy is an excellent recovery method for addressing those inevitable sporting injuries. Naturopathic care is an alternative form of medicine that promotes self-healing using natural and non-invasive medical methods.
At Movéo Sport and Rehabilitation Centre, our Langley and North Van naturopaths specialize in helping you reclaim your active lifestyle using our comprehensive yet targeted naturopathic approach. Our team of skilled naturopathic physicians is equipped to treat various conditions using a range of treatments. Whether you’re dealing with a sprained ankle or recurring back pain, we’ve got you covered.
Naturopathic Treatments for Sports Injuries
Naturopathy has numerous tools in its arsenal to treat sports-related injuries. Here are some popular naturopathic treatments and examples that can help accelerate your healing journey:
Herbal Medicine
Herbal remedies harness the potency of nature’s botanical wonders to offer natural anti-inflammatory properties, pain relief and tissue regeneration aiding in the healing process. Common herbal remedies include:
- Arnica: Used topically as a cream or gel to reduce pain, swelling and bruising associated with sprains, strains and muscle injuries.
- Turmeric: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Can be taken orally or applied topically to alleviate pain and promote healing.
Clinical Nutrition
Fueling your body with the right nutrients is vital for optimal recovery. Your North Van naturopath can design a personalized nutrition plan, incorporating nutrient-rich foods and supplements to support tissue repair and reduce inflammation. Clinical nutrition can include compounds like:
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in fatty fish like salmon and supplements like fish oil, cod liver oil and flaxseed oil, omega-3 fatty acids possess anti-inflammatory properties and aid in tissue repair.
- Vitamin C: This antioxidant vitamin supports collagen synthesis, which is crucial for connective tissue repair and helps reduce the risk of further injury.
Trigger Point Injections
Trigger point injections are a game-changing strategy for addressing localized pain. Naturopathic doctors use this technique to target specific “trigger points” or knots in muscles, which often cause discomfort. By injecting a mixture of anaesthetic and dextrose or saline directly into these trigger points, naturopathic doctors relieve pain and muscle tension promptly.
Prolotherapy
Prolotherapy aims to strengthen weakened ligaments and tendons. Naturopathic doctors inject an irritant into damaged connective tissues. This prompts a controlled inflammatory response, stimulating the body’s natural healing mechanisms. Over time, this process strengthens the structural integrity of the targeted area, offering long-term relief from chronic pain and promoting quicker recovery.
Physical Medicine
Physical medicine techniques can restore mobility, strengthen injured areas, and enhance physical performance. Your Langley naturopath may create your treatment plan using physical techniques like:
- Therapeutic Exercises: Tailored exercise programs like stretching, strengthening and conditioning can improve flexibility, stability and muscle strength, aiding in injury recovery and prevention.
- Massage Therapy: Techniques like deep tissue massage and myofascial release can help relieve muscle tension, reduce pain and improve range of motion.
Acupuncture
Fine needles are strategically inserted into specific points on the body to promote energy flow, alleviate pain and address various physical and emotional conditions. Acupuncture techniques include:
- Needling: Acupuncture needles stimulate specific points in the body, promoting circulation, reducing pain and aiding recovery from sports injuries, such as sprains or muscle strains.
- Electroacupuncture: This technique combines acupuncture with electrical stimulation, providing enhanced pain relief and accelerated healing.
Therapeutic Botox
Beyond its cosmetic applications, botox is a versatile tool in the naturopathic toolkit. Naturopathic doctors use it to alleviate a spectrum of issues, including chronic migraines, muscle spasms and other pain disorders. By injecting small amounts of botox into specific muscles, naturopathic doctors can relax tension, reduce pain and enhance your quality of life.
IV Nutrient Therapy
IV therapy involves infusing a customized blend of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants directly into the bloodstream. This method ensures efficient absorption, allowing your body to access nutrients instantly. Whether you’re recovering from an illness, seeking an energy boost or wish to improve your immune system, IV therapy provides swift and comprehensive nourishment.
Naturopathic medicine can be an appropriate remedy for the following sports injuries
- Sprains and strains
- Concussions and head injuries
- Stress fractures
- Shin splints
- Back and neck injuries
- Tennis or golfer’s elbow
- Muscle contusions and bruises
- Ligament instability
Naturopathic Clinics in North Vancouver and Langley
Choose holistic healing through naturopathy to restore your physical health and overall well-being. Your journey to full recovery starts at Movéo Sport and Rehabilitation Centre. We will consider your goals, assess the severity of your symptoms and tailor a treatment plan just for you.
Contact us at 604-984-8731 or visit our online booking site to schedule an appointment.