Injuries

One of the most frustrating things for a martial artist training is an injury. If you are training hard, you are are likely to experience an injury. Do you know what to do if you have one?

If you have an injury such as a sprain, strain, muscle pull, or tear, immediate first aid can prevent complications and help you heal faster. One of the most important acronyms to remember if you get a sports injury is R.I.C.E. R.I.C.E. stands for Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation. Using these 4 immediate first aid measures can relieve pain, limit swelling and protect the injured tissues, all of which help speed healing.

If it is not better within 48 hours, call your doctor!

A bone bruise is different and ice should only be used to alleviate pain. You need to keep the blood circulating. Massaging the area and using compression works well. Use a brace to help with pressure. Bone bruises and take months to heal and are often the most painful type of injury.

General muscle soreness after working out is a result of the lactic acids being released in your body. You may have heard it before but, soaking in Epsom salt really helps. Try to keep your bath water as close to your body temperature as possible. This will enable you muscles to completely relax. If the water is too cold, your body has to work to warm up. If the water is too hot your body has to do the opposite in trying to cool down. Here are some of the benefits of an Epsom salt bath:

• improved heart and circulatory health, reducing irregular heartbeats, preventing hardening of the arteries, reducing blood clots and lowering blood pressure.
• Improved ability for the body to use insulin, reducing the incidence or severity of diabetes.
• Flushed toxins and heavy metals from the cells, easing muscle pain and helping the body to eliminate harmful substances.
• Improved nerve function by electrolyte regulation. Also, calcium is the main conductor for electrical current in the body, and magnesium is necessary to maintain proper calcium levels in the blood.
• Relieved stress. Excess adrenaline and stress are believed to drain magnesium, a natural stress reliever, from the body. Magnesium is necessary for the body to bind adequate amounts of serotonin, a mood-elevating chemical within the brain that creates a feeling of well being and relaxation.
• Reduced inflammation to relieve pain and muscle cramps.
• Improved oxygen use.
• Improved absorption of nutrients.
• Improved formation of joint proteins, brain tissue and mucin proteins.
• Prevention or easing of migraine headaches.

Add 2 cups to your bath water and soak for 15-20 minutes. Rinse off after your soak. Try it at least once, you will be amazed at how good you feel.

I hope these things help you as they have helped me. Keep training hard!


****NOTE: I am not a medical doctor, these are things that have helped me. You should always contact your doctor for medical information****