Traditional Medicine’s Approach to Sprains RICE: Ligament injuries or sprains are typically treated with Rest (or immobilization), Ice, Compression and Elevation (RICE), presumably to help the injured ligaments heal. Nothing could be further from the truth. These efforts result in reduced immune cell production necessary to remove the debris from the injured site. This produces formation of weakened ligament and tendon tissues – in addition to the ligament that was already injured! This is the quickest way to cause a dramatic decline in ligament function and strength. Also, with this approach, nothing is done to repair the damaged ligament and, thus, alleviate the chronic pain that people with a severe sprain experience.
Medication: Another standard practice of modern medicine is to prescribe anti-inflammatory medications after an acute injury, but this should definitely be avoided during this time. In the long run, these treatments do more damage than good. Anti-inflammatory drugs have been shown to produce short-term pain benefit, but result in long-term loss of function and even more chronic pain by actually inhibiting the healing process of soft tissues. Plus, long-term use of these drugs can lead to other sources of chronic pain, allergies and leaky gut syndrome.
The Natural Medicine Approach to Sprains MEAT: A better approach for treating acute ligament injuries and sprains is through Movement, Exercise, Analgesics and Treatment, or MEAT. While immobility is detrimental to soft tissue healing, movement is beneficial, as it improves blood flow to the area, removing debris and initiating the healing process. If movement to the joint is painful, the isometric exercises – contracting muscles without moving the affected joint – are recommended.
Caring Medical is a full time Prolotherapy doctor’s office. We have successfully treated all of the conditions we write about. This is why patients travel from across the country and internationally to be treated by our Prolotherapy physician Dr. Ross Hauser. The difference is in the care, technique, and experience you get with Dr. Hauser and team at Caring Medical.
The treatment regimens suggested here are based on the experience of Caring Medical. They do not apply to every case or condition. A person using these recommendations without the aid of a personal physician does so at their own risk.
This information is provided for informational purposes only. It is essential to have your condition evaluated by your own personal physician.
For an appointment with Ross Hauser, M.D., please call 708-848-7789. or email us at scheduling@caringmedical.com.
