Treating Acute Sprains and Ligament Injuries
Many of the subscribers to this newsletter know that we specialize in using Prolotherapy for the treatment of chronic pain stemming from ligament or tendon injuries. It is amazingly effective for these problems. But what about acute injuries, like an ankle sprain? Generally, we do not begin “prolo” treatments until it is clear that an injury is not healing within the expected time span. An exception might be acute re-injury to an area that has been previously weak and successfully treated with Prolotherapy like an acute low back sprain or a knee that gets over used. But with a first time ankle sprain, what should you do?
First AVOID ice, anti-inflammatory drugs, and immobilizartion…all the things that conventional medical wisdom would tell you to do!
Then start using DMSO liquid diluted 50/50 with distilled water applied directly over the injured area. Applying it in conjunction with Arnica or Traumeel cream will make it even more effective. DMSO is a naturally occurring solvent derived from the processing of wood pulp. In the past it has mostly been used in veterinary medicine for treatment of ligament and tendon injuries. I remember many years ago in my private practice when I first read about DMSO. I found a local source, a feed store, and went over to to buy a case. The man said to me “you must have a sore horse”. I replied “I have a whole stable full of sore horses”.
The FDA forces labeling of DMSO that discourages its use in humans. But it is in fact safe and very effective. The only unwanted effects are a lingering garlic or clam like odor emanating from the patient’s breath and pores, and a dehydrating effect of the skin where it is applied, perhaps leaving an "alligatoring" effect. This can be reduced by also applying aloe vera gel along with the DMSO. DMSO is a potent and novel healing principle. It is the quintessential example of a natural medicine remedy. Safe, cheap, and effective. No wonder the FDA wants to discourage its use. It’s bad for drug company profits. It works because of its ability to penetrate human skin and other tissue and to take excess fluid along with it as it enters the circulation. This makes it exceptionally effective in reducing the acute swelling and pain of sprains and strains. It should be applied frequently enough to get rapid relief of symptom, and then tapered off.
One of the first patients I tried this on was my son. He had a bad ankle sprain, but within a day of using the DMSO he was pain free and able to walk fairly well. I sent him to see an orthopod because I was a little concerned he might have a fracture. The orthopod’s reaction is classically funny yet sad for those of us who understand how orthodox physicians handle alternatives. He examined Jordan, and commented on how surprised he was that he seemed to have such little tenderness in the area of injury. Jordan innocently told him that he had been using DMSO on the area. The doctor said “Oh no, you mustn’t use that”. I guess he’d have rather braced him, casted him, or injected him with cortisone rather than have him find a solution on his own. He did not have a fracture, and the story illustrates again the old adage that they are none so blind as those that will not see.
There are several other things that can help such acute injuries. Trauma Enzymes, Enzyme Max, Bromelain, and ProCartilage plus manganese can effectively reduce pain and swelling without blocking the body’s healing inflammatory cascade. Al of these supplements and the DMSO are available at the BENUTs store on the 7th floor of our building or through their web site. I also recommend using high quality magnets on such injuries. In my opinion acupuncture is usually palliative only and not that useful. If symptoms fail to respond, or come back when treatment is reduced, see your doctor…hopefully your natural medicine and prolo specialist.
An Odd Menopausal Symptom Case
The most common sexual dysfunctions in menopausal aged women are loss of libido and painful intercourse due to vaginal dryness. But recently I saw a very unusual case of enhanced libido. The woman said that as soon as she became post menopausal her sex drive soared. She literally felt sexually attracted to strangers she might see or sit near. Once this happened with someone on the (train.) His cologne and the scent of his coffee drove her to want to go to a hotel with him. She says this libidinous attitude never carried forward into sexual infidelity (she was married), but it did contribute to the end of her marriage. I tell of this case to make a simple point. Profound changes in usual behavior can be due to hormonal imbalance. This patient regained her sexual balance and perspective after coming to Caring Medical for hormone testing and replacement therapy. In her case adrenal hormones and progesterone brought her back to herself.
IPT Symposium
I will be representing Caring Medical and speaking and moderating at the First International Conference on IPT in Cancun Mexico next week. My presentation will be on the IPT (Insulin Potentiation Therapy) and natural medicine management of patients with breast cancer. Approximately 40 IPT certified physicians are expected to be in attendance. I will be covering the physiology of breast cancer, risk and prognostic factors, orthodox treatment with chemotherapy and hormone therapies, and the IPT, dietary, natural hormone, and nutraceutical adjuncts that make our program so unique. After managing the Caring Cancer and Interventional Natural Medicine Center for the last 15 months, I can affirm that all cancers are difficult to cure. Successfully treated breast cancer patients must still live with the spectre of possible relapses in their disease for many years after the original treatment. Late relapses after 5 or 10 years are possible. Dealing with the glucose tolerance and hormonal variables in the background of this disease is critical to your chances of long term success. We have gained considerable expertise in the broad spectrum management of breast cancer. I am also looking forward to learning from my colleagues who will presenting other aspects of the use of IPT against cancer. If you are not already familiar with IPT, an innovative low side effect method of delivering chemotherapy, please call our office and request Dr Hauser’s well researched book “Treating Cancer with Insulin Potentiation Therapy”.
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