Homeopathy is vastly underused in North America in terms of its ability to speed recovery from injuries. Remedies are government-regulated in Canada and manufactured to pharmaceutical standards meaning they are safe, even for high performance and professional athletes. There are many remedies specific to sprains, strains, concussions, contusions and all manner of sports-related injuries. Homeopathic medicines can be used in compliment to other rehabilitation treatments such as physiotherapy, chiropractic, osteopathy and drug therapies.
Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is an inflammation of the tendons that join the forearm muscles on the outside of the elbow. It is a painful condition wherein the forearm muscles and tendons have become damaged from overuse, usually from repeating the same motion over and over again and again.
As the name suggests, playing tennis or other racquet sports can cause this condition. However, many other activities can cause this condition, such as sports which involve throwing like discus or javelin, and repetitive manual labour such as painting.
The pain may be continuous and sometimes severe, and felt in the elbow as a burning or tearing. Pain may radiate from the outside of the elbow to your forearm and wrist. It can be a constant ache in the elbow area, or you may only feel it while reaching, grasping or lifting, and it may sometimes force a person to drop things.
Attempting to play through the pain will most often cause more tear and damage; similarly, enough recovery time should be given to ensure the injury has healed before beginning to play again. Take the opportunity to rest and relax, or to work on strengthening other areas such as legs.
Finding the right homeopathic remedy relies on the particular experience of Tennis Elbow of each athlete. Homeopathy is a holistic and individualized medicine, and details of a person’s unique symptoms are required in order to make an accurate prescription.
Arnica Montana
While there are many wonderful homeopathic remedies for this condition, my sincere wish is that people who play tennis (and other sports) competitively, would learn to use Arnica before every match (as well as Rhus Tox, depending on the person). Arnica offsets the risk of injury, and quickens recovery time, such that conditions like Tennis Elbow are less likely to occur.
When the pain of Tennis Elbow has first started, Arnica should be given as soon as possible. This remedy works to reduce inflammation and speed tissue healing and is often the only remedy needed in many cases of injury.
When to use:
Persistent pain with initial inflammation and discomfort, especially useful for acute injuries and to support rapid recovery.
Rhus Toxicodendron
A main remedy for Tennis Elbow, Rhus-t fits best when the pain is better for heat, especially hot bathing. The pain is usually worse in the morning, of after being still for long periods, after which stiffness sets in and produces a state of restlessness. The person feels the need to constantly stretch and move the elbow, wrist, or arm, and can be visibly seen to do so.
When to use:
Pain better for heat, stiffness, and restlessness after inactivity.
Bryonia
Contrary to Rhus Tox, the pain in Bryonia is worse for any motion, such that the person does not want to move the arm, wrist or elbow. Doing so may result in a sharp shooting pain, and the person may be seen to sit still at length in an armchair or with the arm supported on a pillow. They may be attracted more to cold applications than hot ones, and generally want to be left alone and quiet.
When to use:
Sharp pain worsens with motion, stiffness, and a desire for quiet and cold applications.
Ruta Graveolens
This remedy is the best known homeopathic remedy for injuries to ligaments and tendons. It suits cases of overuse and overexertion which result in pain and extreme stiffness. The hand and elbow may be very weak and the pain is often worse in cold weather. This remedy can be used alongside Arnica as a first prescription for Tennis Elbow.
When to use:
Persistent pain with little relief from other remedies, especially for ligament and tendon injuries.
Caulophyllum Thalictroides
Caulophyllum is a lesser-known remedy but effective for chronic, lingering cases of Tennis Elbow. It is often helpful when the injury has persisted over a long period with minimal improvement.
When to use:
Persistent pain with little relief from other remedies.
Homeopathy offers athletes a holistic and individualized approach to injury management and performance optimization. By addressing specific symptoms and providing natural support, homeopathic remedies can be a valuable addition to an athlete’s overall wellness and recovery strategy. Whether you’re recovering from a injury or striving to perform at your peak, homeopathy can provide the support you need. Reach out to me at Homeopathy Online for a personalized consultation to explore how homeopathy can help you achieve your goals.
Recent Comments