Over view;
Sports injuries involve damage to any part of the body due to sports exercise or athletic activities. These injuries are commonly involving structures like bone, muscles tendons, and ligaments. In case of minor injuries one can manage at home with rest. ice, compression, elevation (RICE) and over the counter medications. But major injuries require proper treatment. Sports injuries can be acute, which develops sudden and chronic which develops over the period of time or due to overuse. Pain and discomfort are the common symptoms in all kind of sports injuries. Ayurveda’s holistic approach is of great help specially in case of chronic injuries and in rehabilitation.
What is a sports Injury?
The term “sports injury” refers to the kinds of damage occur to the body tissues, that most commonly occur during sports or physical exercise, but they are not limited to athletes. Even factory workers get tennis elbow, painters get shoulder injuries, and gardeners develop tendinitis etc.
Acute sports Injuries;
Acute injuries occur due to sudden trauma to the tissue. Most of the symptoms appears there and then only with more severity. The principle in this case is that the force exerted on the tissue at the time of injury is exceeds the strength of that tissue. Acute injuries can be classified according to the site of the injury (e.g. bone, cartilage, ligament, muscle, bursa, tendon, joint, nerve or skin) and the type of injury (e.g. fracture, dislocation, sprain or strain).
Chronic Sports Injuries;
Any repetitive activity of sports or exercise can lead to a chronic or overuse injury. Overuse injuries occur over a period of time, and symptoms develops gradually. Little or no pain might be experienced in the early stages of these injuries and the athlete might continue to place pressure on the injured site.
Most commonly musculoskeletal system gets affected by the sports injuries. It is the network of muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones, and other tissues that provides the body with stability and enables movement. There are many types of sports injuries. Some of the most common are:
- Bone Fracture
- Cartilage tear
- Concussion
- Dislocation
- Tendinitis
- Sprains
- Strains
Treatment for Sports injuries;
Treatment for sports injuries varies widely, depending on the type and severity. Many sports injuries heal in a few days or weeks with commonly known RICE. But for more serious injuries, treatment may involve, Immobilization with a cast, splint, sling, walking boot or other medical device and medicines. In some cases, surgical intervention is the only option.
At Ketav’s Ayush Health Paradise, Ayurveda management of sports injuries ;
Ayurveda holistic approach includes three kind of specific treatment plans, sthanika upkarmas (localised therapies), Samshamna Chikitsa (palliative treatment) and Rasayana Chikitsa (restorative and rejuvenating therapies).
Sthanika Upkarmas;
These are the localised therapies applied to the affected part or the tissue. This gives a quick relief from the symptoms like pain, stiffness, bruises, swelling, redness etc. Like lepa (pack), Pichu (warm or cold Swaps), bandha (bandage), upnaha (poultice) etc.
Samshamna Chikitsa;
Samshamna Chikitsa works by Pacification of vitiated doshas it includes internal and external palliative therapies. Oral medications like kwathas, vaties, choornas etc. which pacifies aggravated dosha and resets the equilibrium comes under internal Samshamna Chikitsa. On the other hand, therapies like Abhyanga, nadi sweda, katibasti, jahnu basti, Meruchikitsa, Marma Abhyanga etc. helps to establish the equilibrium and promote healing at the localised area.
Rasayana Chikitsa:
The concept of Rasayana therapy, here refer to the repairing the damages and rejuvenations of the tissues. Rasayana Chikitsa may promote healing by speeding up tissue repair, increasing vitality, enhancing digestion and strengthening the immune system. Rasayana usually given as internal medicines, in the form of ghritas, vaties, ksheer pakas, lehas etc.
The basic treatment protocol remains same for all cases, but we customise the therapies, oral medicines, localise treatments and external applications as per the, severity of symptoms, duration, part or tissues evolved. Also duration of Ayurveda treatment plan is case dependent.
Sports Injuries are better to address as soon as possible otherwise a discomfort may turn in to disease with passage of time .
Ayurveda can help treat sports injuries by using a holistic approach that includes:
- Herbal treatments
Medicated herbal pastes, bandages, and oils can help with inflammation, pain, and muscle rejuvenation.
- Panchakarma
This detoxification and rejuvenation procedure can help with circulation and restore balance in the body. It includes treatments like oil massages, steam therapy, and therapeutic purgation.
- Yoga and exercise
Specific yoga poses can help rehabilitate injured areas and improve flexibility.
- Lifestyle changes
Ayurveda emphasizes making lifestyle changes like getting enough rest, managing stress, and following a routine that aligns with your circadian rhythm.
- Marma therapy
Gently stimulating Marma points, which are vital areas where structures meet, can reduce pain, swelling, and stimulate healing.
Ayurveda also has detailed assessment procedures to determine the nature and location of injuries, which helps determine the right treatment options.
Here are some Ayurvedic treatments for specific types of sports injuries:
- Lepanam
A medicated herbal paste is applied to the affected area to help with pain from inflammatory conditions.
- Upanaha Sweda
Warm oil is applied to the affected area, then covered with leaves and bandaged.
- Kati vasti
Warm medicated oil is retained over the lower back to help with back pain, disc prolapse, and spinal dislocations.
- Greeva vasti
Warm medicated oil is retained over the neck to help with pain and stiffness from neck muscle pain or cervical spondylosis.
- Raktamokshan
A blood cleansing and purification therapy that is part of Panchakarma healing treatment
We manage the patients with integration of Ayurveda therapeutic measures and physiotherapy based on phase and condition of the injury. Ayurveda treatment measures like Marma therapy, Splint application, Bandaging, Basti (Medicated enema), Nasya (nasal administration of medicinal oil), Kati basti, Janu basti, Lepa etc. Physiotherapy treatments like Hot and Cold application, TENS, US etc. Unique Oral and local application medications like Marma guilka, Marma lepa, Balaguduchyadikashaya, Sahacharadikashaya, Yograjguggulu, Green lepa, Tab one sall, Arthronid, Ostalgin oil, Orthostop cap, Arjit pain killer spray, Quicfrac tab, Osteoten tab.
We also provide rejuvenating Ayurvedic oil massages for holistic healing and relaxation.