Indicated Homeopathic Treatments


Three key medicines for sports injuries are Arnica for shock and trauma to soft tissue and muscle; Hypericum for shooting pains and trauma to nerves or parts of the body rich with nerves, such as the fingers, toes and back; and Calendula for cuts or open wounds to promote healthy new skin formation. The informa- tion here indicates external use for common injuries.


SPRAINS AND STRAINS n Arnica immediately after injury, especially if there is swelling and soreness. n Rhus tox for sprains with annoying stiffness. n Bryonia for sprains with excruciating pain whenever the joint is moved. n Ledum for easily sprained ankles that feel better when ice is applied. n Calcarea carbonica for chronic ankle sprains and repetitive stress injury. n Ruta for tendon injury (especially helpful for tennis elbow or carpal tunnel syndrome).


DISLOCATION n Arnica immediately after injury, also later if there is soreness. n Hypericum for sharp shooting pains that accompany a dislocation.


Single medicine at a time. Classical homeopathy usually admin- isters one remedy at a time for chron- ic conditions or dis-ease, although more than one may be prescribed when treating acute conditions. Combinations of remedies, called “complex medicines,” are available over the counter and may be useful for injuries that involve muscle, nerve and bone tissues.


Whole person and


individualized treatment. Homeopaths study the whole person, analyzing their emotional, physical and mental characteristics. Thus, different patients exhibiting the same symptoms may receive entirely differ- ent remedies.


Donna Zappettini, OTR/L, CHT, CCH (Cand,) is a graduate of the Homeo- pathic Academy of Southern Califor- nia in Carlsbad. She is an occupa- tional therapist specializing in hand therapy and also practices classical homeopathy. For a free introductory phone consultation, call 760-845- 5223. Visit HomeopathicTherapeu- tics.org. See ad on page 39.


FRACTURE n Arnica immediately after injury, especially if there is bruising. n Bryonia for fractures with severe pain made worse by motion. n Ruta for injuries to periosteum (bone-covering membrane), common with trauma to the shin, skull, elbow or kneecap.


n Symphytum to promote bone growth (only to be given after a fracture has been set).


n Calcarea phosphoric to speed the progress of slow-healing fractures.


HEAD INJURY n Arnica immediately after injury, especially if there is bruising and/or large swelling that is sensitive to touch.


n Natrum sulphuricum for a head injury followed by irritability or depression; always seek professional treatment for a head injury.


WOUNDS n Calendula to help prevent infection in scrapes and open wounds; for any open wound and for blisters; do not use arnica, but instead apply calendula topically.


n Hypericum to speed healing and lessen shooting pain in wounds to the tongue, fingertips and toes.


n Ledum to repair injury from puncture wounds.


Note: Most health food stores carry homeopathic medicines in the 30C potency, considered a mid-range strength that is safe to use when self-prescribing for the sports injuries described here. For severe injuries and emergency care, contact a cer- tified professional homeopath who can prescribe remedies in higher, more appropri- ate potencies. For a state-by-state directory, visit HomeopathicDirectory.com.


Helpful Resources: Everybody’s Guide to Homeopathic Medicines by Stephen Cummings, MD and Dana Ullman, MPH; Homeopathy for Musculoskeletal Healing by Asa Hershoff, doctor of naturopathy and chiropractic


Source: Dana Ullman, MPH (master of public health) and Dr. Lauri Grossman, doctor of chiropractic certified in classical homeopathy


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