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stiffness in a joint can set us up for trouble down the road. “Te ‘no pain, no gain’ mindset is definitely not beneficial over the long run for health maintenance,” says physical therapist Brennan Hussey. In his private practice in Evergreen, Colorado, and Appleton, Wisconsin, Hussey most oſten sees weekend warrior mishaps that target the lower back, shoulder, hip and knee. Identifying unhealthy habits and compromised alignment can prevent ongoing issues, he says, and a head-to-toe evaluation and approach are key. “Pain is obviously what brings people in for treatment


most oſten, but if I treat with pain as the focus, I will miss the dysfunction that’s actually causing the pain response,” he says. “I’ve found hands-on, or manual, therapy best treats the various dysfunctions that cause pain, whether chronic or acute, and usually within a very low number of visits.”


First-Aid and Recovery Essentials RICE—rest, ice, compression and elevation—is the name of the game when injury strikes, but adding essential oils to a first- aid and recovery regimen can offer significant benefits. Diluted external use of lavender, cypress and eucalyptus can minimize bruising, pain and swelling. Essential oils are also reliable allies for dealing with general discomfort aſter an active weekend. “In my 30 years using essential oils, plus raising two active


boys, I’ve found that the most effective way to use essential oils for post-activity soreness is with topical application,” says Liz Fulcher, a clinical aromatherapist and owner of the Aromatic Wisdom Institute, in Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania. “Specifically, I add 15 to 20 drops of essential oil into one fluid ounce of unscented lotion or cream, which is a 5 percent dilution—too strong for all-over use, but great for spot application of topical issues. Apply the blend into the affected area as oſten as needed for approximately two days.” Her powerhouse favorites for aches and pains include German


chamomile (M. chamomilla), helichrysum (H. italicum), ginger (Z. officinale), black pepper (P. nigrum), frankincense (B. carterii), lavender (L. angustifolia) and tea tree (M. alternifolia). For open wounds, she reaches for the distilled herbal waters known as hydrosols to wash the area before applying lavender and tea tree to avoid infection. Helichrysum essential oil is remarkable for bruises and other topical trauma, she says. According to a 2016 review of studies in the American Journal


of Terapeutics, soſt tissue injuries respond well to immediate and subsequent internal use of the homeopathic remedy Arnica Montana 30x, as well as topical arnica in the form of gels, oils and sprays. Remedies like Ruta graveolens and Rhus tox offer further support for sprains and strains. Bolstering the diet with anti- inflammatory spices and supplements like turmeric, vitamin C with bioflavonoids, vitamin E with mixed tocopherols, bromelain, borage and flaxseed oil can also provide support. In the end, maintaining an active lifestyle all week long can lower


the risk of needless suffering. “With consistent movement, you will understand how your body moves and responds to certain conditions. Tis will start to create a deeper understanding of what your body can tolerate,” advises Murdock. “Te biggest takeaway is consistency.”


Marlaina Donato is an author and recording artist. Connect at WildflowerLady.com.


TIPS TO PREVENT INJURY


ADVICE FROM FITNESS TRAINER NADIA MURDOCK: Start with a gentle warmup if you are stretching before your workout. Tis helps to loosen up the joints and improves the blood flow to the muscles in your body. Try incorporating a few jumping jacks or a minute of running in place. Avoid bouncing in the stretch; hold the stretch for at least 20 seconds and don’t rush it.


A few simple moves:


FORWARD LUNGE: Kneel on one knee, place the other leg forward at a 90-degree angle, making sure the knee is over the ankle. Lean into the movement to feel the stretch in the inner thigh. Hold for at least 20 seconds and then switch legs.


STANDING QUAD STRETCH: If you need additional support in this stretch, you can use a wall or chair. Raise one foot behind you; on the same side of the body, reach back to grab your foot at the ankle and pull it toward your seat, stretching the thigh. Keep the knees close and square your hips by keeping them forward. Hold for at least 20 seconds. Repeat on the other side.


SEATED STRADDLE LOTUS: Sit down on the floor with the soles of your feet together in front of you. Gently press your knees to the floor while placing your forearms on the inside of the knees. Push down as you lean your body forward toward the ground. Make sure you are leaning forward from the hips. Hold this stretch for at least 20 seconds and


repeat if you feel you need to. March 2022 17


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