Pain

• Girls and Women Vulnerable to Knee Injuries
• Injuries: See an MD?
• Weekend Warrior (recreational athletes)

Girls and Women Vulnerable to Knee Injuries
By Andrew Gaeddert

There are many physiological and anatomical differences between men and women beyond the obvious ones — including, as it turns out, vulnerability to orthopedic injuries. Women are four to ten times more likely to suffer knee injuries, especially to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the knee joint. Although the ACL is the smallest ligament in the knee, the fact that it is part of the connective structure between the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone) makes it critical to stability. A torn ACL can be painful and often requires surgery, followed by four to six months of physical therapy, to regain proper functioning and to return to sports. New research provides an improved understanding of how to protect yourself from the risk of injury — not to mention the resulting pain and cost of treatment.

The newest study on female knees comes from the University of Michigan, Division of Kinesiology, adding a subtle but important additional clue to the ACL/female injury issue. Researchers found that many female athletes maintain a knock-kneed position when landing after a jump. Playing primarily one sport year-round, or repeating the same exercise routines makes injury even more likely — repetition of one activity builds only the muscles the particular sport requires, and may create a strength imbalance, says Dr. Hannafin, from University of Michigan. Cross training helps avoid this problem. Not only jumping sports but any that involve torquing the knees — the twisting that is inherent in skiing, tennis or even ballroom dancing — puts pressure on the knee and increases the risk of injury.

Paying close attention to how you jump, land and pivot can help you avoid knee injuries. For example, focusing on trying to land with knees that are slightly bent, or decelerating before switching directions when you’re moving quickly (as in tennis), may help. Make sure your clients shoes have plenty of arch support; orthotics might be considered. Exercising to strengthen the core legs, hips, and hamstrings can help protect the knees.

Backbone is a combination of three traditional herbal formulas used in the treatment of lower back, leg, and knee weakness. Through the mechanisms of warming kidney yang and improving blood circulation, Backbone is particularly indicated for those who have back and leg pain, who also have a slow pulse and complain of fatigue. It has been successfully used for clients looking to improve knee function and mobility, and to speed up surgical healing.

Collagenex 2 is an empirical formula designed to support the joints, tendons and ligaments. It is a patented ingredient of Eggshell membrane containing collagen, glycosaminoglycans such as chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine, hyaluronic acid, and enzymes, which support the joints and connective tissue. Health Concerns also produces Channel Flow, with extracts of proven pain fighters such as corydalis (yan hu suo), myrrh (mo yao) and Indian frankincense (ru xiang).

Injuries: See an MD?
By Andrew Gaeddert 

If your clients have aching shoulders, knees and feet caused by athletic injuries, when should they be referred to a primary physician? Dr. Volker Musahl, an orthopedist at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center competes in marathons and triathlons. “If you want to continue to run, don’t see a doctor,” Dr. Musahl said. He said that if you were one of his patients, coming in with a sports injury like a sore knee or hamstring or heel or hip, he would just tell you to rest. But Dr. Musahl added a caveat. When he recommends staying away from doctors, he is talking about staying away if you have the usual sort of aches and pains that plague almost everyone who exercises regularly. There are red flags that should prompt you to get medical attention, Dr. Musahl said: pain that gets progressively worse, pain at rest or at night, joint swelling or bruises that do not heal, and knees or elbows or other joints that lock or seem unstable.

The problem with rushing to see a doctor for common injuries, according to Dr. Musahl and others, is that doctors have a limited arsenal, and some of the treatments doctors dispense, like cortisone shots for injured tendons, can actually slow recovery, albeit providing temporary pain relief.[1]

There are some helpful treatments for run-of-the-mill injuries, but they often do not require a doctor, and doctors often know nothing about them. Stretching, taping, cross-training, and taking herbs can be very effective. Resinall E is an example of an East-West blend containing a time tested Chinese herbal formula used to treat traumatic injuries and bleeding with proteolytic enzymes and rutin, a bioflavonoid widely used in the treatment of injuries. It is typically administered as soon after an injury as possible, and can also be administered before rigorous training to prevent inflammation and pain. Resinall K is a liquid version that can be applied topically and used internally as well. Channel Flow is a potent anti-inflammatory formula that can be taken instead of NSAIDs and Tylenol.

1. Kolata, Gina. Sports Injuries: When to Tough It Out. The New York Times. March 30, 2010.  http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/01/fashion/01best.html?_r=1. Accessed on 9/30/10.

Weekend Warrior (recreational athletes)
By Andrew Gaeddert

Led by baby boomers, sports injuries have become the number two reason for visits to doctor’s offices. According to a Bureau of Labor Statistics study, middle-aged adults were the source of 488 million days of restricted work in 2002. Ankles, knees, shoulders, elbows, hips, and the lower back are all vulnerable to injury. Sports and gardening can cause both minor and major injury.

Practitioners may see both serious athletes and weekend warriors in their middle-aged clientele. Baby boomers may be playing a game of backyard catch while at the barbeque and hear something snap, while other patients may injure a hamstring as part of their training for the Ironman Triathlon. Patients may be visiting your office due to pain caused by surgery. For example, many of the people we have seen who have undergone reconstructive knee surgery are often in excruciating pain and are ill-prepared for the pain medications or exercises necessary as part of the extensive rehabilitation process, while other clients re-injure themselves by returning to action before their bodies are ready. Health Concerns has several powerful options for injury recovery and pain control.

Resinall K is used topically and internally before athletic activity to prevent inflammation and soreness, after an injury has occurred, and to aid recovery following surgery. Resinall E contains similar herbs, proteolytic enzymes from four different sources to offer broad-spectrum action, and rutin, a bioflavonoid used in the treatment of injuries. For best results use ½ dropperful of Resinall K or 2-3 capsules of Resinall E, three or four times per day. Channel Flow is a modern formula that contains specially processed corydalis extract (yan hu suo) and other supportive herbs to relieve pain and cramping.

There are many reasons to use Health Concerns products exclusively, including clinical and laboratory testing, practitioner support such as our Herbal Helpline®, and our satisfaction guarantee. If you are unhappy with a Health Concerns product for any reason, simply return the unused portion to us within 90 days. Call for more information (800) 233-9355.

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