An interesting article written by

Drs. Tim Flynn and Dr. Terry Gebhardt

http://www.coloradoan.com/article/20110801/COLUMNISTS141/108010305/Hamstring-injuries-pain-can-linger-on?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|FRONTPAGE|s

In last month’s article, we discussed some of the most effective treatments for chronic hamstring injuries.

Despite being pain-free with typical daily activities, many athletes continue to have pain with their sport for several months and even years after a hamstring injury. Unfortunately, there is a high recurrence rate of hamstring strains because of incomplete rehabilitation or returning to sport too soon. Residual scar tissue and persistent muscle weakness are two common reasons for the persistent pain and high recurrence rate following a hamstring strain.

Fortunately, regardless of how long the injury has persisted, trigger point dry needling and instrumented massage treatments such as ASTYM (www.ASTYM.com) can help break up scar tissue and knots in the muscle called trigger points. These hands-on treatments combined with the appropriate exercise routine can help resolve even the most chronic hamstring strains.

Considering there is such a high recurrence rate of hamstring strains, many people ask what can be done to prevent these injuries from recurring, or better yet prevent them from happening in the first place. Although hamstring stretching is commonly advocated for injury prevention, a hamstring flexibility program has not been shown to reduce the incidence of hamstring injuries. It might even lead to what is called stretch weakness where the muscle is highly flexible but weak and prone to injury.

In contrast, several studies have found the incorporation of specific strengthening called eccentric exercises into a training program can significantly reduce the incidence of hamstring strain injuries. Eccentric exercise involves slowly straightening your knee against resistance to work your hamstring muscles so that the muscle is engaged while it is lengthening.

If you are recovering from an acute or chronic hamstring strain, your physical therapist can help you determine when it is appropriate to begin eccentric training. It is important to start slowly when beginning an eccentric strengthening program, as there tends to be greater muscle soreness associated with this type of strengthening.

In addition to eccentric training, exercises that focus on neuromuscular control of your core muscles and lower extremities have been shown to accelerate injury recovery and prevent re-injury. Think of neuromuscular control as the system that creates coordinated movement. This control system frequently shuts down following injury. Simply strengthening the muscles is usually not enough to restore neuromuscular control.

Exercises to re-establish the motor control are critical in preventing injury recurrence. Examples of such exercises following a hamstring strain include high knee marching, skipping and explosive running starts with a focus on leg power development.

Finally, a program emphasising varying trunk movements during running (e.g. upright posture, forward flexed and forward flexed and rotated) has been shown to reduce hamstring injury recurrence by 70 percent.

So, if you participate in sports where hamstring injuries are more common such as running, soccer, softball and tennis, remember to include exercises similar to those listed above to reduce your risk of injury.

Your physical therapist or personal trainer can help you develop the optimal training program.

See for full article:

http://www2.hernandotoday.com/content/2011/jan/27/271245/how-to-ward-off-muscle-aches-and-pains/

If you’ve ever completed a vigorous workout, then you’ve probably experienced some muscle aches and pains. There’s nothing unusual about that.

What about those aching joints?

That is swelling and stiffness that just doesn’t go away when you get out of bed in the morning?

Should you halt your workouts because the aches and pains in your joints keep you from feeling up to par?

The simple answer is, “no!” Keeping up your fitness regime is an important component in warding-off those pesky aches and pains.

Exercise, along with other key factors, can actually help you live pain free.

Some tips for minimizing joint pain while you stay active:

Warm-Up – Before engaging in your workout regimen or sports activity, take about five minutes for light stretching and warm-up. Failing to stretch before your workout can exacerbate inflammatory problems, such as tendonitis or bursitis.

Pump some iron – Weight-bearing exercises not only build muscle, but also help to strengthen your joints. Creating stronger muscles means that your joints are better stabilized, and are less likely to ache in the long run.

Slim down – Extra pounds create quite a bit of stress on your joints. Swedish researchers recently reported that women with a body mass index higher than 24 were more likely to undergo knee or hip replacements. That’s because extra weight increases your risk for osteoarthritis, particularly in the joints that bear the brunt of your weight.

Butt Out – Smoking wreaks havoc on your joints by lowering the amount of oxygen in your blood and hindering bone growth. Quit your cigarette habit, and you may just find that you have fewer swollen joints.

•Pay Attention – Don’t ignore prolonged swelling or stiffness in your joints. It may be a sign that you have an autoimmune disorder, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or fibromyalgia. Talk to your doctor right away because early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent permanent damage to your joints.

Most of us have had it at some point: neck pain, back pain, joint discomfort, muscle pain, sprains, strains, pinched nerves and other annoying discomforts. Some have temporary aches and pains while others are the unfortunate to have chronic aches and pains for example arthritis or tendinitis.

As you grow older, your body signals this to you in various ways – you start to really feel an aching here and there, you can’t move as lively as you used to, and you usually really feel your energy levels decreasing. But most likely the worst of all are the chronic pains which come about with the aging process, and torment people in their older ages to no end.

Chronic discomfort is caused by a variety of points, but no matter the cause, it can always be cured by approaching what causes the pain itself . 

There are many discomfort relief drugs available on the market but often  you will find some side effects with taking them long term and it is advisable not to take alleviation drugs or discomfort killers long term as you can become reliant on them.

That is why a lot of people have decided to explore alternative pain alleviation treatment methods to treat discomfort.

Dynamint is an effective combination of natural oils in a gentle cream base specially formulated for musculoskeletal rejuvenation. Dynamint is also ideal for people suffering general aches and pains…many users have reported Dynamint™ alleviates the effects of a range of common medical problems including …

 Arthritis,  Carpal Tunnel & Related Syndromes,  Complex Regional Pain Syndrome,  Fibromyalgia,  Lymphedma,   Myofascial Pain Syndrome,  Peripheral Neuropathy,  Reynaud’s Disease,  Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS),  RSD (Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy)                                                                                                                                                                                  

Dynamint™ is used by Olympians and professional sports people the world over (both pre and post sporting activity) as an aid to injury prevention and for fast rehabilitation of muscles, joints, tendons and soft tissue.  

Dynamint is made from all natural ingredients…there are no drugs or chemicals. It has a refreshing peppermint smell, is non-greasy and does not leave behind any sticky or unpleasant residues.

Whilst browsing the internet today we came across this article:

http://www.southtownstar.com/lifestyles/2202058,042710toyourhealth.article

By James Krcik, M.D.

Millions of children participate in the fun and excitement of sports activities every day as their parents enthusiastically cheer them on.

Sports can teach kids to stretch their limits, practice sportsmanship and develop discipline – but sports also carry the potential for injury. By knowing the causes of sports injuries and how to prevent them, you can help make athletics a positive experience for you and your child.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than 3.5 million children younger than 14 receive medical treatment for sports-related injuries each year. About 80 percent of these injuries result from playing football, basketball, baseball or soccer. Two-thirds are soft-tissue injuries, including sprains (tearing a ligament) and strains (tearing of a muscle or tendon). Only 5 percent are broken bones.

It’s no surprise that contact sports put young athletes at risk of injury, but what many parents don’t realize is that the bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments in children are still growing, making them even more susceptible to injury. Be sure to pay careful attention to your children’s complaints of sports-related aches and pains, because if left untreated, permanent joint damage can occur, which may hinder their physical growth and possibly affect their ability to play sports in the future.

The good news is there are ways to decrease your child’s risk for sports injury:

• Have your child prepare before the very first practice. Make sure your child is getting at least one hour of exercise each day, slowly building up the length and intensity of exercise.

Encourage them to work on certain kinds of exercise that will help them get ready for their sport. For example, if your child is going to play soccer, suggest they start running. Younger kids can start with a few laps around the field or playground and slowly increase the distance. Older kids can start slowly and work up to a few miles a couple of times each week.

And don’t forget to schedule your child’s sports physical several weeks before the season starts. This allows time for more tests or follow-up if needed.

• Know the rules and use the right safety gear. Before the season starts, explain to them that rules help keep them safe. For example, tackling rules in football help prevent neck injuries. Using the right equipment and safety gear for the sport can also lower the chance of getting hurt.

Another note about gear: Though it may be tempting to use sports equipment interchangeably, it’s not the best idea. Baseball cleats, for instance, aren’t appropriate on the soccer field. The spike on the toe can cause serious injuries if it comes in contact with another player’s shin.

• Warm-up and cool-down are a must. Warm-up and cool-down stretches are necessary to prevent muscle spasms and help promote good body mechanics. Watch your children to make sure they don’t rush through stretches.

• Be aware of the appropriate body mechanics and physiology behind each sport. Be sure your child understands what body positions and stretching techniques best protect him or her.

• Don’t play through the pain. Learn to recognize when your child is in pain. If he or she shows signs of pain or injury at practice or in the game, don’t tell him or her to “tough it out.” Pull them out of the game and seek medical attention, if necessary.

• Good nutrition is important for bone and muscle building. Try to eliminate junk and/or fast food from a young athlete’s diet. Instead, focus on needed fruits and vegetables, calcium and protein that help build strong bones and muscles.

Despite our best efforts, sometimes injuries are unavoidable. If you or your child suffers a sports-related injury, the Ingalls Sports Network can help. Comprised of board-certified orthopedic physicians who specialize in sports medicine, arthroscopy and many minimally invasive procedures, the network uses diagnostic technology to treat athletes within 24 to 48 hours of injury at several locations.

Sports Network specialists also are available to educate athletes, coaches, trainers and athletic directors about injury causes and prevention.

General muscular aches and pains are often caused by either unaccustomed use or overuse of muscles.

However, more severe muscle pain accompanied by swelling and restricted movement may mean that muscles, tendons or ligaments have been damaged, torn, sprained or strained, possibly in a sports or other accidental injury.

Full Story:

http://www.chemistanddruggist.co.uk/c/portal/layout?p_l_id=259751&CMPI_SHARED_articleId=3989467&CMPI_SHARED_ImageArticleId=3989467&CMPI_SHARED_articleIdRelated=3989467&CMPI_SHARED_ToolsArticleId=3989467&CMPI_SHARED_CommentArticleId=3989467&articleTitle=Patient%20information:%20muscle%20aches%20and%20pains

Before treating, consider whether the problem is due to general aches or pains caused by overuse or something more serious, such as an injury. If an injury is involved, follow the RICE(R) approach immediately (see ‘Treatment tips’ further below).

When to see a pharmacist or other medical professional

Patients should see a pharmacist or other medical professional if:

1. The pain or ache is accompanied by serious loss of movement
2. The pain is severe, there is swelling or the area feels warm
3. The pain or discomfort has not improved after treatment
4. The problem is due to a back injury, or the pain is in the lower back and spreads to the legs worsens during the day, such as knee or hip pain
5. There are other symptoms, such as morning joint stiffness, fever or numbness
6. If the muscular pain is associated with a medical condition
7. The patient is taking certain medicines known to be associated with muscle pains, such as treatments used to lower cholesterol levels
8. The person is a child or elderly – they may be more sensitive to some medicines
9. The sufferer is pregnant or breastfeeding, as certain medicines will not be suitable
10. The pain persists beyond seven days.

If any of these apply, investigation of muscle aches and pains by a health professional is recommended, even if it confirms there is nothing seriously wrong.

Treatment tips

General muscle aches, stiffness or soreness caused by overuse may be relieved by anti-inflammatory gels or ‘heat rubs’. Where general muscle soreness and stiffness are the problem, gentle exercise, massage and medicine help restore mobility. Avoid heat, alcohol, exercise or massage for the first 72 hours, as they may limit healing.

Check with a doctor or physiotherapist before starting heat treatments and physical activity to avoid the risk of further injury.

If back pain is the problem, the patient should make sure they adopt good posture and appropriate lifting techniques to prevent back ache in future.

Treatment tips for sprains, strains and soft tissue injuries

It is important to use what is known as ‘RICE(R)’ therapy in the first 48 hours following injuries, following an injury such as a sprain.

Each of the letters in ‘RICE(R)’ has a meaning as follows:

 R – Rest: the patient should have no further exercise

I – Ice: apply ice or a bag of frozen vegetables, wrapped in a towel to protect the skin, for 10–30 minutes every two hours

C – Compress: wrap with a firm, elastic bandage, although this should be loosened if there is a sensation of tingling or numbness

E – Elevate: keep the injured limb raised on a chair or cushion

(R ) – Refer: see a doctor or physiotherapist for a precise diagnosis and ongoing care, as this will made a full recovery with less scarring more likely.

Treatment options

General muscle aches and pains can be relieved by a range of medicines, though it may be better to avoid certain medicines immediately following an injury first injured – so check this with a pharmacist.

Take pain relievers regularly for the first few days, rather than waiting for the pain to subside.

Oral pain relief medicines (analgesics)

Paracetamol, aspirin and NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) relieve pain. Aspirin, ibuprofen and diclofenac also reduce inflammation (swelling).

Paracetamol is a safe choice for most people but it is important not to take more than recommended. It is an ingredient in many cold and flu remedies so if a patient is taking one these, it is essential to avoid taking a double dose.

The maximum daily dose of paracetamol for an adult is 4g (8 x 500mg tablets) – and no more than 1g (two tablets) every four hours.

Aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are not suitable for everyone.

Children under 12 years old must not take aspirin because it can cause Reye’s syndrome, which is a serious condition. It should also be avoided by adolescents under 16 years old who have a viral illness. Children and young people under 14 years should not take diclofenac.

Patients should check with a pharmacist before taking aspirin or NSAIDs if they: have a history of stomach problems, such as ulcers or indigestion

have asthma – some people with asthma find their condition is made worse by these types of medicines

have kidney problems or a heart condition

take other medications

have an allergy to aspirin or NSAIDs

are pregnant or breastfeeding

are elderly – older people may be at more risk of side effects

are dehydrated.

Aspirin and NSAIDs can cause side effects. If indigestion develops or the patient has unusual or increased bleeding or bruising they should stop taking these treatments and and talk to the pharmacist.

Topical NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)

These are gels, creams, mousses or sprays applied direct to the affected area that contain benzydamine, diclofenac, felbinac, ibuprofen, ketoprofen or salicylic acid. They may help relieve general aches, sprains and strains, and are applied and rubbed gently over the affected area.

Dynamint…A cream that may help:

All natural ingredients…no drugs, no chemicals

£2.25…RRP… 30ml size….one of the lowest prices for topical analgesics on the market

Used by Olympians and professional sports people the world over

Refreshing peppermint smell (mind clearing), non-greasy and does not leave behind any sticky or unpleasant residues.

Provides increased focus and alertness

High penetration – perfect for deep tissue penetration

Rapid action & Quick ‘Kick-in’

Product Information: An effective combination of natural oils in a gentle cream base specially formulated for musculoskeletal rejuvenation. Dynamint is used by Olympians and professional sports people the world over (both pre and post sporting activity) as an aid to injury prevention and for fast rehabilitation of muscles, joints, tendons and soft tissue.

Durham continued to warm-up nicely

Dynamint is an ideal sports muscle rub for warming up both before and after sport

Durham dominate in Abu Dhabi…Wickets tumble on day two of county curtain raiser…full story:

 http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12140_6064112,00.html

Abu Dhabi
Durham 459-9 dec (K J Coetzer 172, M J Di Venuto 131, B A Stokes 51, D J Malan 4-20) & 7-2 v MCC 162 (S G Borthwick 4-27)

Durham continued to warm-up nicely for their title defence by skittling MCC for just 162 as 18 wickets tumbled on day two of the floodlit season opener in Abu Dhabi.

The county champions extended their first innings from 329-3 to 459-9 declared early in the second session.

Durham pace bowlers Steve Harmison and Callum Thorp removed five of the top six between them as MCC were quickly reduced to 103-6 in reply.

And leg-spinner Steve Borthwick, making just his second first-class appearance, then ran through the tail to finish with figures of 4-27 in 4.5 overs.

Durham closed the second day of four at 7-2 in their second innings, an overall lead of 304.

Click on the image below to purchase

Our Opinion of the Dynamint Musculoskeletal Revitalisation Balm:

As appears on http://www.gymworld.co.uk

Its not very often that we recommend physio products here at Gymworld. Dynamint got our attention, though. We were sent a couple of free samples to use so we thought, why not? We exercise and use weights ourselves so we decided to give it a go.

The results were surprising. The normal post-workout aches and pains when we’ve been lifting heavy weights were reduced greatly or disappeared completely in some cases. All you need to do after a workout is rub it liberally on the muscles you’ve been exercising and you can feel it tingling after a minute or so. The aches that you normally feel when you wake up the next day are also much easier to cope with and again in some cases were completely gone.

Dynamint contains several natural oils to make it do its stuff. The other ingredients with long scary names are widely used in skin care products (we looked them up too). We are always wary of “new and exciting miracle creams” as they can sometimes be either ineffectual or harmful. Luckily Dynamint is neither of these and really worked. The peppermint aroma does seem to wake you up and give you focus too.

If you exercise at home or go to the gym regularly then Dynamint would be ideal. You can also see in the customer testimonials below that Dynamint is used by professionals at major football clubs and other organisations – and they need a good product.

What Sports People Are Saying About Dynamint:

“It is an excellent rub, has a long lingering effect, gets deep down and has a very pleasant aroma. The lads love it!
Rob Harris, Physiotherapist, Manchester City F.C.

“I’ve been using Dynamint on many of my clients at my Pilates practice at Northants Cricket Club. It has been an outstanding success with our sports people for both pre- and post-training.”
Karen Grinter, Studio Director Pilates Face & Body ltd

“The product Dynamint is as far as I am concerned, Top of the League!”
Barry Statham, Physiotherapist, Mansfield Town F.C.

“We are a sports medicine clinic specializing in soft tissue rehabilitation. Since being introduced to Dynamint, we now include it as part of our treatment on at least 60% of our clientele. It has proven to be a long lasting analgesic and being completely natural is easily accepted by our clients. The refreshing smell of mint is also accepted as a plus. Most other balms have a chemical smell reminiscent of athletic rubs. Compared to what is available on the market, we are convinced of its superiority as an analgesic balm. It is rapidly absorbed on application and is totally non-greasy, leaving no discomfort to the patient. As a further plus we have recognized the benefits to our own hands at the end of a long day of massage. We wholeheartedly endorse this product and welcome any inquiries as to its efficacy.”
Apollo Sports and Physical Rehabilitation Clinic, John Forde R.M.T. – Former Canadian Olympic Hammer Thrower, Victor Peltz R.M.T., Anu Gill R.M.T

“I have an arthritic knee and in the 1970′s had two cartilages removed. The Doctor said that the knee was very badly worn. I love to play golf and as owner of Chorley Golf Driving Range, I drive some balls every day. If I do this without using Dynamint my knee swells up. Dynamint allows me to play golf whenever I want – when medical advice would say I shouldn’t!”
Gerald Parkinson, Golfer, Owner of Chorley Golf Driving Range.

“Just ordered 237ml of Dynamint… it’s just great! It’s the only thing I have found that helps my knee injury. I thought I would have to pass on running the NY HALF Marathon this Sunday, but thanks to Dynamint I am running pain free. Thanks for your help and for your really great balm.”
Sid Busch, Veteran Runner, New York.

What Dynamint say:

Dynamint’s blend of essential oils is a perfect formula for over-worked and tired muscles resulting from competitive sports activity or exercise. More and more sports people are discovering the benefits of this natural, fast-action balm.

Used before training, Dynamint speeds circulation and reduces warm-up time. When applied after training it relaxes and refreshes aching muscles and tendons.

The recovery stage of your training is vital to future performance and injury-free sport. Using Dynamint can aid recovery and rehabilitation, whilst reducing the need for oral pain relief and medication.

Its non-greasy formula makes it an ideal balm for remedial sports massage – as a pre-training application or applied in the changing room straight after your exercise session. And remember, it won’t stain or stick to your kit or your clothes!

Ingredients:

Aqua (water), Oleum Menthe Piperitae (Peppermint Oil), Calendula Offininalis (Calendula Oil), Oleum Euclypti (Eucalyptus Oil), Pheno-Xyethanol, Sodium Acrylate Copolymer, Sorbitan Monooliate, Colloidal Silica, Oleum Melaleucae (Tea Tree Oil)