7 Possible Supplements to Use for Injury, Inflammation and Pain
I am working at Torquay Sports Medicine Centre (TSMC) and work closely with physiotherapists, osteopaths, myotherapist and exercise physiologists and the topic came up of what supplements would be beneficial for their clients to help with recovery. So I put together a list of evidence based supplements that could really help with conditions such as injuries, osteo-arthritis, joint pain and inflammation.
Why? ChondroPlex® combines clinically trialled glucosamine and chondroitin with methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) to provide a comprehensive joint formula. ChondroPlex® may help in slowing the progression of mild osteoarthritis of the knee, and provide temporary relief of symptoms including joint swelling, pain and reduced mobility.
Dose – 1 tablet 3 times per day
Contraindications:
· Pregnancy – not been scientifically evaluated
· Use in caution in patients with clotting disorders or anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs
Why? Amazing for acute injury and really effective. InflamZyme combines the vegetable-derived enzyme bromelain with yeast-derived protease enzymes. These proteolytic enzymes assist in the breakdown and removal of inflammatory by-products, thereby assisting the body’s natural healing processes, and helping reduce localised pain and swelling. Bromelains from pineapple provide additional anti-inflammatory activity.
Dose - 3-4 capsules between meals once or twice daily depending on severity of injury.
Contraindications:
· People with hypersensitivities to pineapple.
· May potentiate bleeding when used simultaneously with anticoagulant/platelet medications.
3. Nordic Naturally – Complete Omega
Why? Helps reduce joint inflammation and swelling associated with arthritis.
Dose – 2 caps daily with food
Contraindications: (mostly referred to with high dosing)
· May enhance effects in patients with antihypertensives such as beta blockers and ACE inhibitors
· Patients allergic to seafood – maybe, but wouldn’t test it!
· Patients with bleeding disorders.
· Patients on warfarin need to monitored.
4. PainX – Metagenics (Magnesium combo)
Why? Relieve mild nerve and fibromyalgic pain.
Maintain healthy muscle and nerve function and neurotransmitter levels (e.g. GABA) Reduce frequency of migraines (from just three months’ treatment) Relieve mild nerve and fibromyalgic pain Maintain healthy muscle and nerve function and neurotransmitter levels (e.g. GABA) Reduce frequency of migraines (from just three months’ treatment)
Dose – 1 scoop in 200ml of water, twice daily.
Contraindications:
· Pregnancy
5. Pain Complex – Bioceuticals
Why? Pain Complex is a holistic herbal formula which contains Univestin™, a standardised blend of baical skullcap and black catechu, clinically trialled to help reduce joint pain and stiffness in mild osteoarthritis (OA). White willow is used in western herbal medicine (WHM) for symptomatic relief of joint pain and inflammation associated with mild OA, to relieve mild muscular pain, inflammation and rheumatic complaints, short-term lower back pain, and to symptomatically relieve headache pain. Kava has traditional actions including relieving spasms, symptomatic relief of mild anxiety, and mild sedative activity.
Dose – 1 tablet, 3 times a day until symptoms subside
Contraindications:
· Pregnancy, lactation
· Patients on anticoagulant medications
· Patients with depression – needs to be monitored
· Discontinue 2 weeks prior to surgery
· Patients with hepatitis
· Patients with Parkinson’s disease
· Can enhance hypertensive drugs
6. Magnesium oil – Ancient minerals
Why? Transdermal magnesium chloride mineral therapy enhances recovery from athletic activity or injuries. It reduces pain and inflammation while propagating quicker regeneration of tissues.
Dose – 6 sprays
Contraindications: Nil
Why? Hydrolyzed collagen powder contains a unique profile of 18 different amino acids, including eight of the nine essential amino acids. Glycine, hydroxyproline and prolins account for nearly half of collagen hydrolysates's amino acid content. It may help reduce activity related joint pain. Collagen when ingested goes to where it needs to in the body.
Dose – 1 tablespoon, twice daily in smoothies, coffee, tea or water
Contraindications - nil
These are mostly practitioner brand supplements and need to be prescribed from a qualified practitioner and also monitored.