Inflammation, swelling and pain commonly occurs in joints such as knees, ankles and the spine and in and around torn or strained muscles, ligaments and tendons.  Inflammation, swelling and pain can occur when the body’s natural defences become activated by some sort of stimuli such as an infection, a soft tissue injury or joint or muscle imbalance.  This defence mechanism acts to support the healing of the body, however if it becomes excessive, it can cause pain and discomfort and impair or slow the recovery process.

When we reduce the fluid in these areas, often we find that the pain is also reduced, and healing is increased. Osteopathy, massage and acupuncture can resolve a tissue, joint or muscle imbalance and assist in increasing circulation to an area increasing fluid drainage away from the area which supports the removal of toxins from the damaged tissue.

There are other ways, as listed below and in a previous blog (Ice vs Heat) that you can support your body to heal faster, experience significantly reduced discomfort and therefore get you back on your feet and back to your best earlier.

Lectric Soda

Lectric Soda Crystals, or Epsom Salts are used around the world to draw out excess fluid from tissues and joints to aid in the reduction of swelling, when caused by inflammation.  Bexter’s brand of lectric soda is commonly found in supermarkets. It is made of natural lime stone mined in the Barossa Valley, which has been combined with natural sodium Chloride from South Australia, and heat processed and blended into a special formulation. This mix is an excellent mix for drawing moisture from tissues and joints. It can also be effective by bathing in a bath rich in these crystals.

Method-

Place crystals in a wrap of soft cotton, a handkerchief or stocking and apply to the inflamed area.  Remove after 30 minutes.

Potato Poultice

A poultice is a soft, moist mass of material, typically of plant material or flour, applied to the body to relieve soreness and inflammation. A poultice made of potato is a remedy that has been used for centuries to draw out impurities and reduce swelling and pain. Whilst there are several schools of thought on whether to use cooked or raw potato, our experience is that raw potato is the most effective.  The fluid drawing power of the potato works in a similar way to the Lectric Soda.

Method-

Place grated or peeled potato on the skin of the affected area, cover the potato with chux or a tea towel and then wrap with plastic cling wrap. Remove after 30 minutes.  This can be done daily in some cases.