Inflammation and Pain
Do NSAID’s; non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs, Inhibit healing? Was the question asked:
http://www.outsideonline.com/fitness/fitness-coach/Does-Advil-Hurt-Healing-20120629.html
The influence of anti-inflammatory medication on exercise-induced myogenic precursor cell responses in humans: http://jap.physiology.org/content/103/2/425.short
Pain in the body is an indication that there’s swelling around or impingement of a nerve . Pain is more likely to be caused by inflammation and it’s a red flag response that tells us that something is wrong in our bodies.
The best idea is to always listen to it.
As a whole, before deciding to take a pill, we should try at least 3 different methods, and pills should be the last resort.
1- Eat foods that are anti-inflammatory in nature. Eating Lean Sources and Protein, as well as eating large portions of FRESH fruits and vegetables will help reduce inflammation. While it’s important to avoid foods that cause inflammation: dairy, sugars and refined grains. There are types of foods that have anti inflammatory effects: turmeric, Capasicin, red chili powder, are just two foods that have an anti inflammatory response.
2- Pain is related to the biomechanics of our exercise and our Daily Activities of Life. We can have incorrect biomechanics sitting, standing and participating in sport. Our biomechanics are related to how we use our bodies: our muscles and our skeletal systems. When our bodies are not working correctly, it can cause muscle imbalances, stretching one set of muscle groups potentially leading to overuse pain while the opposing set of muscle groups begin to tighten, causing pain when the muscles fibers contract around the nerve endings or just that feeling of being ‘tight’. These issues can be addressed through an assessment by a qualified professional.
I highly recommend a process known as Muscle Activation: Research and practical applications of this theory show that: isometrics, dynamic exercises and the progression to functional movement aid in recovery of injuries and the prevention of them. http://muscleactivation.com/main.html
There are Muscle Activation Specialists and Muscle Activation Jumpstart programs. Both address similar responses to pain. Exercise Specialists, like myself, with a background in rehabilitation, personal training accompanied by the Jump Start Certification, have a real understanding of how the body moves, the responses to pain, and how to engage the muscles to improve movement through improving function.
This area should cover any equipment being used; as well as size and fit. When your bike doesn’t fit well, or your shoes are too tight, or they offer support where you don’t need it, is something that can be addressed to help y0u return to optimal performance whatever your personal goals are.
3- Balance in your program design when it comes to sport is imperative. If you’re experiencing pain, reducing inflammation through rest and active recovery is vitally important. When there is pain present reducing your intensity will aid in recovery. Research has showed for years that increasing blood flow to the area that is experiencing pain will speed up the recovery. However, the flip side to exercise is that if there is pain present, and you exercise at too high intensity the body will first recover from the workout and then recover from the initial injury; slowing the recovery process.
Before you take a pill, try the above. Negative side effects from medication rarely out weigh the benefit.