CBD for Sports Injuries: A Guide
Whether you’re a professional athlete or a part-time gym-goer, sports-related injuries can leave you inactive for weeks, sometimes for months.
Traditionally, people with sports-related injuries have relied on prescription medications to curb pain and reduce inflammation. Opioids are among the most popular. For a while, those medications seem to do the trick, but people start getting addicted.
Not only were people in pain, but they had new addictions that cost many their jobs, houses, and families.
Unfortunately, athletic careers have been ruined due to opioid dependency. Now, many are coming forward to speak about the benefits of CBD in treating sports-related injuries, reducing inflammation, and inducing relaxation after tough workouts.
As the opioid epidemic came to a head, CBD emerged as a safer, non-addictive option for athletes and non-athletes alike. Medsana was inspired by these athletes’ decisions to switch to CBD, and we’re here to show you the research behind their decision.
More studies need to be done, but preliminary research suggests that CBD could be effective in helping treat sports injuries.
Our brand seeks to maximize the athletic ability, energy levels, and focus of every person using it, whether they’re a player in the NFL or a jogger in the park. Keep reading to find out how one little substance can accomplish all of these things, then head over to our Products page to peruse our full selection of CBD wellness products.
What is CBD and how does it work?
CBD is short for cannabidiol, a substance found in the hemp plant alongside other naturally-occurring substances like THC. Unlike THC, though, CBD does not produce mind-altering, psychoactive effects. That’s because it interacts with different receptors in the brain and throughout the body.
These receptors, CB1 and CB2, function within the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a naturally-occurring bodily system much like the central nervous or endocrine systems. The ECS plays a crucial role in homeostasis, the balancing of internal and external rhythms to create our body’s optimal living condition.
When a person takes CBD, the ECS receptors are activated and produce myriad effects across the body. It doesn’t matter whether you take CBD sublingually (under the tongue), topically, or orally; ECS receptors will be activated and you’ll feel the effects in minutes.
Improved mood, energy levels, and alertness are some of the most well-known, but researchers have also found that CBD can help control pain, inflammation, and swelling - some of the main symptoms in sports-related injuries.
Keep reading to find out how one little substance can accomplish all of these things and help treat several sports injuries.
CBD for Sports: Sprains and Strains
Although these terms are often used interchangeably, there is a difference between joint sprains and strains.
A sprain is the tearing or overstretching of a ligament, while a strain is the tearing or overstretching of a muscle or tendon. Sprains are most common in the ankle joint, and strains often occur in the hamstring or lower back.
Symptoms are similar, but sprains often feature bruising around the affected joint. Strains often cause spasms in the affected muscle.
Sprains and strains might not seem like a big deal, but these injuries can be extremely painful and may put athletes off their game for weeks with prolonged inflammation and soreness.
Thankfully, CBD has analgesic (pain-relieving) and inflammation-reducing properties that make it a great option for pain relief and healing.
Researchers found that CBD reduces inflammation from sprains and strains by:
- Reducing immune cell accumulation
- Stimulating production of cytokines (proteins that help reduce inflammation and promote healing).
- Inhibiting production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (proteins that promote inflammation), tumor necrosis factor (a substance that causes inflammation), and reactive oxygen species (free radicals that cause damage to proteins and DNA)
- Improving muscle strength and coordination
- Reducing tissue degeneration caused by chronic inflammation
In plain English, CBD inhibits harmful immune responses and maintains healthy levels of inflammation. Keep in mind that some inflammation is necessary for healing, but too much can cause all kinds of problems.
High-Quality, High-Potency CBD for Sports Injuries
If you’re an athlete or fitness-minded person who suffers an injury, you don’t have to live with inflammation any longer. You definitely don’t have to stick with addictive opioids or liver-damaging NSAIDs for relief, either.
In recent years, many studies have been published about CBD’s ability to reduce inflammation, improve muscle strength, protect neurons, and much more. That’s welcome news for people who want pain relief, but don’t want the side effects of over-the-counter or prescription pain medications.
As a CBD healing company, Medsana is here to help customers live their best lives free from pain and ready to take on each day with renewed vigor and energy. After speaking with your doctor, take the next step towards pain relief and try one of our certified CBD products.
Let Medsana help you live life without limitations - browse our full range of products or give us a call today.