Inflammation is the body's response to some form of trauma. The telltale sign is swelling, discoloration, limited use and pain. When we experience these symptoms, there is a strong likelihood of inflammation.
When we injure ourselves, our bodies respond by increasing blood flow ( vasodilation ) to the damaged area. You will feel heat and an "itching feeling". This part of the healing process results in damaged tissue being taken away and new, fresh tissue being laid down to regenerate the damaged area. The swelling we experience is mostly the body immobilizing the area of trauma so that the body can tend to itself without much outside interference.
Here are the five signs that, after an injury, you may be experiencing inflammation:
- Redness
- Heat
- Swelling
- Pain
- Loss of function
Some conditions that may cause inflammation:
- Pathogens (germs) like bacteria, viruses or fungi
- External injuries like scrapes or foreign objects (for example, a thorn in your finger)
- Effects of chemicals or radiation
- Cystitis, an inflammation of the bladder
- Bronchitis, an inflammation of the bronchi
- Otitis media, a middle ear infection
- Dermatitis, a disease where the skin is inflamed
As we go through the aging process, past injuries can come back to haunt us. Strained or sprained ligaments or muscles and broken bones or lacerations have now healed with limited activity or range of motion as a result of immobile tissue, scar tissue (established by the body to heal the area ), that can inhibit full regeneration.
The ways to make scar tissue more mobile:
Dynamic Stretches
- Foam rollers
- Tennis balls
- Massage
Therapy
- Ice packs, 10 minutes on, 5 off. Perform for 30 minutes a day as frequently as possible.
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Cortisone Injections
Anytime we experience an injury, whether current or in the past, we have to not only be mindful of treating it immediately, but also to monitor the long term implications of the area so that it doesn't become a chronic concern.
Please follow R.I.C.E = Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation. If warranted, take OTC medicinals for short term relief. Short term relief is quantified as 2 - 14 days. If your inflammation isn't resolved within that time period, seeking help is advised.
Hope this makes sense. If you have further questions about inflammation you are dealing with, please discuss this with your NEXT LEVEL trainer!
Best,
NEXT LEVEL
