Both have two things in common: their drive and
passion for physical exercise and the inevitable risk of injury that comes with doing what
they love. Not professional athletes, they don't have the luxury of top- notch sports
medicine at their disposal when they get hurt. And often the injury is not serious enough
to require medical attention, but is still capable of restricting their favorite pastimes
for a while. Compared to years past, today's amateur athletes tend to be more probative,
making up their own rules, and taking charge of their own health. They are likely
well-educated and quick to seek out resources and products to help them recover rapidly
from accidents and injuries. One of the primary sources of information for supplements,
herbs, and other products is you, the retailer. Equipping yourself with a thorough
knowledge and understanding of the products and ingredients that support recovery from
sports injury will create better customer relations. You will become a credible source and
an ally in a confusing world of herbs and supplements. Ultimately, you'll develop customer
loyalty and consistent sales in this product category. To get understanding of this market
niche, lets take a look at what sports injury is, what some of the natural remedies are,
and check out a few of the best-selling products on the marker.
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- What Is A Sports Injury?
|
- Sports injuries fall into two
categories. First, there's the repetitive-motion type of trauma such as tennis elbow,
which is caused by straining the same area over and over again. Joggers and weight lifters
too can put a lot of pressure on their joints, tendons and muscles. Second, there is direct
trauma resulting from a fall or an accident. Examples of this are a blown- out knee, torn
rotator cuff sprained ankle or bad muscle bruise. But even the hustle and bustle of daily
life can contribute to an injurious condition. Tension and stress induced by hectic and
fast-paced lifestyles can exacerbate muscle soreness and pain, Muscle spasms can occur
with heavy exercise or over-use of the muscle and the resulting build-up of lactic acid.
And when you're stressed, the reaction to muscle injury is intensified causing the
surrounding muscles to tighten up and worsen the condition. Each type of injury
involves a slightly different physical response and may require a specific strategy for
recovery. 'In the case of a repetitive-motion injury you are dealing with a lot of inflammation
and a lot of fibrin, a protein that the body deposits around the injury site to protect
the tissue. The results of too much fibrin can be chronic inflammation, stiffness
and pain which can inhibit the healing process. Proteolytic enzymes, such as bromelain
from the green, unripe cores of pineapple, and papain from the immature papaya, digest
proteins and arc great for getting rid of excess fibrin. Don't worry about them digesting
muscle tissue; your customers' bodies will use these enzymes to break down fibrin first.
But taking them in supplement form is necessary to get adequate levels - dietary intake is
insufficient. ''To get enough bromelain from a food source you would have to eat dozens of
unripe pineapples. It would be a bad day. When dealing with a direct-trauma injury,
usually the first need is to relieve the pain. Then, reducing inflammation and starting
the healing process can begin. Ultimately, all aspects of injury - pain, inflammation
and healing - are interdependent. Most products have a combination of ingredients to cover
each angle of injury and promote recovery.
|
 - Ask the Expert about Joint
Supports (click)
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- Aloe
vera
|
- Aloe vera is well known as a natural
moisturizer. It is very soothing to burns and wounds. It contains mucopolysaccharides that
mimic the skin's
own moisture-protecting, and contribute to the rebuilding of synovial fluid and joint
tissue.
|
| Amino
acids |
Amino
acids like L-proline and glycine help rebuild collagen and contribute to the repair of
damaged ligaments and tendons. |
| Boswellia |
Boswellia
is an Ayurvedic herb that is said to relieve pain, soreness and stiffness. |
| Bromelain |
Bromelain
is a proteolytic enzyme that breaks down fibrin. It also inhibits formation of
pro-inflammatory prostaglandin, a hormone-like substance that triggers inflammation. |
| Cat's
claw |
Cat's
claw has anti-inflammatory elects, increases circulation and may lower blood pressure by
preventing the formation of plaque on arterial wails. |
| Calendula |
Calendula,
or marigold, is an age-old anti-inflammatory and tissue-healing herb. lts essential oils
also act as an astringent. |
| Chamomile |
Chamomilla,
or chamomile, is an analgesic and anti-spasmodic with anti-inflammatory properties. |
| Chondroitin |
Chondroitin
sulfate is a type of glycosaminoglycan (GAG), which is crucial in the reconstruction of
joint tissue and synovial fluid. It is said to have an anti-inflammatory effect on the
joints. Chondroirin sulfate also inhibits the enzymes that promote the degradation of
cartilage, and it attracts water into the cartilage structure, providing a cushioning
elect for the joint. |
| CMO |
CMO,
or cell myristoleate, is believed to be a natural immune-system modulator. In other words,
it helps to adjust the immune system for optimal healing in the joints |
| Devil's
claw |
Devil's
claw is said to be an anti-inflammatory and an analgesic. It has been proven as an
anti-arthritic in animal experiments. |
| Echinacea |
Echinacea
has wound-healing properties including antibacterial and antifungal effects. |
| Eucalyptus |
Eucalyptus
oil is a powerful antiseptic that penetrates into the skin and relieves aches and pains. |
| Ginger |
Ginger,
an anti-inflammatory, inhibits the production of pro-inflammatory leukotrienes, histamines
and prostaglandin. |
| Green-lipped |
Green-lipped
mussel is a source of mucopolysaccharides,and it supports the body's ability to suppress
inflammation. |
| Glucosamine |
Glucosamine
sulfate is a compound made from the amino acid glutamine and glucose. It stimulates the
production of GAGS by the cartilage,
allowing the body to regenerate crucial joint tissues. Studies have also found that
glucosamine reduces inflammation, pain and swelling in the joint. |
| Menthol |
Menthol
is an antibacterial and an antiseptic derived from peppermint. It stimulates the skin,
increasing blood flow and heat at the injury site, which relieves aches and pains. |
| MSM |
MSM,
or methylsulfonylmethane,is a naturally occurring metabolite of dimethyl sulphoxide. It
has been found effective in relieving pain associated with joint injury. It combines with
amino acids including cysteine and methionine to form proteins used in rebuilding muscles,
tendons, ligaments and cartilage. It is also said to reduce
inflammation. |
| Omega |
Fatty
acids suppress pro-inflammatory prostaglandin, relieving tenderness and swelling. |
| Quercetin |
Quercetin
is a potent anti-inflammatory. It inhibits the release of pro-inflammatory leukotrienes.
It also protects white blood cells from damage. Damaged white blood cells can release
histamines which cause inflammation. |
| Vitamin C |
Vitamin
C is one if the ingredients necessary for the body to make collagen, a protein that
reinforces all connective tissues in the body. It is also a powerful antioxidant helping
to reduce the incidence of free radicals that can exacerbate damage at the injury site. |
All of these ingredients predominantly
address one of two categories: muscles and skin, or joints and
cartilage. The trick is combining the right mixture of these ingredients together to bring
relief and inspire healing. Here are some relieving blends from companies who have done
the science and found what they believe is the right mixture..
| Ultra Tiger Balm |
Ultra Tiger Balm from Haw Par Corporation from Singapore contains
essential oils form cajuput, cassia clove mint and camphor, and menthol. The original Balm
has been around for 100 years. |
| DMSO |
Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) has been used for over 100 years in the
United States. It is a natural substance derived from wood pulp and is harmless when used
with the proper precautions. It is sold as a solvent. DMSO is an amazing substance that
has many uses throughout the world. |
| Rx-Joint Cream |
Ultra Rx-Joint Cream from Nature's Plus in Melville NY, is a blend of MSM,
chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine sulfates three of the top ingredients for joins health
and healing. This precisely calibrated topical formula also includes nutrient-rich base
Red seaweed, Red algae and brown seaweed,Vitamin E, magnesium, Iron, Zinc, Copper, and
Shea Butter. |
These products are 211 safe, and many of them are
topical. Except in the case of a rare allergic reaction to a specific herb or ingredient,
they can be used frequently. |
 |
- 99.9 % Pure DMSO 90% Concentration
with 10% Aloe Vera
|
 -
|
- Ultra Strength - Non Staining. Pain
Relieving ointment for Sore Muscles, Overexertion, Joint pains, Backaches, Arthritis,
Stiffness, and Sprains. The key ingredients are: Oil of Cajuput, Cassia, Clove, Mint,
Menthol, Camphor.
|
-
-
|
Nature's Plus Advanced Therapeutics Glucosamine Chondroitin MSM Ultra
Rx-Joint Cream is precisely calibrated topical formula that synergistically combines pure
glucosamine, chondroitin and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM). Each penetrating drop is then
formulated with a proprietary botanical/nutrient-rich base, which includes silicon,
magnesium, copper, zinc and shea butter for maximum benefits. |
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