Sports Medicine

Athletes usually seek out medical attention for two reasons: performance enhancement and recovery from injury.  Our pharmacy can help with both.  Through supplemental regiments, custom compounded prescriptions or herbal tonics we can help boost immune function, optimize bone and muscle strength, and provide cardiovascular support.  We offer nutritional consultation and can provide guidelines for healthy weight loss or gain.  Our whole body approach to health helps athletes attain their maximum potential while protecting them from unnecessary injury or strain.

When injuries do occur, compounded preparations can provide treatment options not available commercially.  Transdermal creams are made to actively transport therapeutic agents across the skin.  They can be made with any combination of anti-inflammatories, anesthetic agents, steroids or muscle relaxants.  Because they are applied directly to the injured area, transdermal creams provide fast acting relief, can address a more specific area, and require lower, less frequent dosing.  Oral administration of these agents can often times lead to systemic side effects including gastrointestinal upset and needless desensitization of non-injured areas.

Alternatives to consider:

Arnica montana (Arnica) - Arnica is used externally for any type of dislocation, sprain, or sore muscle where the skin has not been broken.  Besides its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, it can greatly reduce bruising and swelling.

Centella asiatica (Gotu Kola) – Gotu kola is a tissue reparative and connective tissue tonic.  It can be used for minor scrapes or strains as well as supportive therapy for post surgery recovery.

Cratageus spp. (Hawthorn) - A long revered cardio-tonic, hawthorn is described by some herbalists as heart food.  While it is most commonly seen in formulations for heart conditions, recent research has also found that regular supplementation with Hawthorn can enhance endurance and performance.

Curcuma longa (Turmeric) - This familiar Indian spice has proven anti-inflammatory action, making it an effective pain-relieving agent. Turmeric also acts as an anti-oxidant and helps promote healthy cardiovascular function.

Polygonatum multiflorum (Solomon’s Seal)  This North American native is a versatile herb for a wide range of muscular and skeletal problems.  Known as a balancing herb, it can loosen or tighten tendons, ligaments, or joints, adjusting the connective tissue back to its proper elasticity.  It is used both orally and topically.  It is supportive in bone health, and can be used as a building and strengthening agent for broken or calcified bones.

Emu oil - With strong anti-inflammatory properties and transdermal penetration, emu oil is a popular topical pain reliever.  We carry plain emu oil as well as a selection of emu oil creams that include other pain relieving agents such as arnica, willow bark, methysulfonylmethane and glucosamine.

Essential Fatty Acids – EFA’s are important for healthy tissue function and repair.  Supplementation with EFA’s can also help relieve inflammatory conditions.  Click here to learn more. 

Guaifenisen – Normally thought of as an expectorant, when used topically in transdermal preparations it enhances muscle relaxation, reducing knotting and muscle pain.

Hormones – Hormonal support for balance, growth and/or repair would include only BioIdentical hormones.

Anti-inflammatory drug agents – This would include Ibuprofen, Ketoprofen, prednisone, and others.  Delivered topically through transdermal creams/gels directly at the site of injury we can optimize local tissue concentratrion, while avoiding G.I. distress.

Vasodilators and Circulatory agents – Through the use of Ginko, vinpocetin, cayenne, and ginger, niacin, and nicotinamide we can improve fluid flow to any injury or workout area to enhance the influx of oxygen & nutrients, plus the removal of local waste materials, thus optimizing healing, repair and recovery.

Speed Gels – These gels are designed for rapid penetration through the dermas of amino acids, anti-inflammatory or pain medications; excellent for emergency situations or sports injuries on the field.

Supplement Selection for Athletics – Therapeutic Vitamin-Mineral combos, Omega Oils, Zinc, Vitamin-D, Digestive Enzymes, Magnesium, Amino Acids,