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combination of essential fatty acids and antioxidants appears
to be an effective treatment for many inflammatory injuries.
A recent
study has been conducted in order to document the anti-inflammatory
properties of this new treatment and will be published in a
scientific journal of sports medicine in the near future.
"The
results of this research confirm our clinical observations and
leave us with the clear impression that inflammatory injuries
can be treated without the use of NSAIDs. I see this as a regular
breakthrough in modern physiotherapy. For the first time we
are able to offer our patients a safe and reliable treatment
for stress injuries with chronic inflammatory response. In fact,
it is our experience that with this new treatment, as opposed
to conventional treatment, athletes are able to train actively
while receiving treatment," Soren Mavrogenis, a physiotherapist
with Denmark's Olympic Committee explains.
The nutritional
supplement used by Mavrogenis and colleagues to treat the athletes
contains omega-3 (fish oil), omega-6 (borage oil) and vitamins
A, B6, C and E plus selenium and zinc.
According
to Mavrogenis, most patients respond positively to the treatment
in a matter of 2-3 weeks, depending on the severity of the injury,
but in more serious cases it may take several months. "The
bad cases require the use of intensive ultrasound and certain
massage techniques in addition to the antioxidants and essential
fatty acids, but in the milder cases the use of nutrients alone
is adequate," Mavrogenis says.
Generalist
Dr. Claus Hancke also supports the use of essential fatty acids
and antioxidants in treating inflammatory injuries. "Strenuous
exercise is known to produce an overload of harmful free radicals
that damage healthy cells by oxidizing the phospholipids in
the cell membrane. Antioxidants neutralize the free radicals
and limit their destructive impact, which is why athletes must
make sure to get adequate amounts of antioxidants to protect
themselves against stress injuries. In addition, essential fatty
acids are important since they support the body's production
of beneficial type 1 and type 3 prostaglandins, those which
counteract pain and inflammation," Hancke said. "Personally,
I see the nutritional approach to inflammation as a big advantage,
and I am convinced that essential fatty acids and antioxidants
taken in combination have the same, or maybe an even greater,
anti-inflammatory potential than NSAIDs," Hancke affirmed.
This new
anti-inflammatory regimen is presently being rigorously tested
by NIMI (Norsk Idrettsmedisinsk Institut), one of Scandinavia's
leading treatment facilities for sports injuries and rehabilitation.
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