Inflammation – what is it, and why do I have it?

Inflammation is, like pain, a cyclic event. Once one is in an inflammatory cycle there is only one way to get out of it – NSAIDS taken as notated on the bottle. Inflammation begins with the release of histamines and other chemicals that build up in the system and infiltrate the tissues. This infiltration is difficult to relieve unless the vessels around affected tissues can move out the inflammation. In these cases I recommend three days of NSAIDS for inflammatory conditions such as bursitis, tendonitis, arthritis, ankle sprains, etc. Ice only works 24-48 hours after the incident, after that either ice or heat can be used to relieve pain but your window for decreasing inflammation is gone. For best results, try NSAIDS for 3 days combined with ultrasound and/or electrical stimulation with your therapist, and finally, incorporate a bit of body mechanics and postural training with breath and stretch.  Try it, it works!