Holiday Essentials

      
 

CASE STUDY: Herbal First Aid

SUBMITTED BY: Katie Donnelly

PATIENT: Female, 25 years old

INITIAL PRESENTATION:

Client presented looking for support for continued recovery of a torn rotator cuff of the right shoulder. No surgery was required, but physiotherapy was being undertaken weekly and ibuprofen was prescribed by her general practitioner. The injury occurred 6 weeks prior to the consultation.

The client participates in boxing and had an upcoming fight to prepare for. Pain was significantly less intense than at the time of injury, but some tightness remained. Some tenderness was experienced after trainings, which were increasing in impact, and she found herself hesitant to fully extend her arm.

Client also described some sleep disturbance, with delayed sleep onset most evenings. This was evident more prevalently in recent months. Some muscle twitching was also noted, particularly post training. Client trains at least once per day, for 1 - 2 hours per session. She also runs fitness classes 2-3 times per day, at 1 hour per session. This varies dependant on rest time required.

Some fatigue was noted, with blood testing confirming low serum iron and borderline ferritin levels. B12 levels were well within range. Iron supplementation was recommended by her GP, which she had been taking. No digestive concerns or indications of poor absorption. To be reviewed.

On exploration, dietary changes including reduced meat consumption may have impacted iron uptake, alongside a previous viral illness. The nature of this sport involves close monitoring of body weight, which can influence dietary intake. Protein from shakes, eggs, and plant sources had been preferred options. Client had not received any previous guidance regarding food intake relative to high intensity exercise.

Client focus is on acute management of inflammation and muscle repair support. Ibuprofen only taken pre-training when the client remembers. Advised to cease, if appropriate, while taking herbal and supplement supports. Client to advise if this results in discomfort or pain and will be adjusted as necessary.

Herbal Formula

Crocus sativus (saffron) 10mL
Astragalua membranaceous (astragalus) 30mL
Centella asiatica (gotu kola) 30mL
Glycyrrhiza glabra (liquorice) 20mL

Blackcurrant concentrate 10mL

Total 100mL

7.5mL twice daily with food

Herbal Blend Cream

Symphytum officinale (comfrey leaf) 5mL
Arnica montana (arnica) 4mL
Lavandula angustifolia (lavender e.o) 1mL

Herbal Base Cream 50mL

Apply as needed to the affected area.

Supplementation Support

PEA Plus – take two caps daily away from food.

Magnesium supplement – take one sachet daily, pre training.

Soak in Epsom salts where possible to increase magnesium uptake relative to high exercise output.

Additional Advice

• Increase foods rich in B vitamins, magnesium, and haeme iron. Ensure vitamin C intake is adequate to support iron uptake and utilisation.
• Avoid black tea when eating and after taking supplements.
• Eat and drink at separate times to ensure improved food breakdown.
• Focus on including beneficial fat sources high in omega 3, such as fatty fish and hemp.
• Aim to improve food intake regulation, to minimise feast or famine style approach to achieving specified weight categories.
• Continue with physiotherapy and ensure exercises are maintained.
• Higher supplementation provided as the client has high physical output and needs intensive acute support during this period.

FOLLOW UP – 2 weeks

Client expressed that her sleep immediately improved on magnesium and PEA supplementation, which she took prior to starting the herbal remedy. Sleep onset felt ‘immediate’ and her sleep was undisturbed.

Struggled to take the liquid herbs, so took once per day to ensure she would remember. As such, herbal formula lasted longer than one week. Described feeling more energised. Improved sleep likely helped this also.

Client felt increased confidence in her ability to train and noted improved muscle recovery post exercise. Twitching also ceased and energy improved.

Enjoyed having the cream as an option to use when on the go.

Advised that further dietary support should be considered, along with post-fight recovery support. High intensity exercise involves high output and risk of fatigue and injury, so nutritional and supplemental support is important. PEA can be used for ongoing for stressed muscles, recovery and sleep support.