Abstract
M.Tech. (Homoeopathy)
More than 90% of all injuries that occurs while participating in sport will either be a strain or a contusion. Strains occur when the muscle is subjected to excessive tensile forces that lead to overstraining of the muscle fibres, resulting in tearing (Järvinen et al., 2007:318). Symptoms of minor muscle strains (first and second degree strains) include pain on isometric movements and on stretching the affected muscles (Magee, 2008:28). Homoeopathic remedies may be useful in the treatment of exercise induced muscle strain, however there is very little research done to date on its efficacy (Jones & Wilson, 2010:11).
This study aimed to determine the efficacy of a complex homoeopathic topical cream for pain relief from acute exercise induced minor muscle strains. The complex consisted of Arnica montana, Bellis perennis, Bryonia alba, Rhus toxicodendron and Ruta graveolens. Pain levels were measured on a visual analogue pain scale, and pain relief was rated relative to baseline. Participants rated their satisfaction with the cream at the end of the study.
This study was conducted on thirty adult volunteers who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. This was a double-blind placebo controlled study that was conducted over a period of three days. Once participants were accepted into the study they were placed in matched pairs according to pain severity to ensure equal distribution in both groups. Group A, the control group, received the un-medicated aqueous cream while group B, the treatment group, received the homoeopathically medicated aqueous cream. The cream was applied seven times in total to the affected area.
Statistical analyses were done to determine if any significant changes occurred in either group or between the two groups over time.