It is normal for musculoskeletal injuries to become inflamed for a few days. The inflammation and swelling should subside on their own but there are times when they might be slow to heal and might linger. Proper care and attention should be provided, especially for crucial injuries like sprains and for conditions like arthritis. Seeing physiotherapists in North Vancouver is also helpful, especially for more serious injuries.

Use the following strategies to reduce inflammation and prevent it from coming back:

1.Avoid eating foods that can exacerbate inflammation.

If you have arthritis, you should steer clear from foods that can cause inflammation such as those that contain a lot of processed components and additives. Most of the food you can get fast tends to be inflammatory food. If you want to switch to an anti-inflammatory diet, try adopting the Mediterranean way of eating. Their diet is rich in foods that are known for their anti-inflammatory benefits. Also, make sure you switch to whole foods. Eat more leafy green vegetables and fruits to get the nutrients you need to fight inflammation.

2.Take omega fatty acids.

Omega fatty acids, particularly omega-3 fatty acids have natural anti-inflammatory properties. These fatty acids can be found in fishes like salmon and tuna, but can also be taken in supplement form as well. By taking omega-3 fatty acids, your body won’t be as predisposed to inflammation.

3.Avoid stress.

You might not know this but stress is another contributing factor to inflammation. If you are suffering from a musculoskeletal injury, it’s better to keep stress at a minimum by avoiding doing anything taxing. Give yourself plenty of time to rest.

While waiting for the swelling to dissipate, you can try doing calming activities like reading or watching movies to de-stress.

4.Use ice therapy correctly.

Ice is an effective way to minimize the swelling, especially the first few hours after getting injured. Put ice in an ice pack and apply it directly to the injury. Do this for 15-20 minutes. Let your skin rest and repeat the process every 2-3 hours.

5.Elevate the injured area.

If the injured area is at the lower part of your body, put a pillow underneath your legs to elevate that area when you sleep. Doing so will prevent blood from pooling around the injured area, which can speed up the healing process.

Seeing North Vancouver physiotherapists should also be a part of your treatment plan. Pain and inflammation can affect your life greatly, so you should get the help of physiotherapists in North Vancouver to find ways to heal the inflammation and the injury faster.

You can go to North Vancouver physiotherapists at Avita Health & Massage Therapy Center.

To know more about North Vancouver physiotherapists please visit the website.