During my amateur and professional careers I have experienced many different injuries and traumas. I have had everything from severely torn ligaments to serious muscle strains and pulls, back pain and whiplash, concussions, deep bruising and abrasions (turf burn), and a partially separated shoulder. I truly wish that homeopathy had been there when I was still playing.

While homeopathy is an integral part of injury therapeutics in Europe, in North America homeopathy is virtually unknown in this capacity. Being a professional homeopath and retired professional athlete, I have a unique perspective on what homeopathy has to offer today’s athletes, and the pressures that athletes face to “get back out there”. Homeopathy goes beyond helping just athletes and can help any one with major trauma:

• Control and eliminate pain, inflammation and bleeding
• Reduce recovery times and accelerate healing
• Homeopathy is probably the best form of medicine for any kind of head trauma and the lasting effects of concussion. Many athletes are forced to retire early due to head injury
• As a drug free therapeutic which reduces the need for long term anti-inflammatory use. From my experience long term anti inflammatory use can also contribute to injury and lengthen recovery times
• Homeopathy can remove chronic susceptibility to getting sick or injured. Some athletes find that they are predisposed to certain types of colds/flues or injuries. Homeopathy can significantly reduce or remove those tendencies
• Post surgery recovery and infection. Homeopathy is excellent for treating post operatively pain, inflammation and infection
• As a first aid therapeutic for the treatment of bowel trouble, colds, digestive upset, eye infection, food poisoning, travel sickness etc… homeopathy is invaluable
• Prevention: Homeopathy is a great form of preventative medicine for travel sickness, flu, colds and other communicable diseases. Imagine preventing a cold or flu from going through the locker room? It is possible with homeopathy
• Performance anxiety – for many this can be reduced or eliminated with the correct homeopathic remedy; without any loss of perception or mental alertness
• Athletes using the services of a professional homeopath can gain a valuable edge on the competition

Homeopathy can treat nearly all diseases which do not require surgical intervention. Where it has its most dramatic effect is in the treatment of chronic and auto immune diseases (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis), especially those which modern medicine has a poor track record, or the medications themselves are problematic. Homeopathy is also remarkably effective in treating mental and emotional disorders as well, conditions such as anxiety, depression and phobias.

Homeopathy is so gentle that it can be used during pregnancy. It is very effective in managing many of the difficulties that women face when pregnant. There is no risk of toxicity or harm to the baby. During infancy homeopathy is also a drug free method to gently treat your newborn through to adulthood.

Homeopathy works wonderfully on animals and infants; these are two of the arguments used to support the efficacy of homeopathy. Many homeopaths will treat animals although it should be stated that this is not a substitute for good veterinary care but rather a complimentary therapy. Some veterinarians also practice homeopathy.

Due to the growing popularity of homeopathic treatment more insurance companies are covering homeopathy. Your company may cover all or part of your treatment costs, but it will depend on the insurer and your coverage package. A letter requesting coverage can be obtained from many homeopaths.

Homeopathy is practiced by a professional homeopath, some naturopaths and chiropractors. There are several homeopathic colleges in Canada that offer 3 and 4 year programs. The training includes anatomy and physiology, pathology, physical examination, diagnostics, intense homeopathic study, and clinical experience.

People can learn to use homeopathy effectively in acute conditions with the assistance of self – care books or by attending classes. Chronic or serious conditions should always be treated by an experienced homeopathic professional. Many people find their way to homeopathic medicine when allopathic or other disciplines have not helped their condition.

Most remedies are available over the counter and can be purchased from natural food stores, pharmacies, and even some grocery stores offer them in the natural foods section.