Sports Medicine Compounding

Pharmaceutical compounding is used a great deal to help patients with medical conditions, but it can also be a benefit for those in good health. It has been used for years to help sports athletes recover from overexertion or temporary pains and strains. Let’s discuss how sports medicine compounding can be a benefit to you.

If you are participating in sports or like to exercise vigorously, you will occasionally suffer muscle cramps or other discomfort. Over-the-counter creams and ointments might provide some relief, but there may be times when medication is needed to reduce swelling or promote healing. Rather than taking a pill, application directly to the source of the pain can be more effective than waiting for a pill to take effect.

Sports medicine compounding can address a number of issues for athletes, including:

• Sprains and strains
• Swelling
• Inflammation
• Fungal infections
• Excessive bruising
• Sun exposure
• Blisters or abrasions

As with any individual, medication dosages should be tailored for the person, not based on standard medications designed for everyone. Different body weights, metabolisms, and other factors are aided by compounding to a specific dose, and then adjusting as needed to treat the injury. Athletes may have sensitivity to dyes, additives, or other materials used in commercial medications. Compounding can create lotions, creams, gels or other materials without additives.

Another advantage of compounding is the ability to bypass your digestive system. If you are an athlete suffering from muscle inflammation, taking an anti-inflammatory pill not only delays its positive effect, but it has to pass through your stomach. Some people can develop indigestion or more serious complications from oral medications. This can be avoided by a compounding pharmacist who can create a topical ointment applied directly to the affected area.

If you are an athlete looking for better ways to obtain relief from the occasional strain or injury, discuss compounding with us here at Slater Pharmacy or your health professional. You will recover faster and obtain the medications you need in an optimal way.