Dr. Kirk Slagel-

Posted By admin on January 28, 2009

As many of you know, the PleoSANUM Remedies have been used for all types of conditions from head to toe, inside and out.  Routine beneficial therapies include treatment for issues of digestion, circulation, respiratory ailments, genito-urinary complaints, skin disorders, oral and dental concerns, just to name a few.  However, you may not be accustomed to thinking of using the remedies for acute and chronic musculoskeletal issues.  It is important and recommended that one seek qualified assessment and diagnosis of these various conditions to rule out a possible, more severe condition.

The musculoskeletal system is generally comprised of:

Muscles – provide movement.

Tendons- connect muscle to bone.

Ligaments- connect bone to bone.

Bones- provide structure and support.

Meniscus- provide cushion/structure/connection for bone to bone contact

Synovial fluid- lubricant.

Bursa- fluid filled sacs that provide cushion between bones and tendons and/or muscles.

In addition to these primary structures, there are other tissues and systems that we may think of initially, also associated with the musculoskeletal system including the connective tissue, the nervous system, and the vascular, hematopoietic and integumentary system.  However, in the understood holistic perspective, all systems are intertwined, connected via the intricate network of chemistry, physics, energy and concentration gradients.

While the actual musculoskeletal structures provide movement as we generally think of, it is the inter-relationship between all systems that serves the physiological and metabolic needs.  The bones serve as a means of production and storage of blood cells; storage of minerals such as, calcium and phosphorous; protection of vital organs; attachment points and support for much of the soft tissue structures. 

The musculoskeletal system is our method of movement and locomotion.  We move, extend, contract, walk, run, dance and play through movement, fast and slow, jerky and smooth.  When this system becomes impaired from illness or injury we find ourselves unable to function as usual and need to make daily modifications, even for the slightest ‘turned’ ankle. Sometimes we take for granted the fluidic grace of a simple breath, perhaps not realizing that it is the expansion of our thoracic cavity including- ribs, vertebrae and sternum, clavicles, humeri, scapula and abdomen, encompassing structures to numerous to count and physiology nearly beyond comprehension.  Our rigid bones within the contrast of our mass of soft tissue, offers the dynamic range of fluidic grace of the ballerina or structured marching cadence of the military cadet.

When things go wrong

The typical problems usually associated with the musculoskeletal system include contusions, strains, sprains and dislocations.  These are often acute in occurrence, but may develop over time, as is the case with stress fractures and some strains.  In addition, various disease conditions may directly or indirectly affect the skeletal system including metabolic disorders, heavy metal toxicity, nutritional deficiencies, neoplasms, endocrine imbalances and infectious diseases.  Stress and trauma, either immediate, acute, or over a prolonged period of time, chronic, may also affect the musculoskeletal system.  Inflammation and tissue impediment often underlie many musculoskeletal issues.  Along with these changes come localized milieu alterations from the vascular and interstitial congestion, protein accumulation and likely microbial imbalances.

The goal obviously is to treat the underlying problem, promote healing and prevent further injury to the tissues.  There are a variety of allopathic drugs that can assist with this process; however their usual mechanism of action is to interfere with the normal physiological responses, which will thus delay healing. Therefore, the holistic treatment includes therapies that will promote doing the same without the impediment to normal physiology.

So, let’s review a number of these conditions and the use of the PleoSANUM remedies in respect to supporting the body’s own methods of healing.

Conditions

Contusions- contusions are generally referred to as a bruise.  The mechanism of injury is blunt trauma from something striking the body or the body striking something, causing damage to the epithelial tissue, including the vasculature and surrounding tissue, lymphatic structures and nerves.   

Strains- nearly always involve the extension of muscle tissue beyond the normal range of movement.  The fibers are stretched and thus, torn. There are rapid onset strains, generally referred to as a pulled muscle; and slow onset strains often from overuse

Sprains-are categorized by degree.  They primarily involve the over stretching of the structural joint ligaments and often the tendons, muscles, and perhaps the bones, as indicated below.

·       The first degree is only a minor tear or stretch of a ligament.

·       The second degree is a tear of a ligament, which is usually followed by pain or swelling.

·       The third degree is a complete rupture.

·       The fourth degree is the most severe and actually breaks the ligament, along with some small bones if severe enough, and requires surgery to repair.

Dislocations- include partial and full separation of the joint.  Partial dislocations will relocate at the time of the injury and usually result in a sprain due to the extent of over stretched trauma.  Full dislocations will need to be relocated and may often result in a fourth degree sprain.

Fractures- are open, where the bone has torn through the skin, or closed, where it has not.  There are many different types of fractures, depending upon the extent of breakage.  Open fractures may become infected due to the skin being open. 

In general, a number of the above conditions can be treated similarly with the PleoSANUM Remedies that follow.  However, I’ll summarize the remedies below and then offer some treatment guidelines for the above conditions.

MILIEU MODULATORS

Pleo Alkala- is an alkalinizing powder used for affecting acidic conditions, common in most illness or injury.

Pleo Citro- is a potency accord of homeopathic citric acid.  In a manner similar to Pleo Sanuvis, Pleo Citro supports the Citric acid cycle to boosts cellular metabolism.

Pleo Sanuvis- is a potency accord, i.e. a blend of multiple potencies of the same remedy, as a single remedy.  Pleo Sanuvis is homeopathic lactic acid, beneficial for boosting mitochondria and affecting lactic acid accumulations.

FUNGAL REMEDIES

Pleo Nig- Derived from Aspergillus niger, is a fungal remedy indicated for numerous tissue disorders.

Pleo Muc- Is made from Mucor racemosus and is indicated for circulatory disorders.

Pleo Not- Made from Penicillium chrysogenum, is indicated for treating various bacterial conditions. In the event that any of the conditions described below have an open injury associated with the lesion, apply Pleo Not drops directly to the wound 2-4X/day.

BACTERIAL REMEDIES

Pleo Rec- one of the bacterial remedies, as an immune modulator, affects the mucous membranes.  Research on Bacillus firmus, an organism commonly found in the soil and associated with the large grouping of Bacilli, has been shown to be a positive immune modulator within the mucous membranes of humans.  The joint spaces are categorized as mucous membranes due to the presence of synovial fluid and the type of associated tissue.

Pleo Art “A”- Pleo Art “A” is produced from Propionibacterium acnes, which is one of the organisms that has been found in diseased teeth.  This remedy is often used for dental conditions, however is also suggested for all forms of musculoskeletal concerns.  Interestingly, Propionibacterium have been used to synthesize amino acids, regularly prescribed as nutrient supplements.

Pleo Ut- Another one of the Bacilli organisms, Bacillus subtilis, Pleo Ut is indicated for tuberculinic conditions, including rheumatic issues.

GLANDULAR REMEDIES

Pleo Chrys- A specialized glandular remedy, homeopathic human placenta, is used for many conditions, where rejuvenation and regeneration are necessary.  Pleo Chrys may used in any or all of the conditions, as a supportive adjunct to the rehabilitation process.

TREATMENT OPTIONS-

In general, musculoskeletal issues may be treated with a consistent few remedies on a daily basis.  

General Indications- Basic Therapy 

Due to inactivity and the injury/inflammation response, pH, i.e. acidity is always a concern, as the body, in a deficient state, often has metabolic acidosis. Therefore, the pH modulators are of benefit in keeping the body alkaline, which will expedite healing.  Be consistent with the home treatments and include enzyme therapy, castor oil packs, Epsom salt soaks, etc.  with the PleoSANUM remedies to decrease inflammation.  All musculoskeletal injuries, excluding slow onset/overuse strains, are best treated with cold compresses, on for 20 minutes off for 20 minutes for the first 24-72 hours, or until the swelling diminishes.  Then, one could alternately apply cold and heat compresses on for 20 minutes each, then nothing for 20 minutes, about every hour or as often as possible throughout the day.  Slow onset/overuse strains are usually best treated with warm saline and/or Epson salt soaks.

Pleo Alkala- Check urinary pH, best if between 6.5 – 6.8, and during illness closer to 7.0 – 7.2.  If below 6.5 start with ¼ scoop of Pleo Alkala in warm water 2X/day between meals and keep adjusting dosage until the pH becomes more alkaline, i.e. around 6.8 or above.

Pleo Sanuvis- Wonderful for boosting the mitochondria, and thus energy production for healing. Also beneficial for decreasing excess lactic acid production, which occurs with trauma. I would dose higher than usual at up 1 teaspoon 3X/day during the acute phase, the first 24 – 72 hours, then 1 teaspoon/day during the recovery phase, likely 2-6 weeks or as the condition improves.

Pleo Citro- along with the Pleo Sanuvis, Pleo Citro is beneficial for the affect on the cellular energy production.  I would suggest a dosage of the same as the Pleo Sanuvis for the first 24-72 hours, then to a routine dose for the recovery phase of 1 teaspoon/day.

Pleo Muc- topically apply Pleo Muc ointment 3 – 4X/day to the affected area.  May be used more often, although most likely, not necessary.

Pleo Rec- I would suggest using a softened Pleo Rec suppository (supp), topically applied to the affected area every other day.  May use ½ supp 2X/day.  Just cut the supp in ½, soften and apply.  I suggest softening the supps by placing them, still in the plastic, in a cup of hot water for a few minutes; usually adequate for melting the supp.  Then, apply.  After it is opened, one may soften the suppository in the hand, as they melt at body temperature.

CONDITIONS AND REMEDIES RECOMMENDED:

Contusions- Use the general indications remedies detailed above, plus the Epsom salt soaks, but in cool water instead of hot.  The Pleo Muc ointment topically applied 3-4X/day is highly recommended.

Strains- Rapid onset strains- Cold compresses and the general indications remedies, plus softened Pleo Nig suppositories topically applied to the affected area 2-3X/day during the acute phase.  So, for example, apply Pleo Muc in the morning and then Pleo Nig at night.  Also, topically apply and alternate Pleo Ut supps with the Pleo Rec supps every 3-4 days.  Slow onset/overuse strains may also benefit from the application of Pleo Muc ointment 3-4X/day and the Pleo Sanuvis drops.

Sprains- Sprains, even minor ones, seem to take weeks to months to heal.  Use the general indications remedies, plus Pleo Nig ointment or suppositories topically applied to the affected area 2-3X/day during the acute phase.  So, for example, apply Pleo Muc in the morning and then Pleo Nig at night.  Alternate Pleo Ut with the Pleo Rec every 3-4 days.  Add Pleo Art “A” drops 5 drops 2X/day, rubbed into the affected area. I would also include Pleo Chrys, for rejuvenation support at one oral sip every three or four days.

Dislocations- should be treated as a sprain.

Fractures- in some respects may be treated as a sprain, except the challenge is the likely presence of a cast.  Therefore, using the remedies orally can still be of benefit, with topical application as close to the affected area as possible.

Given the therapeutic benefit of natural remedies, especially concerning pH, it is highly recommended to incorporate them into the treatment and rehabilitation process of all musculoskeletal conditions. Please feel free to contact me should you need further suggestions for treatment.

 

 

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