If you have pain from a repetitive strain injury, you can use your body's internal painkillers for relief.
One group of these painkillers is the endocannabinoids, or ECs. The cannabis plant (marijuana) is known to mimic their effects. So, tapping into your body's own endocannabinoids is like getting a natural high, produced by your body.
Research on the effects of your body's natural endocannabinoids (ECs).
Rice and his London colleagues reported in 2002 how ECs had anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. They are commonly studied for their effects on nervous system disorders such as stroke and multiple sclerosis.
Repetitive Strain Injury pain.
When you suffer a soft tissue injury, your tissues become strained. Blood flow and oxygen are restricted. Muscles feel stiff and painful.
Healthy movement patterns are replaced by repetitive movement. Imbalances develop as some muscles become overworked and others become underworked.
By stimulating your endocannabinoid system, you can improve tissue health and relieve pain.
Boosting your body's healing painkillers.
There has been increasing evidence that the simplest natural way to stimulate your ECs is through exercise. But you get a bonus: exercise has a long list of therapeutic benefits that ease strained tissues.
A study in 2004 by Dietrich and McDaniel suggest that the analgesic (pain-killing) and sedative properties of exercise might be due to endocannabinoid stimulation.
And maybe just a little goes a long way? Research in 2003 at the Georgia Institute of Technology, by Sparling et al., noted that exercise of moderate intensity activates the endocannabinoid system.
Exercise itself is beneficial for strained muscles and tissues. Cardiovascular training is especially beneficial see more for improving blood and oxygen flow, and encouraging muscles to move in healthier ways.