The benefits of all-natural and organic supplements have been touted for decades. In addition to being effective, they also don’t cause adverse effects or trigger dependency after long-term use. One of them is kratom, a herbal extract from Mitragyna speciosa, a tree native to Southeast Asia. It contains alkaloids that interact with opioid receptors in the brain. Different concentrations of alkaloids occur in kratom, leading to various cultivars such as white valley strain or red vein kratom.
Kratom offers a diverse range of health benefits, but the most popular remains its pain-relieving and energy-boosting effects. With over 20% of the American population suffering from chronic pain, it is no surprise that many want to try holistic alternatives to pharmaceuticals.
You may be similar to them but wonder if it is appropriate to use kratom while undergoing physical therapy. Please keep reading to better understand why and how to use kratom in physical therapy.
Physical Therapy and Pain
While the human body is far from delicate, many dangers expose us to damage. This damage leads to pain, which is the body’s way of communicating an issue. The severity depends on the injury sustained and can be debilitating in some cases. Pain comes with other effects, such as impaired motion and bodily function.
Our quality of life is directly linked to our ability to move freely to perform both work and leisurely activities. Injuries, disability, or health conditions that affect our muscles, bones, or co-ordination can cause this pain, leading to suggestions from medical experts to see a physical therapist.
A physical therapist is a licensed and trained movement expert who improves their patients’ quality of life using appropriate exercise, care, and education. Unsurprisingly, this will be painful and uncomfortable, especially in the beginning stages.
Kratom’s Effects
Mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine are the main alkaloids present in kratom. They work by attaching to the mu-opioid receptors in the brain, inhibiting the cyclooxygenase-2 enzyme, and acting on the noradrenergic and serotonergic pathways. The result is relief from pain and inflammation, which red vein strains, in particular, are known for. Red vein strains come from kratom leaves at the height of their maturity. You can also expect insomnia relief and sedative effects from red vein varieties.
Additionally, kratom helps provide relief against lethargy due to its stimulating effects in low doses. White vein kratom is particularly beneficial for this. Sourced from the younger leaves of the kratom plant, the alkaloids have not fully oxidized; hence the effects are milder.
Vendors stock these and other strains in various formats such as tinctures, tablets, capsules, and gummies, which you can choose from depending on your needs and preferences. The kratom effect experienced depends on the amount taken in what is known as a dependent action.
Lower doses (1 to 5 grams) lead to stimulation and increased focus, while high doses(5 to 15 grams) trigger pain relief, euphoria, and sedation. You can easily determine the dose in each capsule or tablet by checking the pack (they mostly come with 0.5 grams per pill).
Now that we have determined how kratom can help you go through physical therapy let’s discuss how you can use it.
Kratom’s Use in Physical Therapy
Pain Relief
Most people who are undergoing physical therapy experience pain. The majority of them suffer from stroke, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, burns, muscular dystrophy, carpal tunnel syndrome, among others which cause great discomfort in their lives.
Therapists use activities and procedures such as physical manipulation, electrical stimulation, light therapy, and iontophoresis to aid their patient’s recovery. However, this process may take years, and you may require painkillers.
Consider using Red Maeng Da, Red Bali, and Red Borneo strain products for pain relief.
Energy Boost
Continuous exercise can leave you feeling exhausted. Moreover, you may also be overwhelmed by the implications and increased stress your condition causes while juggling your normal activities. Regardless, you need to remain awake and alert and give it your best, also making sure you understand the educational information your practitioner provides you.
We recommend trying White Maeng Da, Green Bali, or White Borneo kratom strains for stimulating effects.
Insomnia
A good night’s rest is essential to your well-being. It provides your body time to heal as it regrows and repairs damaged tissue and strengthens your immune system.
Lack of proper sleep can affect the recovery process, nullifying your physical therapy gains. It can also affect your energy levels at your therapy sessions, causing you to regress.
You should use red vein kratom for its sedative properties that will help you sleep through the night and wake up energized and ready to face the next step of your treatment.
Safety and Legality
Kratom remains federally legal across all 50 states, so you won’t get in legal trouble for purchasing some. However, ensure that you buy kratom from reputable vendors who conduct third-party lab-testing for their products. This will help you steer clear of any contaminated items and shady dealers who might cut them with toxic materials.
Conclusion
Physical therapy can be a long, physically and mentally taxing process. When your body is not well, your mind won’t be at ease either, buy kratom will help relieve the tension plaguing both.
From pain to insomnia and lethargy relief, kratom can help you get through physical therapy easier and make the days go by as you advance in your treatment.