If you have never used CBD oil, you may be unsure what it is or does. You may automatically associate it with marijuana, and while they are derived from the same plant, they differ substantially. Research has shown some benefits of CBD oil for relieving symptoms of epileptic seizures, but many people have found success with it in other areas as well. So is it right for you? And how can you get access to it?
While CBD oil may be received differently depending on where you live, it has helped many people relieve stress, decrease severe migraines, and more. Our physical therapists at EW Motion Therapy have recommended CBD oil for some patients who may be experiencing muscle soreness or inflammation, but they only recommend it if they feel it would work for you. We want to explain some of the benefits of CBD oil and help you decide whether you should try it for yourself, even if you choose to get physical therapy elsewhere.
This article discusses what CBD oil is, what is can be used for, and how some physical therapists use it. With this information, you can pursue the best solution for your symptoms.
What is CBD oil?
Let’s first define what CBD oil is. CBD stands for cannabidiol, a chemical compound that can be extracted from the cannabis or the hemp plant since they come from the same biological family. Marijuana also comes from the cannabis plant, but unlike CBD, marijuana contains THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive component that gives marijuana users the high they seek. When CBD is extracted from either plant, it is usually mixed with a carrier oil, such as coconut or hemp seed oil so that it can be applied topically or ingested in a capsule form.
CBD oil is currently legal to buy and sell in all 50 states, though it is more closely regulated in some than others. All CBD oil legally sold must be derived from hemp plants, not cannabis plants, containing less than 3% THC. It is considered illegal if the oil is derived from cannabis plants or has more than the allowed 3%.
What is CBD oil used for?
The benefits of CBD oil are still being explored, but many people use it topically in a cream or lotion for pain relief. This could be either for chronic pain relief or muscle soreness after a workout. Some people also use it to reduce nausea, ease migraines, and, as research has shown, ease the effects of epileptic seizures. Also, others have found that it helps to reduce inflammation in the body, especially from conditions like arthritis.
Before you try anything new in or on your body, discuss the potential benefits and risks with your doctor. The primary risk of using CBD oil is how it would interact with other medications you take, so if you want to try CBD in a capsule form, be aware of how it could interact with your other medicines.
How can CBD oil be used in physical therapy?
Depending on your symptoms, your physical therapist might recommend a CBD oil-infused salve or cream to reduce inflammation. Especially with healing injuries or surgical incisions, inflammation is common, and some people have found that a CBD cream has excellent anti-inflammatory properties. Your physical therapist may recommend it for those types of injuries and symptoms of a chronic condition like arthritis. While we cannot prescribe the capsule form of CBD oil or anything else, we can recommend topical solutions.
How else can I control inflammation?
Now you know more about CBD oil and how it could help you feel better. Inflammation is a natural immune response in the body, but it can cause larger issues if increased amounts are present over a significant amount of time. Getting high-quality, healthy foods in your diet and promoting a healthy sleep routine are two ways to reduce inflammation. Still, on inflamed areas, a CBD cream or lotion might work well, depending on your symptoms and whether your doctor approves of you using one.
While CBD oil might not be widely accepted yet, there is evidence proving its effectiveness for certain ailments. If you have inflammation or want to try reducing migraine symptoms or nausea, then CBD oil might be worth a try. Our physical therapists at EW Motion Therapy want to help you move and live better through customized programming and hands-on care. If you want to learn more about physical therapy and how it can help you, click the button below to download our answers to 20 frequently-asked physical therapy questions.
