Rugby, an intense contact sport
Rugby is above all an intense contact sport, where we play “manly”. Obviously, players are exposed to a wide range of injuries because of the repeated impacts and sudden movements that we must make, for example to quickly change direction on the field.
Tackling can cause sprains and bruises, especially when the impact is direct and forceful. Scrums, which involve a head-on clash between forwards, are often the cause of neck and back injuries.
Rucks, where players struggle for control of the ball on the ground, present risks of injuries to the hands, wrists and shoulders as players dive and push in often unnatural positions.
All these phases of play are marked by explosive efforts and restrictive body positions which promote sprains and muscle tears, sometimes fractures.
Players also experience repeated impacts which can lead to chronic injuries such as tendinitis, due to the progressive wear and tear of the tendons.
What can CBD do for a rugby player?
A natural molecule extracted from legal hemp, CBD is full of virtues and has no psychotropic effect. Better: it is not a doping product, and the world anti-doping agency has removed it from its list illicit substances in competition from 2018.
CBD and other non-psychotropic cannabinoids such as CBG, CBN and CBC have a role to play in the daily lives of athletes, whether amateur or high-level, particularly rugby players.
Through its action on the “CB 1” receptors of the endocannabinoid system, CBD reduces the sensation of pain and soothes muscle and joint inflammation post-training or post-match. Its anti-inflammatory properties also promote the recovery of damaged tissues to limit the risk of injury or cumulative trauma.
More indirectly, CBD is a relaxing and soothing substance that promotes healthy and restorative sleep, especially for athletes who regularly suffer from insomnia or paradoxical sleep disorders. The quality of sleep determines the quality of physical and mental recovery in athletes.
I'm a rugby player: how to consume CBD?
To integrate CBD into their routine, rugby players should start with a low dose, for example 5 milligrams, and gradually increase the intake until they find the amount that suits them.
We recommend that they opt for the “oil” format, to be consumed sublingually. Simply place a few drops of sport CBD oil under the tongue, wait a while minute and swallow the remaining liquid if necessary. This mode of consumption allows the pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects of CBD to be activated in a few minutes.
For localized pain, favor the application of CBD creams or balms directly to the skin, in the sore area.
