Enzymes might be helpful for minor musculoskeletal injuries. They also help to accelerate healing of burns and healing following surgical procedures (1-3). Proteolytic enzymes can reduce bruising, swelling, pain and discomfort associated with everyday workouts.

For example, a double-blind, placebo-controlled study looked at sports-related ankle injuries and found that treatment with proteolytic enzymes provided accelerated healing and reduced time away from training by up to 50 percent (4). Another double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of people with finger fractures found that use of proteolytic enzymes significantly improved recovery time (5).

Research has shown that taking a proteolytic enzyme before any activity that poses a risk of injury can speed healing and reduce recovery time should an injury occur. Studies on hockey players and skiers report that systemic enzyme therapy proved to be as effective as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and aspirin (6, 7). NSAIDs have been associated with several serious side effects, including heart and gastrointestinal complications.

Proteolytic enzymes can provide the following support:

• Reduction of swelling, edema, inflammation and pain,

• More rapid recovery from traumatic injury,

• Enhanced immune function,

• Improved circulation,

• Strengthening of connective tissues,

• Minimal scar formation (8);

• Removal of dead tissue and cellular debris.

References

1.Masson M. Bromelain in the treatment of blunt injuries to the musculoskeletal system. A case observation study by an orthopedic surgeon in private practice. Fortschr Med 1995;113:303-6.
2.Levensen S. Supportive therapy in burn care. Debriding agents. J Trauma 1979;19(11 Suppl):8-30.
3.Seltzer AP. Minimizing post-operative edema and ecchymoses by the use of an oral enzyme preparation (bromelain). EENT Monthly 1962;41:813-7.
4. Baumuller M. The application of hydrolytic enzymes in blunt wounds to the soft tissue and distortion of the ankle joint: a double-blind clinical trial [translated from German]. Allgemeinmedizin. 1990;19:178-182.
5. Shaw PC. The use of a trypsin-chymotrypsin formulation in fractures of the hand. Br J Clin Pract. 1969;23:25-26.
6. Engel A Erfahrungsbericht Ÿber das PrSparat Wobenzym bei den Olympischen Spielen 1984 in Los Angeles. Report from the Allgemein Kranken-haus, Vienna, University Orthopedic Clinic. 1985.
7. Muller-Hepburn W. Anwendung von Enzymen in der Sportmedizin. Forum prakt Allg.-Arzt. 1979; 18:7-10.
8. Netti C, Bandi C, Pecile A. Anti-inflammatory action of proteolytic enzymes of animal, vegetable or bacterial origin administered orally com-pared with that of known antiphlogistic compounds. Il Farmaco. 1972;27:453-466.