I found what may be the "western" equivalent of the Chinese medicine.

Penetrex

(Sounds like a personal lube, huh?)

http://www.amazon.com/Penetrex®-Tran.../dp/B0026HDURA

I bought some to try and speed up the healing of the surgical (knee) meniscus repair - this one claims to break up scar tissue, which is what I need.

One of its main ingredients is Arnica, which is what the Chinese stuff smells like to me.

 

Weird circumstances. I read this thread. Ordered some dit da jow on Amazon for my very minor and typical leg soreness after sports or runs. Then Saturday I watched my buddy drop (SNIPER!) in the middle of a game of angleball. Found out this morning that he tore his ACL and will be getting a TKR (already had one knee done 8 years ago). Maybe I'll just give him the first bottle and order another for myself.

 

What amazes me is that a formula that once was only available to black belts of a good, Chinese Gung Fu school can simply order a batch on amazon. Free super saver, yadiya, et al.

WTF Mt.net knows about dit dat jow. Can I keep any old man ninja wizard secrets? Would you like to do my sister too?

 

Wait till she sees my one inch punch.

 

Ya got it checked out. Torn ACL, strained MCL, brusied miniscus and bones. I got surgery scheduled for November 22. I have to get full motion back before surgery. I am not enthused.

 

Bummer. Good luck with the surgery.

How's the knee stability? Get at least one session of PT in, to learn exercises to:
- re-learn improve stability / proprioception
- strengthen the muscles to protect it

 

Fixed.

 

Why does he need a total knee replacement after just busting an ACL?

 

So does this Chinese stuff actually work? And the Western version?

 

Well, I don't have his medical history here in front of me, but I know he's already had several knee injuries. The ACL may just be the final straw.

 

By the way, the stuff I ordered on Amazon is called "Wong To Yick - Wood Lock Medicated Oil - External Analgesic"

 

Sounds like it's different than Dit Da Jow.

 

Like in my OP the Chinese stuff enabled me to stand up and crutch to work after 5 days of painful bruising on my shin.

As for the Penetrex - check out the Amazon reviews - like 4.5 stars of 200+ reviewers.