If you've been working on your health and fitness goals this year, working out may be part of your plan. Part and parcel of working out is muscle pain. When our muscles are worked, they can become sore and this is why it's important to have rest days if you're working out frequently. Looking after your muscles is important, especially if you're working on your fitness goals, as you don't want to strain or damage yourself, as this will not only be highly uncomfortable, but it'll jeopardise your fitness goals too. Remember those rest days!
If you're feeling sore after your workouts and are looking to treat your sore muscles naturally, here are 8 ways that can be effective. Apply natural analgesic creams or ointments containing ingredients like arnica, menthol, eucalyptus, or capsaicin. These can provide relief by reducing pain and inflammation.
Apply topical creams and gels
pain relief gel and creams, such as menthol cream, can provide an almost instant relief to muscle soreness and are easy to use. Having a a menthol cream, such as Dr. Hoy's Pain Relief Gel, is an easy way to treat muscles aches and other pain such as joint aches, back pain, neck pain, etc. - all pains that can come from working out. Keeping a menthol cream in your medicine cabinet for those post-workout aches and pains is a good call!
Heat Therapy
Applying a warm compress or heating pad to the affected area helps increase blood flow, relax muscles, and alleviate pain. Microwavable heating bags and pads are a good, cost-effective option to have at hand at home for some post-workout muscle stress relief.
Cold Therapy
Use an ice pack or cold compress to reduce inflammation and numb the area. Cold therapy is especially beneficial for acute muscle injuries - one to remember if you unfortunately happen to strain yourself when working out or lifting weights.
Essential Oils
Certain essential oils, such as lavender, peppermint, chamomile, and eucalyptus, may have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Mix with a carrier oil and massage into the affected area for natural relief.
Massage
Gentle massage can help relax tense muscles and improve blood circulation. You can use your hands, ask a loved one to help massage the affected area or seek professional massage therapy. Moreover, if you’re looking for deeper and longer-lasting relief, consider visiting a clinic that offers Softwave Therapy Denver (or elsewhere). This advanced, non-invasive treatment tends to use acoustic sound waves to stimulate tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and enhance your recovery from muscle soreness.
Stretching and Yoga
Always remember to stretch pre-workout. If you're looking for some pre workout inspiration, try these 10 stretches to do before every workout. Incorporate gentle stretching or yoga exercises into your routine to improve flexibility and reduce muscle tension.
Epsom Salt Bath
Soaking in a warm bath with Epsom salts can help relax muscles and reduce soreness. Epsom salts contain magnesium, which is known to alleviate muscle cramps.
