There are many causes of muscle pain from intense exercise to stress to muscular conditions. Often resting your muscles is the best way to help relieve pain (especially if the pain is caused by an injury). However, there are things you can do to speed up your recovery. Below are a few remedies that could be worth trying.
Take some ibuprofen
Many people’s first reaction to achy muscles is to use painkillers. However, not all painkillers are effective at treating muscular pain. You should stick to painkillers that reduce inflammation such as ibuprofen or naproxen. Avoid painkillers like acetaminophen, as these may not have much impact.
Try herbal pain relief
It’s also possible to use herbal painkillers. The likes of CBD muscle balm are great for targeting inflammation in muscles. Aloe vera gel is also very effective against many forms of muscle pain. You can use these as a substitute or a supplement to medicinal painkillers,
Get a massage
Massages can help reduce muscle tightness and improve blood circulation to muscles. This can help to reduce inflammation and speed up healing. Paying a professional massage therapist to give you a massage is the most effective way to benefit from this treatment. However, you can also give yourself a massage if you don’t have the time or money to see a professional. There are foam roller and vibrating massage tools that you can use to target the right muscles.
Take a hot bath
A hot bath is fantastic for relieving muscle pain. The heat of the water combined with the buoyancy helps to relax muscles and reduce inflammation. Many people find that the best time to enjoy a hot bath is in the evening. This could help to alleviate muscular pain before you go to bed so that you can get to sleep more easily.
Use the RICE method
The RICE method is recommended when treating muscular injuries. It is a basic form of first aid which involves resting (R) the affected area, applying ice (I) such as an icepack of frozen veggies, compressing (C) the injured area with a bandage or cloth and elevating (E) it to help drain fluid. You should use the RICE method within 48 hours of the injury. After this, you’re better off taking a hot bath or using a warm flannel/hot water bottle instead of ice.
Try some yoga
While rest is important when treating muscular injuries and muscular conditions, too much rest could be harmful. It could cause muscles to seize up, as well as causing you to gain weight. You should find a way to stay active that doesn’t aggravate your muscles too much. Yoga is the perfect solution because it focuses on slow and static exercises. It will get the muscles moving and working without interfering with healing. Consider joining a local yoga class, or try learning a few yoga positions online. Exercises like tai chi, pilates and swimming can also be worth trying.
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