Muscle pain is a common occurrence for athletes, but the good news is that it is usually an indication that your exercise routine is on track. The bad news is that some muscle pain is the result of an injury or illness, so you may want to check with your doctor. If you don’t have a physician nearby, you can find some ways to treat your muscle ache.
There are many over-the-counter medications you can take to reduce the aches, pains and soreness of working out. These include ibuprofen, aspirin and naproxen. You can also try massage to improve circulation and loosen tight muscles. It may also help to get enough sleep to help your body recover and perform at its best.
Heat therapy can be effective for some people, but you shouldn’t use it directly on the skin. Heat tends to aggravate inflammation, so you should wait for the body to cool down before applying it.
A warm bath with Epsom salt is an ideal solution for sore muscles. Epsom salt is rich in magnesium sulfate, which relaxes the muscles. Massage is another way to soothe the aches and pains associated with workouts. This will help to increase blood flow to the area and can even lead to improved healing.
Ice can be used to reduce the pain associated with workouts. Applying ice to the affected area for 20 minutes can help reduce the severity of aches and pains. But, you shouldn’t stick with ice for longer than this if you have a severe injury. When you do use ice, it is recommended to wrap the injured part in a thin towel.
Another good way to relieve aching muscles is by soaking in a hot tub. This is a proven method of relieving pain.
A massage can improve circulation to the injured muscles and may help to improve the healing process. However, it is important to find the right type of massage for you. Some types of massage may not reach deep enough to effectively relieve muscle pain. Make sure to follow the directions on the package before trying this technique.
In addition to these methods, you can increase your chances of recovering from a painful workout by avoiding overexertion and letting the muscles recover. One of the best ways to do this is to use a split day workout plan. For example, you can do an easy walk in the morning and do a light workout in the afternoon. This will help to speed up the recovery process and allow you to get back into the swing of things.
You should also avoid activities that irritate the affected part of your body. Using an ice pack can reduce the inflammation caused by muscle pain. Taking a break from intense activity for a few days can also be helpful.
Finally, you can try to stimulate blood flow to the sore muscles with the use of a heat pack. Alternatively, you can use a cold wrap or an ice ball to numb the area.