There are many causes of muscle aches and pains, like overuse, injury, or just the wear and tear of everyday life. But muscle pain isn’t something you just have to live with. There are several remedies for sore muscles, and they’re not as tough to find as you might think. Here’s how to relax muscles and feel better if you’re in an achy, pain-y mode.
Sore leg muscles can often be helped by a hot bath. (Because it’s a little harder to soak your back in a tub, baths aren’t as good for leg pain.) Many athletes also find that Epsom salts, added to the water, can help relieve muscle soreness.
A mild anti-inflammatory, like ibuprofen, can be helpful when treating more acute pains. That said, you’ll need longer-term muscles therapy to see an improvement, and some doctors believe that painkillers can actually slow muscle healing.
Science shows that the best treatment for sore muscles can be massage. The benefits of a massage are proven. A deep tissue massage, for example, both suppresses inflammation (which causes pain) and speeds healing through boosting the immune system. A sports massage is great for sore muscles caused by overuse. (You can have a Zeel Massage delivered to your doorstep in as little as an hour – here’s how to decide whether you want a deep tissue massage or a sports massage.) A foam roller can be a helpful remedy for sore leg muscles and back muscles as well.
No matter what you do, drink lots of water, eat nutritious food, and get a good night’s sleep – muscle soreness relief is on the way!