So, I don't know about you, but I get incredibly sore from my workouts. I especially feel it in my back, shoulders and neck area - mostly because they are my weakest areas and the pull ups are killer, but I also experience some pain from a condition I have called Sjogren's Syndrome. Among other things, Sjogren's can cause muscle & joint pain & fatigue, so while exercise actually helps my condition, I can over-train, which kind of exacerbates my already sensitive system.
Most of my pain management comes from stretching (ballistic & static & yoga), but also nutrition, plenty of water (is critical) and yes, I have to take my daily prescriptions. But, I manage it.
It always helps my muscle soreness to get those (sore) muscles warm again... especially if I've been sitting at my desk all day... boy, do I get stiff. I make myself get up, walk around and do some ballistic bouncers, neck stretches, shoulder rolls, any of those kinds of things that correlate to your specific muscle group that's screaming at you that day.
I have also used those muscle creams and salves. I've tried them all. I like one called BioFreeze. I get it from my chiropractor. It is a gel and it is fast heat, then cool and it doesn't smell after it dries. I also like Tiger Balm & those Icy Hot patches work pretty well too, but they tend to be really... shall we say... fragrant.
I also have found these bath salts that are really great for soaking sore muscles. Village Naturals Therapy Mineral Bath Soak. I get the one for Aches & Pains. It has Eucalyptus in it. I buy it at WalMart down the bubble bath aisle. They have a few different kinds to choose from. I find them very soothing.
Finally, I have a good massager. And, don't discount the benefits of ice. Sometimes after I rub my shoulders (ok, so usually I get my hubby to rub my shoulders) with the massager, putting ice packs on the area really cuts down on my soreness the next day.
What do you do to treat sore muscles?
