10 Things To Do For Body Ache Relief
Just when you think you can push your body some more, it comes to remind you that you have your limits – a body ache.
Everyone must have had it at some point in life. You may have been overly enthusiastic when you did a Marie Kondo at home, de-cluttering and cleaning every nook and cranny. You may have over-exerted your legs doing those squats at the gym. You may have spent extra hours on the dance floor during practice. You may have forgotten to stretch a bit before your morning jog. Whatever you may have done, you can agree that muscle soreness is one uncomfortable experience for anyone.
What causes body aches?
Fortunately, it is fairly easy to know its cause. This kind of pain may result from any of the following:
• muscle tension in some parts of the body
• muscle overuse because of physical exertion
• injury because of heavy physical work
• not being able to stretch properly before and after a heavy exercise or cardio routine
Muscle pain tells you one thing – its time you step back and rest your body for a while. Besides resting, there are other things that you can do in order to find relief from all the soreness you are feeling. Here are ten things that you can try:
1. Gently massaging sore areas with essential oils.
Light massage is a popular go-to remedy for the aching body. Coupled with essential oils, this can have a relaxing effect to your muscles. Some essentials oils that is effective for muscle pain are:
• Lavender oil. According to research, it can ease headaches, back pain and muscle pain. Its calming scent also helps relax tension.
• Lemongrass oil. Besides having anti-fungal properties, also relieves inflammation, which is useful if you are suffering from sore muscles.
• Sandalwood oil. It has anti-inflammatory properties like the lemongrass and studies also show that it is a natural pain reliever and can be compared to effects of over-the-counter pain killers.
2. Using mentholated creams, oils, or pads for relief.
Menthol and other cooling natural chemicals from plants can work as a counter-irritant. Meaning, it can bring a cool and then warm sensation to the skin, which is perfect to ease tension and pain of tired muscles. Sports creams like Ben Gay or Tiger Balm are popular among athletes and habitual sufferers of body aches. There are also cooling oils like eucalyptus and peppermint oils that can have the same relaxing effect. If you are not the rub and massage type, you can also use mentholated pads on the affected body area.
3. Applying heating pads.
Another way to relieve those muscles is pain management through heat. Avoid skin burns by putting thin clothe or towels in between the heating pad and the painful body area. For maximum effect, leave the heating pack in contact with the body for about 20 minutes.
4. Taking a warm bath.
A hot bath is good to stimulate blood circulation in your body. If you are experiencing muscle pains, this can reduce the swelling. For a more relaxing experience, you can put essential oils or Epsom salt into your warm bath.
5. Having an ice massage.
We have talked about heat and muscles pains, how about cold applications? Surprisingly, this method is helpful if you are experiencing severe swelling and muscle pain. Cold applications can numb swelling tissue and can slow nerve impulse reactions of muscles. This means massaging the affected area with ice will decrease muscle spasms and reduce soreness and pain.
6. Taking over-the-counter pain killers.
If there is a fast body ache reliever available, it is your trusted over-the-counter medication. Ibuprofen is a popular anti-inflammatory drug that you can buy without a prescription. Just take it according to package instructions once you start feeling body aches after physical exertion.
7. Doing light exercise and stretches.
Besides gentle rubs, light exercises, yoga, and meditation can also ease muscle tension and relax the body and the mind. Find online instructional videos about exercises for body pain relief or research about popular stretching activities that can loosen up tense muscles.
8. Relaxing and getting enough sleep.
Muscle pain is your body telling you that you need to rest. Do get proper sleep if you want to recover quickly. There are body processes that only happen during deep sleep, and that includes cell repair and energy replenishment. Do not neglect your slumber schedule.
9. Avoiding heavy physical activities in the meantime.
What to do – getting your much-needed rest. What not to do – over-exerting your muscles AGAIN. While you are recuperating, try to avoid doing heavy exercises and physical work for the time being.
10. Consulting a doctor.
If you feel that you are suffering from severe body pain and the problem persists even after two days of taking pain-killers, do consult your family physician or an online doctor Toronto to get checked.
Body pain is a common condition but do not let it slow you down. Find ways to relieve the aching in your muscles and give your body a full rest.
