WHEN YOUR MUSCLES REALLY ACHE: 4 IDEAS FOR RELIEVING THE PAIN

As the number of cases for coronavirus continue to rise so too has the increase of mental health and overall physical health ailments. Muscle pain is a byproduct of stress and we wanted to share some methods to relieve the pain.

Whether you have slept in a strange position or you exercised a bit too much, if your muscles hurt, you want relief. Most minor muscle aches will stop after a day or two, but there are ways to provide relief so you can get through your day. No matter what methods you choose, be sure to drink plenty of water to help your body recover.

These ideas are for short-term muscle pain. If you have chronic muscle pain caused by an underlying condition, you should see your doctor. You should also see your doctor if your muscle pain does not go away or if the area starts to swell. It is also a good idea to see your doctors if your muscle pain was caused by a tick bite or is accompanied by a rash.

1.Use a pain relief cream

There are several types of pain relief creams that you can use to massage into the parts of your body that feel pain. From a CBD cream in a handy pump bottle to spray-on creams, these pain-relief creams provide convenient spot treatments. Some people prefer these over oral pain relievers. Be sure to read the ingredients so you do not experience an allergic reaction.

2.Massage your muscles

Whether you use a pain relief cream or not, massaging your muscles can bring relief. Some people will use a tennis ball or baseball to massage the area that hurts. Otherwise, you can make an appointment with a massage therapist and have them focus on the area that is in pain. There are also massage devices that you can find online and at big box stores and pharmacies. If you do use massage to find relief, drink plenty of water afterwards to flush out any toxins that were released during the massage session.

3.Gently stretch, then rest

If your muscle pain is due to exercising, one of the best things you can do is gently stretch the area. Do not stretch to the point of pain, but just enough to feel it. The key word is gently. If you overstretch, you could extend the amount of time your muscles need to recover. So, once you have gently stretched, the next step is to rest the area that is tense. Do not participate in strenuous exercises, just rest. While you are relaxing, you could also massage and use a pain-relief cream.

4.Try a TENS machine

If you have ever been to a physical therapist, you have probably experienced the wonder that is the TENS machine or TENS unit. These are transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation machines and they use electrical stimulation to help your muscles relax. There are small units you can buy and use at home. Most of them have wires with small pads that stick to your skin. They have adjustable power settings, timers, and different impulse patterns, too. The small machines can be purchased over the counter at pharmacies or online. You should never use the device near water, and it is best to sit and relax while the machine is doing its thing.