Favorite salve for sore muscles and/or pulls

[loneswaneast]

Hello all,
Any suggestions for a topical salve that really works well, and maybe doesn't smell like an old folks home?
It seems I always have something that has been pulled, or is sore from use. I have used some patches that seem to work pretty well, but don't adhere well.

What are your favorites? Thanks in advance.

 

[~Elsie]

I just find a heating pad works very well (I have an electric one and one with corn in it that you microwave that I got from my massage therapist). Better than 'heat' balms etc which I found to be a waste of money. Most of my pain however is deep/old scarring/chronic. I think for new/acute tears etc. cool therapy works best. When I've used these, I usually get them from my local Chinatown. I know that doesn't help too much in terms of brands! Sorry!

 

[lioness]

I love tiger balm. It comes in different forms but I like the liniment. It goes on clear and is not sticky.

 

[Jane Power-Grimm]

The advice I got just yesterday from my massage therapist is - heating pad (as Elsie wisely noted) for 15 min. and/or a soak in a warm bath with Epsom salts for 15 min. She suggested not putting heat on for longer than 15 min. or you can get some congestion of the blood flow. If you still feel congestion (too much heat) about 20 min. after one of these therapies, then apply cold pack to the area for relief.

Massage can also help if you have a therapist or a good friend/partner to help you out!

 

[fitover40]

Sombra is the best for me by far (and I tried a lot with recovering from neck fusion surgery!) physical therapy always uses it there and people are begging for them to put it on them before they leave.

 

[112toGuru]

I have heard many people mention arnica, and I have used epsom salts & deep heat.

 

[~Elsie]

I have heard many people mention arnica

My experience with arnica is that it heals a bruise much quicker than it would on it's own, but I just didn't get any relief from pain with it. Perhaps a higher concentration would be needed? I dunno.

 

[112toGuru]

If pain doesn't go away, maybe it's more than a bruise? I don't know either. Sorry.

 

[PhyllisG]

I recently tried Aspercreme with Lidocaine and found it really helped. Plus no odor. You can find it at your drugstore over the counter.
I agree about Arnica. I have not found it to help with pain but good for a bruise.

 

[112toGuru]

I recently tried Aspercreme with Lidocaine and found it really helped. Plus no odor. You can find it at your drugstore over the counter.
I agree about Arnica. I have not found it to help with pain but good for a bruise.

About arnica, does the pain go away when the bruise is gone? curious about that, it's a homeopathic remedy which works with the body differently, if I'm not mistaken.

 

[Repo]

Biofreeze smells like Sea Breeze....and really feels good on sore muscles.....and it's safe to use with over the counter pain meds.....some topical creams have meds in them and you can overdose.

 

[CDPotier]

Icy Hot sleeves or patches work like a miracle. They are a little expensive, but worth the money.

 

[[email protected]]

Another vote for Sombra here! It really is amazing, and the first thing I wanted to add to this discussion.

 

[DirtDiva]

I have been using Boiron Arnicare Gel for a long time, has always reduced the pain from bruises plus they clear out faster. It doesn't have any smell and it feels very cool when applied, no staining of clothing or sheets.