Are you suffering from sore legs, sore calves, or just plain-old delayed onset muscle soreness? Maybe you pushed it a little too hard during your last workout. Or perhaps you recently started a new exercise program or routine. Soreness and discomfort are to be expected. But what do you do when stretching or re-hydrating aren’t enough?
Sore muscles arise from micro-tears that occur in the muscle tissue. These tears are created in response to the stress you place on your muscles. As your body works to repair and adapt to these stressors, soreness can be felt in the muscle tissue. This often occurs over the next few days after a tough workout. And sometimes, stretching just doesn’t cut it.
You might struggle to comfortably rise from a seated position. Walking might give way to various aches. Or maybe every time you go to move your arms, you feel tightness in your chest or upper arms. You crave a solution to your discomforts. How can you relieve your muscle soreness?
Luckily, you’ve come to the right place. Here are 5 techniques you’ve been missing.
1. Ice Bath/Cryogenics Machine
While a hot shower or warm bath provides the means to relaxation, ice baths might be your gateway to muscle soreness relief. The cold decreases inflammation. In turn, this increases the range of motion and reduces soreness caused by inflammation.
Plus, it’s an easy at-home remedy you can try on the fly. Fill your bath with ice-cold water and maybe a few buckets of ice. Chill out in it for 6-8 minutes. Do not exceed 10 minutes, as this could damage your skin and have other adverse effects.
Alternatively, some fitness centers and clinics have cryogenic machines. This is simply another form of cryotherapy or cold therapy to help relieve muscle soreness. It works similarly to that of an ice bath. Yet, you often get the added benefits of the supervision of a trained professional.
2. Muscle Scraping
Muscle knots got you down? Try muscle scraping. Scar tissue or adhesions frequently cause muscle knots. These entities disrupt normal blood flow, leading to muscle soreness.
Muscle scraping devices, such as the Sidekick’s Curve Muscle Reliever, alleviate sore muscles after a workout by decreasing tension and reinstating adequate blood flow. Such devices can provide relief in as little as 3 minutes.
3. Vibrating Massage Balls
Sure, you may have tried foam rolling. But have you heard of vibration therapy?
Vibration therapy relaxes tight muscles, decreases stiffness, improves blood flow, and helps eliminate the effects of delayed onset muscle soreness.
Vibrating massage balls are a two-in-one device. You get the effects of foam rolling, which is a form of self-myofascial release. At the same time, you receive the unique benefits of vibration therapy. Sidekick has an array of vibrating massage balls and tools. Used by elite athletes, these devices can add to your recovery toolkit, ensuring you feel better, faster.
4. Turmeric
Turmeric is gaining speed in the athletic community. It’s considered anti-inflammatory, meaning it may aid in reducing the inflammation associated with muscle soreness.
One study outlined its use as a topical application. While combined with cryotherapy, researchers concluded that turmeric did help decrease inflammation. Another study looked at its use via oral consumption. It was found to significantly reduce soreness and discomforts associated with DOMS.
Unsure if it will work for you? Try it out! Apply a small amount to the sore area or cook up a storm in the kitchen with this tasty spice.
5. Perform Light Activity
You might be thinking that moving is the last thing you want to do. But movement helps increase blood flow. Consequently, this may decrease your sore legs or sore calves by helping the body filter out toxins and reduce any fluid build-up.
Go for an easy activity, such as walking, swimming, or cycling. If pain increases, stop the activity. However, it’s likely your stiffness and soreness will be reduced once you get that blood flowing.
Optimize Your Recovery Starting Today!
The best way to find your set recovery routine is to try out different methods. Find what works best for you and your body.
Use Sidekick to help unlock your potential. Sidekick strives to help every level of athlete become their best self via recovery mechanisms that work. With customers across the globe, it’s no surprise why Sidekick is a trusted and chosen brand by thousands of active individuals. We base our product design on proven scientific testing and comfort. Free your movement. Reach your full potential. What will you achieve?
Learn More About Sidekick Tools® for Muscle Soreness Relief
Whether you’re getting into a new sport, starting a new workout program or pushing yourself to the next level physically, you don’t have to suffer.
Sidekick offers a full line of muscle scrapers which provide muscle soreness relief in just 3 minutes. So what are you waiting for?
Krista Bugden
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