The muscles are used to move the body, pick up boxes, shovel snow and lift weights in various planes. When they are worked to moderate levels, they grow and become more toned. But when they are overworked, they can become sore and start to ache. When this happens, there are several remedies that can be used to treat them.
Stretching
When muscles ache, they often tighten up and become stiff. A remedy to treat this is to do static stretching. This type of stretching involves extending the muscle to a full range of motion and holding it there for a set time frame. A specific example of this can be seen with an aching hamstring muscle. To do this stretch, place your foot up on a chair or stool with your leg straight. Point your toes up, bend your other knee and place your hands on that thigh. Once you feel the hamstring in a fully stretched position, hold for 30 to 45 seconds.
Cold Treatment
When muscles ache right after a workout, they can become constricted. A remedy to treat this soreness is the application of ice cubes wrapped in a towel or ice packs to the affected muscles. You can also use bags of frozen fruit or vegetables.
Heat
On the opposite side of cold is warm treatments. One way to do this is by applying heating pads to sore muscles. This same effect can be felt by taking a warm bath or whirlpool where jets of water are shot against the body. This type of treatment should not be done immediately after a workout because it can exacerbate the inflammation of muscles.
Massage
Massage therapy is a type or remedy that is done by a therapist. The muscles and soft tissues are worked with the fingertips, fists and hands. Massages can help increase the flow of blood to sore muscles leading to less soreness. Then can also relieve knotted muscles and reduce tension.
Pain Relievers
Over-the-counter pain relievers can be used to treat sore muscles that last for a longer period of time. Ibuprofen and naproxen sodium (Aleve) are two types of these. Of the two, naproxen sodium has longer lasting effects as it does not need to be taken as many times during the day.
Topical Solutions
There are some topical solutions that can be rubbed into aching muscles to offer relief. Icy Hot and Blue Emu cream are formulas that give a cold sensation to the muscles when they are first applied, then a feeling of warmth takes over (see Resources).
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