Muscle rub creams, which usually contain a combination of medicinal or herbal compounds, may help athletes ease symptoms of myalgia, or muscle pain, related to exercise. Muscle rub creams may be applied either before or after exercise to loosen muscles, prevent tension and reduce pain. These products vary in their safety, efficacy and degree of supporting scientific evidence.
Methyl Salicylate Creams
Some of the most popular muscle rub creams for athletes contain methyl salicylate, an asprin-like compound derived from wintergreen. Methyl salicylate is the active ingredient in over-the-counter topical drugs including Bengay and IcyHot, and it is approved by the Food and Drug Administration as a topical pain reliever. Unfortunately, drugs containing methyl salicilate are not risk-free. In 2009, Fox News published a news story about a 17-year-old athlete who overdosed and died after using large amounts of topical muscle rub.
Menthol Creams
Muscle rub creams containing menthol, a medicinal compound in peppermint oil, cause an intense cooling sensation and may help relieve muscle pain in athletes. According to the National Institutes of Health, there is insufficient evidence supporting the use of menthol for muscle pain. More studies are needed to confirm its efficacy. Nevertheless, menthol remains a primary active ingredient in pain-relieving muscle rubs, including Tiger Balm and Vicks VapoRub.
Arnica Creams
Arnica, a medicinal flower in the daisy family, has been used for centuries as a topical or internal treatment for bruises, minor injuries and muscle pain. Two forms of arnica creams are available. One variety contains herbal extracts of the flower, while others are homeopathic. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, homeopathic doses of arnica do not contain chemically active ingredients, so their efficacy is questionable. Popular arnica creams include the homeopathic formula Arnicare by Boiron, and arnica-boswellia cream by WiseWays herbals.
Cayenne Extracts
The UMMC recommends extracts of cayenne pepper, or capsaicin, as topical pain relievers. Capsaicin works as a counter-irritant; it causes a mild burning sensation and reduces levels of "substance P," which is a compound that carries pain signals through the central nervous system. Because of this, it prevents the pain messages from reaching the brain, thereby reducing nerve, muscle and injury pain related to exercise. Capsaicin is most effective when applied directly to the skin four times per day for several days.
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