We all have noticed that physical activity reduces chronic pain and discomfort. However, initial days of exercising or going to the gym can result in soreness and pain. Apart from this, there could be numerous other reasons that let one experience unending and excruciating body discomfort.
For instance, if you push a sofa across the hall, there are high chances of you developing muscle aches in your limbs. Even though the intensity of soreness due to physical activity is comparatively less, it could often be frustrating for the one experiencing it.
An individual can use some ways and techniques to reduce muscle soreness and end the cycle of unbearable torture. Natural remedies like CBD oil, massage treatments, and physiotherapy are a few ways to reduce muscle inflammation. Let us dive in deeper to understand muscle soreness and its causes.
What does it feel like to have muscle soreness?
Muscle soreness is a phenomenon that occurs after you pull a heavy time at the gym or push something with all your might. It is categorised as a natural experience of dull or bearable pain with achy sensations. These types of physical activity tend to create inflammation and soreness in the skeletal muscles.
When a part of your muscle is sore, you feel tightness and pain when you try to move that muscle. However, the sensation of soreness is less intense at rest. This type of pain indicates that the body has recently undergone physical activity. Not to get confused with injury pain. This type of pain is sharp, intense, and unbearable.
Even though muscle soreness is tolerable, it can still create uneasiness and discomfort in most individuals. To know more about muscle soreness, one should know about the actions that cause it. Let us get to know it.
What are the probable causes of muscle soreness and inflammation?
Any muscle pain or muscle soreness is usually a result of bodily activity. However, mental disorders can also trigger muscular aches. So, the next time you question yourself why you have a sore muscle without doing any physical activity, you might be going through mental stress.
Apart from this, if a person regularly visits the gym and changes their routine exercises, they are also likely to experience dull body aches. Nevertheless, some commonly associated causes for sore muscles are-
- Inflammation
- Vigorous physical activity
- Mental ailments like stress, tension, depression, anxiety, and many others
- Minor injury
- Overexertion
- Dehydration
- Lack of sleep
- Malnutrition
- Hereditary conditions
5 ways to reduce muscle soreness
Below are the 5- ways that can help you reduce muscle soreness.
1. Heat and cold treatment
The application of heat or cold treatment comes in handy while dealing with muscular pain and stiffness. In this procedure, a person can apply heat or cold to the affected area to relieve pain and soreness. In most cases, individuals alternate between the two treatments to achieve better results.
Heat dilates the blood vessels. Thus, increasing the blood flow to the pain-affected area. This therapy is carried out with a hot towel or cloth, hot water bottle, heating pad, and numerous other methods.
Cold treatment involves the application of ice packs around the aching muscles by decreasing the flow of blood. This therapy aims at curing inflammation, swelling, and soreness by applying cold treatment.
2. Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is, by far, the most convenient and effective in treating muscular pain and soreness. It involves exercises and massages that concentrate on building and strengthening skeletal muscles. This practice safely ensures the regain of strength by affected muscles.
The gentle stretching allows muscles to release tension by working on flexibility. As a result, the sore muscles gradually progress towards being flexible. Thus, improving muscle function and strength.
3. Massage
Massage is considered a better alternative to treat sore muscles than medication. It promotes the healing procedure by relaxing the muscle area. It is a highly suggested practice that an individual should perform on the pain-affected muscle for prolonged relieving effects. Backed by research, massaging can efficiently lower the stiffness in the muscles. Thus, providing relief and flexibility.
In massage, a person works by gently pressing the muscles with tender pressure in circular motions. Thus, pushing the blood flow to the affected part. The affected muscle tissues utilise oxygen and nutrients from the blood and recover their strength.
4. Natural remedies
Various natural remedies exist that are beneficial in recovering muscle strength. Epsom salt, dissolved in a warm water tub, could be an effective solution for sore muscles. On the other hand, Apple Cider Vinegar, or ACV, is a suitable alternative for muscle pain sitting right under our noses. One can either rub it or drink it to relieve achy muscles.
Not to forget CBD or cannabidiol in getting rid of muscular pain. This cannabinoid may have potential anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Consuming CBD tincture or oil may efficiently reduce the intensity of pain. Its potential effects not only reduce pain but also encourages better sleep. It saves you from unbearable nights of discomfort.
5. Conventional medication
No matter how minor the pain is, a person should not depend only on home treatments. Even with mild stiffness, the pain may last for up to weeks. It is where a person should consider reaching out to a physician.
Certain medical conditions can only improve with the expertise of a doctor. And in case of sore muscles, one should seek the assistance of a specialist if the condition worsens or does not change even after home remedies.
What precautions should you take if you have sore or inflamed muscles?
Few actions can worsen the muscular pain that you are going through. Inflammation and soreness can worsen with particular lifestyle activities. Apart from this, a poor diet is also an indication of the slow recovery of the muscles. Nevertheless, some precautions to consider while experiencing painful, sore muscles are-
- Do not be on complete rest
- Do warm-up exercises
- Avoid vigorous physical activity
- Stay hydrated
- Stretch regularly
- Avoid unhealthy foods items
The bottom line.
Sore muscles can give you nightmares for days or even weeks. However, they are still treatable with proper care and precautions. Occasional muscle aches are a common occurrence and even a sign of an active physical routine. Nonetheless, a person should avoid any action if their pain worsens.
There could be unspecific reasons behind muscular pain. It is why one should start by considering a health specialist. In most cases, only mild soreness is treatable with homecare and rest.