Home remedy for sore muscles

Home remedies are relatively important in the treatment of sore muscles, since few therapeutic approaches are popular apart from waiting and light physical activity to stimulate blood circulation. In the context of heat therapy, a hot bath can be helpful as an equally effective alternative to the sauna. The warm water stimulates the blood circulation and warms up the affected muscles, which leads to a visible improvement of muscle ache.

A simultaneous application of certain bath essences, for example with additives of rosemary, arnica, ginger, eucalyptus and spruce needles, promotes the healing effect. Some affected persons also report a relief of symptoms after application of arnica in the form of globules or a gel. The so-called “horse ointment“, which was once developed for horses, is also used today.

Due to certain ingredients, the ointment has a blood circulation-promoting and relaxing effect, making it ideal for treating sore muscles. Franzbranntwein”, a solution of various oils diluted in alcohol, also promotes blood circulation and has a pain-relieving effect. Another home remedy against sore muscles are the salt compresses.

The salt is wrapped in a cloth (preferably linen cloth) and placed on the appropriate muscle group after slight heating. By purifying and loosening the tissue, the salt can thus be used in the therapy of sore muscles. In addition to the home remedies mentioned so far, a supplementary, simultaneous diet to support regeneration plays a decisive role.So it is important to drink enough to much and to pay attention to a magnesium-, vitamin- and protein-rich diet. In addition, according to current US studies, cherry juice can also be effective in the treatment of sore muscles due to the antioxidants it contains. According to the studies, cherry juice is said to contribute to a reduction of pain and a faster regeneration ability.

Should I stretch if my muscles are sore?

Whether stretching is a helpful measure to treat sore muscles is currently a controversial topic. Scientific opinion is that stretching exercises are not necessarily beneficial, but in contrast tend to provoke muscle soreness after exercise, including stretching. Interestingly enough, there are no scientific studies that would speak in favor of stretching for sore muscles.

The statement that stretching is rather harmful, however, must be made in consideration of the underlying sport. As soon as explosive strength and maximum loads dominate the performance phases of a sport, stretching is less sensible than extensive warm-up in the form of warm-up and special technique exercises. Sports such as gymnastics, ballet or dancing should be distinguished from this.

Here it makes more sense to prepare the muscles for the strain by stretching exercises. However, it is important to stretch carefully and moderately to avoid damaging the muscles by stretching too intensively before the start of the exercise. Stretching after exercise must also be controlled, since the same counterproductive effect as stretching too much before exercise can cause more damage to the muscle than it benefits. Ultimately, the decision on whether to treat sore muscles with stretching exercises remains a case-by-case decision that has to be made individually by the person affected and/or their sports physician due to the lack of evidence of a positive effect.