Sore Muscle
Sore muscles are a daily part of my life. From years as a dancer to my recent fitness/gym kick, I’m not a stranger to getting a sore muscle somewhere. Plus, when you add in the stresses of daily life, I needed to find something to help my body out.
Sure, I’d love to be able to go get a massage every week, but that’s just not happening. Even if I had the extra money, I certainly wouldn’t have the extra time.
Recently, I’ve been exploring different ways to heal my sore muscles, and I’m sharing the best tools that I’ve found so far. No one has sponsored this post, and I’m certainly not a doctor or health professional, so if you have a sore muscle that’s bothering you, please seek the advice of your doctor or health professional first. These are only things that work for me, but they may not work for everyone. I did include my Amazon Affiliate links, if you’re interested in anything I mention. Simply click-through the picture to be taken to their site. There is no additional cost to you, and I earn a commission.
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Major Problem Areas
Since I’ve been on my healthy eating and exercise plan for almost 2 years now, I have incorporated weights into my workouts. They have made such a huge difference! I actually have definition in my arms that I’ve never had before. I also have experienced pains that I never had before…but it’s the good kind. Who knew you had muscles in your forearms?! This kind of pain is associated with your muscles working and changing shape.
Even though I’m always good about warming up and stretching, I still like to take care of my muscles. So, here are some must haves for all areas of your body that I’ve tested and have gotten Shann’s Seal of Approval. (someday that will be a real thing..ha! ha!)
For the back and neck
Now, I know what you’re thinking. What on earth is this crazy contraption!
Well, it’s the best thing I’ve tried in a long, long time. It may look weird, but it is truly amazing.
Did you ever notice that when you massage your own tight shoulders or back, it never really helps enough? Well, that’s where this crazy contraption comes in.
It’s called the Body Back Buddy, and all those weird groves and points hit different muscle and trigger points on your body. Places you can’t reach, the Body Back Buddy can. It has been a life-saver for getting into those muscles in my shoulder blades and my lower back. I also can gently use it on my neck.
For the feet
Have you ever seen a dancer’s feet? Well, you don’t want to. We dancers are absolutely brutal on our feet, and mine definitely show the years of abuse.
After using a tennis ball for a while, I upgraded to the hot/cold foot roller by Gaiam. The really cool thing about it is that you can heat it in warm water or cool it in the freezer before you use it to massage your sore feet.
For any other sore muscle or sore area
For any other sore muscle or sore areaWhile I would love (and I mean LOVE) to stay in the shower all night, there are often many interruptions. Three in particular that are pretty demanding. So, instead of letting the hot water run on my back, I have a couple different heating pads. I use them while I’m working on the blog or watching TV or both a couple times a week.
The first is the PureRelief XL – King Size Heating Pad with Fast-Heating Technology, 6 Temperature Settings & Convenient Storage Bag – Charcoal Gray (12″ x 24″)
It has an automatic shut-off after 2 hours, in case your brain is anything like mine, and you sometimes forget to turn things off.
The second is PureRelief Neck & Shoulder Heating Pad with Fast-Heating Technology, Magnetic Closure & Convenient Storage Bag – Turquoise Blue
It seriously feels like a warm hug. Aaaaah.
My last trick for sore muscles is medicated cream. It has immediate results, unlike taking an oral pain reliever.
If you don’t mind the smell, my favorite one to use is Tiger Balm Ultra Strength Sports Rub ointment 1.7 Ounces
If you want something that doesn’t have any smell, Aspercreme Analgesic Creme Rub with Aloe – 5 oz
So, there you have it. My solution for every sore muscle in your body. Well, at least solutions that I’ve tried.
What have you tried for your sore muscles?
My brother has one of the buddy back contraptions! I love it!!
It is seriously the best!
I always go for a heating pad! I’ll have to give the other ideas a try.
That weird contraption looks like something I need for my back and neck pain. I occasionally go for massages but they don’t always get right into the muscles to give me relief!
It is seriously AWESOME.
Omg Shann you look amazing! I need to find one of your workout posts because you my friend are my new role model! I also use Tiger Balm since I was in high school. Best stuff ever!
That Body Back Buddy looks seriously amazing! My husband suffers from some pretty serious back pain, and I could totally see how this would be helpful! Epsom salts are another must have for those sore muscles!! Thanks for sharing <3
These are great! That weird contraption for your back and neck looks amazing and totally something I need. I’m really horrible because I have bad posture when siting and working on my laptop and I’m constantly getting neck and back pain because of it.
This is all such good advice. I may need to invest in one or two of these to help with my muscle pain! Thanks for sharing.
My back is always hurting, I may have to start exercising more like you said and see what happens 🙂
Great tips! My heating pad is usually my go to, but I’m always up to try something new. I may have to get on of those Body Back Buddy for my hubby.
That Body Back Buddy looks like something I need! I carry so much tension in my shoulder neck and back!
Yes! It really works!
Okay that weird contraption looks…GENIUS. My sore muscle areas are typically my neck and shoulders.
Yes! It hits all the right spots!
I want that back buddy asap! I struggle with holding a lot of tension in my shoulders and neck.
It really does the trick!
oh man i need one of those heating pads. it looks perfect for using while on the computer or watching tv.
We usually go for the heated rice pack, ice packs, or a medicated cream. I’ll have to try the back buddy thing. That looks great!
It really is the best!
I’m totally checking out that heating pad, we’ve been talking about getting one for a while. But we never remember until we need it!
It’s a really great one.
That contraption actually looks awesome! It’s better than bugging my husband to give me a back rub that lasts all of 10 seconds. ha
Ha ha! Yes!
That body back bendy stick looks awesome. And my feet are CONSTANTLY sore and cramping, so that foot roller is something I absolutely need!
I did Leg Day after a LONG time and I am just so grateful for my foam roller!
I need that! Looks awesome! And I have a heating pad which is so amazing!
That back buddy thing looks DOPE!! I’m a big fan of peppermint oil for headaches and body aches, it’s amazing!
Funny story — I saw one of those back buddy’s on my boss’s desk this week and had no idea what it was! Thanks for the insight! lol
Too funny! It really is awesome even though it looks so weird 🙂
I had a total knee replacement in July so have been upping my activity. Ameo muscle rub and a heat pad are great.