Don’t Ignore the Pain: How to Relieve Sore Muscles

The three areas of your body most commonly affected by muscle soreness are the back of the thigh and lower leg and the front of the thigh. However, you can experience sore muscles anywhere on your body.

Knowing how to relieve sore muscles can help you feel better and get back to being active sooner. Try these tricks to say goodbye to your sore muscles today.

Eat Tart Cherries

Scientists have figured out that marathon runners who regularly drank tart cherry juice before, during, and after their races have reduced muscle soreness. They also have signs of improved muscle recovery.

Tart cherries are rich in colorful antioxidants can anthocyanins. It is believed that is how the cherries reduce the amount of inflammation in the muscles.

Drink Coffee

You don’t necessarily need to drink coffee, but studies show that consuming caffeine before your workout can reduce the amount of soreness you experience after your workout.

One reason for this is that coffee natural contains analgesic. This is a painkilling property and commonly found in over the counter pain medications.

Another study found that drinking two cups of coffee would block adenosine. This is a chemical released by the body in response to injury.

There is one caveat with coffee. Don’t overdo the caffeine, because if you drink too much, you’ll cause muscle spasms.

Foam Rolling

Whether you try foam rolling or traditional massage, this method is about releasing the tension in your muscle’s connective tissue. Rolling your muscles can help you reduce delayed onset soreness.

You can massage or roll any muscle group from your legs to your back, and even your arms. After investing in a roller, spend ten to fifteen minutes each day working your muscles. You could make it a part of your workout by making it your warmup or cool-down activity.

See an Expert

If your muscle soreness won’t go away or develops into pain, then it is time to see an expert. For example, sore arms are a normal part of working out. But if you notice swelling and can’t raise your arms, then it is time to see a shoulder injury doctor.

A health professional will be able to assess if any injuries are beyond that of a sore muscle. They can also suggest possible treatments.

Do a Recovery Workout

It feels great to go hard in the gym, but you don’t want to do that every day. It is ok to take a break and have a light day.

A light recovery workout will increase the blood flow to your muscles. This will help move the recovery process along by circulating immune cells and encouraging lymphatic drainage.

Now You Know How to Relieve Sore Muscles

There is no excuse as to why you aren’t hitting the gym now that you know how to relieve sore muscles. So grab your tart cherry juice and your cup of coffee and go get ready.

When you’re done with your workout, cool down with a foam roller, and then grab a massage. You should be feeling loose and better in no time.

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