Sore and weak muscles are a typical symptom of muscle strain. One way to relieve muscle pain is to use a warming ointment. How does a warming medicine promote muscle recovery and relieve pain? What is worth keeping in mind when using such a product for muscle strain?
Table of Contents:
- How does the warming ointment work?
- Warming ointment – when to use it?
- How to use warming ointments?
How does the warming ointment work?
The warming effect of the ointment consists in local irritation of the skin. The active ingredients contained in the drug Neo-Capsiderm cause congestion of the skin at the site of application. There is then a dilatation of the surrounding blood vessels, resulting in improved blood supply to the painful area of the body. Warming ointment used on strained muscles promotes the subsidence of inflammation. As a result of its action, muscles are relaxed, pain is relieved and swelling is reduced.
The choice of preparations for use on sore and weakened muscles is now quite large. They differ both in terms of form (e.g. ointments, gels, patches), the active ingredients they contain, and the method and frequency of administration. An example of a warming ointment from the proven manufacturer Herbapol Poznan is the already mentioned Neo-Capsiderm ointment. This is a drug intended for adults. Its composition includes nonivamide, camphor, turpentine oil and eucalyptus oil.
Warming ointment – when to use it?
Warming ointments help patients experiencing muscle pain. They work well for back pain and pain associated with a sciatica attack. Warming ointments help resolve inflammation when muscles are strained from too much physical exertion. They can also be used for muscle strains. It is also a good ointment for muscle spasms. Warming ointments help treat arthritis.
Warming ointments for athletes are used both before and after training. This is because warming up the muscles before intense exercise prevents injury. In turn, the use of such a preparation after physical activity aids the recovery process and relieves muscle soreness, which can bring relief after intense training. The risk of muscle overload increases in situations where the intensity of exercise is too high or training is carried out too often. Many people, wanting to achieve quick results, forget the importance of regenerating muscles and allowing them to rest.
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The advantage of warming ointments applied to strained muscles is certainly their effective action directly on the site of pain. The use of ointments or other topical medications is less taxing on the body. It is associated with a much lower risk of side effects compared to oral painkillers. Topical treatment is therefore often safer and better tolerated by patients. Warming ointments also have fewer contraindications to use. In the case of the drug Neo-Capsiderm, this is mainly hypersensitivity to the ingredients it contains and damage to the skin. This ointment should also not be applied in children.
How to use warming ointments?
The warming ointment should be used in accordance with the doctor’s instructions or the manufacturer’s recommendations for the chosen preparation, which are included in the leaflet. Correct application of the drug largely determines the safety of the therapy. What to keep in mind when applying warming ointment? Here are some tips to keep in mind when using a warming ointment:
- It should only be applied to the skin in a small amount,
- The frequency of use is included in the leaflet – the drug Neo-Capsiderm is recommended to apply 1-2 times a day, and the interval between doses should be at least 4 hours,
- when applying the drug to the skin, it is very important to avoid contact with the eyes and mucous membranes, as this could irritate them. For this reason, it is important to wash your hands thoroughly after finishing the application of the ointment,
- People who often experience local skin irritation after using topical preparations should first test their skin’s tolerance to the drug by applying it to a small area of the body and observing the reaction,
- The ointment should not be applied to damaged skin.
When struggling with the problem of strained muscles, it is good to remember the warming ointment, which, by warming the tissues locally, improves their blood circulation and speeds up the resolution of inflammation. It also produces a pleasant warming sensation on the skin and relieves pain and discomfort. The use of warming ointment is convenient. It is worth equipping your home medicine cabinet with warming ointment, especially when the problem of sore and weak muscles recurs. This mainly applies to athletes, who can use such ointment both before and after training.
Bibliography:
- Gaubitz M., Schiffer T., Holm C., et al. Efficacy and safety of nicoboxil/nonivamide ointment for the treatment of acute pain in the low back – A randomized, controlled trial. Eur J Pain. 2016 Feb;20(2):263-73. doi: 10.1002/ejp.719. epub 2015 Apr 30. PMID: 25929250; PMCID: PMC5029595
- Characteristics of the Medicinal Product Neo-Capsiderm
- Kim K., Monroe J.C., Gavin T.P., Roseguini B.T. Local Heat Therapy to Accelerate Recovery After Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage. Exerc Sport Sci Rev. 2020 Oct;48(4):163-169. doi: 10.1249/JES.0000000000000230. PMID: 32658042; PMCID: PMC7492448
