Almost everyone has experienced muscle pain once in their lifetime. Muscle pain, or Myalgia as it is medically known, is defined as the straining of the muscle tissue, which causes discomfort. The human body is made up of over 700 muscles and tissues, and thus, it is literally possible to have muscle pain anywhere in the body!
But, not every type of body ache can be categorized as muscle pain. Muscle pain is often confused with nerve pain, but the two are quite different. While experiencing muscle pain, one tends to feel stiffness in the muscle, and the pain remains only for a short period. On the other hand, nerve pain is chronic in nature and is accompanied by a burning and/or tingling sensation.
How to Relieve Muscle Pain Using Naturopathic Remedies
Causes for Muscle Pain
Muscle pain can be caused by a variety of activities. Overstretching the muscles while exercising, excessive stress and tension, or injuring the muscle in physical activity. Besides these, severe muscle pain can also be caused due to illness and medical conditions like thyroid and fibromyalgia.
Symptoms of Muscle Pain
Muscle pain is mainly characterized by deep discomfort in the affected muscle and is often accompanied by weakness, rash, dizziness, and swelling. If the muscle pain increases over time and does not subside even after taking the required medication, then it is advisable to consult a medical expert.
As muscle pain is fairly common, most of the patients prefer treating it at home using natural remedies and supplements. Let us look at some of the ways in which we can get rid of muscle pain.
CURE 1: Home Remedies for Muscle Pain
Muscle pain, which is not caused due to an infection or medical condition, can be easily treated at home using some simple remedies.
[Read: Cryotherapy To Freeze Pain]
1. Hot or Cold for Muscle Pain
Why does this work?
A hot and cold press helps in giving muscle pain relief. A hot press increases blood circulation and softens stiff muscles. An Ice pack reduces blood circulation and also helps in reducing inflammation and swelling. It is evidenced that by alternating hot and cold ice packs, there is a marked decrease in muscle pain and swelling.
[Read: Heat or Ice to Ease Neck Pain ]
How to use?
A thick cloth/towel dipped in an ice bath should be applied to the affected area, followed by a warm compress. Ice bags can also be used for this purpose.
How much to use?
The alternate hot and cold compress therapy can be continued for 20-30 minutes 2 to 3 times a day. In the case of chronic muscle pain and swelling, it is advised that a doctor is consulted for further course of treatment.
2. Immobilization
Why does this work?
Immobilization refers to giving complete rest to the affected area of the body by discontinuing any movement. This helps in giving rest to the muscles and fastens the recovery process.
How to use?
Immobilization is good for muscle pain, and it can be done by either advising bed rest for the patient or bandaging the affected muscle. Reduced movement of the muscle, especially in hand, can be achieved by putting the hand in a sling. If the pain is in the leg, then bandaging the afflicted muscle and elevating it also helps in muscle pain relief.
How much to use?
Keeping the muscle immobilized for a 2-3 should help in relieving muscle pain. In case of severe muscle pain which does not get better by immobilization, a doctor should be immediately consulted.
The RICE Technique of Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation also works well in curing muscle pain and is often advised by doctors as well. The RICE technique requires the patient to rest their muscles, apply ice compress and keep the muscle elevated to reduce inflammation.
CURE 2: Essential Oils
Essential Oils play an important part in relieving muscle pain and are recommended as an easy natural remedy to cure aches and strains.(1)
1. Ginger Oil
Why does this work?
Ginger oil provides a warming effect when applied over the muscles and thus helps in relieving muscle pain.
How to use?
Essential oils are quite concentrated and thus should always be mixed with carrier oils like coconut oil, olive oil, or Argon oil before application on the skin. Fifteen drops of the essential oil should be mixed with six teaspoons of carrier oil before application on the body. The ginger essential oil can be either massaged on the affected area or mixed in warm bathing water.
How much to use?
Essential oils can sometimes cause irritation on the skin, and thus a skin test should always be done before applying on the afflicted area. 5-6 drops of essential oil are enough for massage and relaxation.
[Also Read: Herbs for Muscle Pain]
2. Lavender Essential Oil
Why does this work?
The lavender essential oil has therapeutic properties and helps in alleviating pain as well as inflammation.
How to use?
Due to their concentrated nature, essential oil should be mixed with carrier oils like olive oil, coconut oil or Argon oil before application. The lavender essential oil can either be used as a massage oil or added to the bathtub filled with warm water. It will help in making the body relaxed and reduce inflammation.
How much to use?
There are chances that essential oils can cause skin irritations, and thus, a skin allergy test should be conducted on a small patch of the skin before full-fledged application. 5-6 drops of essential oils can be used for massaging 2-3 times in a day.
[ Read: Stop Muscle Twitching Naturally ]
3. Eucalyptus essential oil
Why does this work?
Eucalyptus essential oil provides a cooling effect on the muscles and alleviates pain, along with inflammation.
How to use?
Eucalyptus essential oil’s 15-16 drops should be mixed with six teaspoons of carrier oils like Argon oil, Coconut oil, etc. before application. This essential oil can be used in a warm or cold compress, as a massage oil and even in your bathing water.
How much to use?
A few drops of the essential oil should do the trick. Always remember to do a skin allergy test 24 hours before application on the skin.
Besides the above essential oils, clove oil can be used to treat muscle pain. Juniper essential oil is recommended for relieving muscle tension and spasms.