Yes, we all deal with sore
muscles. It is not the worst case of
physical maladies, but we hate it none the less. It not only creates nagging pain, but it also
immobilizes us to an extent. If it is
alters our lifestyle negatively, and limits our ability to function normally,
we want it to stop. It may be common,
but it is uncommonly annoying. Let's
take a look at how it comes about, how it affects us and how we can deal with it.
Let's first examine what
causes muscle soreness, cramps, sprains and strains. General soreness after exertion (Delayed
onset muscle soreness (DOMS) is typically caused by micro tears in the
muscle. Over time as the muscles rebuild
themselves stronger to accommodate the activity, soreness should decrease. A muscle cramp is a strong, painful
contraction or tightening of a muscle that comes on suddenly and lasts from a
few seconds to several minutes. It can
be linked to a variety of causes, including:
•
Exercise, injury
or overuse
•
Blood flow
problems
•
Lack of minerals
such as calcium, potassium and magnesium
•
Certain
medications
A muscle “sprain” is an injury
to a ligament (tissue that connects two or more bones at a joint.) In a sprain, one or more ligaments is
stretched or torn. A muscle “strain” is
an injury to a muscle or a tendon (tissue that connects muscle to bones). In a strain, a muscle or tendon is stretched
or torn. Sprains and strains are
generally caused by trauma (falls, twists, impacts or overuse.)
Always remember, if pain is
severe or incapacitating, please see your health care professional. This blog is for information only, and is not
intended to replace trained medical advice.
Let's look at some “common
sense” home treatments for sore muscles:
REST. Sometimes the best thing one can do is to do
nothing at all. If you rest up for a
couple of days, general muscle soreness should pass on its own. Of course, for many of us, when things get
busy at work or in the garden, rest isn't easy to come by, so do what works
best for you.
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EPSOM SALTS. I know what you're thinking. “That's an old fashioned remedy.” Well, it may be but it sure seems to
work. Tried and true, a cup or two of Epsom
salt dissolved in a warm tub of water works wonders for aching muscles. Use warm, not hot, water. Warm water will dry out your skin less than
hot water. Soak for 15 minutes or until
the water has cooled, up to three times per week. Not recommended for those with health
conditions such as heart problems, high blood pressure or diabetes. How does Epsom salt work? Epsom salt is made of magnesium sulfate. Magnesium is a natural muscle relaxant, and
as a salt they may help to pull excess fluids out of the tissues, reducing
swelling.
Check out this short video on Warm Water therapy.
Check out this short video on Warm Water therapy.
One of the more entertaining
“folk” remedies for treating sore muscles is that of consuming APPLE CIDER
VINEGAR. Those who recommend it suggest mixing
a tablespoon or two in a glass of water and drinking it down, or even taking it
straight like a shot. A variation of
this is a fellow who drank raw pickle juice and achieved similar results. But I digress...
PROPER DIET is always good
advice for dealing with almost any physical problem. Plan a diet that includes keeping
hydrated. If your muscles are sore from
intense activities such as weightlifting, your muscles are rebuilding
themselves, needing water and lots of protein.
Aim to take 1 gram of protein
per day for ever pound of lean body mass you have. Here is an example, a 160 lb. Man at 20% body
fat would want to take in approximately 130 grams of protein per day. This will speed up recovery time
considerably, as well as prevent muscle loss from poor nutrition. Take protein 15 to 45 minutes after workout
for best results. Another thing, drink
lots of water while you work out and throughout the day. Your muscles need water to function at their
peak, and your body needs water to repair your muscles.
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| Courtesy of TubKing.com |
Yes, we all deal with aching
muscles, but we don't have to suffer.
There are solutions so don't give up or give in to pain.
In this article I have
discussed several way to deal with muscle aches and pains along with ways to
reduce your overall pain levels as well. These include nutrition, diet, soaking
in Epson salts, massage and water therapy with a walk-in tub.
Would you like to receive a FREE COPY of our new ebook? – “Tub King's Ultimate Guide to Cast Iron/Porcelain Tubs, Walk-in Tubs & Safety Suite Showers” Fill in the form below and we will send it to you for free! It is also for sale and you can see/buy it on Amazon.com by clicking on this link.
Have a
question? Feel free to contact me at the number or email listed at the end of
this article and I will personally get back to you. It’s been my pleasure
sharing this information with you.
Alan Knight is the owner of Tub King, Inc., and SeniorBathtub.com in Jacksonville, Florida. He has many years of experience in the antique and senior bathtub industries. In addition to providing superior products, Tub King has been honored with “Best of Jacksonville Chamber Awards” for four years running. If you would like to contact Alan Knight, call (800) 409-3375 or (800) 843-4231; or send an email to alan@tubking.com.
Alan Knight is the owner of Tub King, Inc., and SeniorBathtub.com in Jacksonville, Florida. He has many years of experience in the antique and senior bathtub industries. In addition to providing superior products, Tub King has been honored with “Best of Jacksonville Chamber Awards” for four years running. If you would like to contact Alan Knight, call (800) 409-3375 or (800) 843-4231; or send an email to alan@tubking.com.
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