Exercising does wonders to and for the body. Aside from helping sculpt it into the desired shape and contours, a good workout can also provide a much needed immunity boost. There is also evidence that exercise promotes great blood flow, making it easier for the body to process oxygen and nutrients from food.
But like anything else, exercising is not without its price. People who work out, no matter how advanced they already are, are prone to experiencing muscle pains. While feeling sore is normal, living with it even for a short period such as a few days can be quite uncomfortable. Hence, there really is a need to look for ways to at least lessen its impact and ultimately manage it.
Do Light Exercises
The pain that we feel during and after a workout session is an indication that our muscles, particularly those targeted by the exercises that we performed, have been stretched and are slowly becoming bigger and stronger. In order to relieve this pain, one thing that we can do is some light exercises such as jogging or walking.
When we jog or walk, the body’s temperature increases. “When muscle temperature is increased, blood flow increases, bringing fresh oxygen and healing nutrients to the injured site,” says David Draper. He is the director of Brigham Young University’s graduate program in sports medicine and athletic training. “This increased blood flow also helps to wash away the chemical irritants responsible for pain,” he continues.
Never Forget to Stretch!
Speaking of an improved blood flow, another good way to achieve this is to stretch after a workout session. A good stretch also helps in lengthening the muscles, which is a prerequisite in increasing our range of motion.
There are things that we need to remember when we do our stretches, however. A good stretch is done to cool down or bring the body’s temperature down after a workout. So that we can maximize the benefits that we get from it, we need to hold a stretched position for 30 to 45 seconds. Finally, a stretch should be pain-free; never yield to the temptation of forcing your body to achieve certain positions.
Try Deep Tissue Laser Therapy
Some people experiencing exercise pain get a massage after their workout routines. A session with a good therapist can really do wonders in loosening up the hurting muscles.
While getting a massage is still a good option, it’s also nice to see what new technology has brought us. There is now what we call deep tissue laser therapy that doesn’t usually take more than 15 minutes of your time. It promotes healing of the muscles through photobiostimulation. This process uses a hot laser to apply photonic energy on the affected areas. This treatment is totally painless and without known side effects.
Managing post-workout pain is a valid concern. No one wants to go through their day feeling uncomfortable or totally unable to move. There are numerous remedies; we discussed just three of them here.