Questions and Answers

Q: Which is better for minor muscle aches and injuries, ice packs or those sports creams you can buy over-the-counter?

The heating effect caused by most sports balms is usually caused by menthol compounds. Menthol increases blood flow to the skin but it does not penetrate any deeper and thus does not actually help in healing muscles. Ice, on the other hand, is the best agent available to reduce swelling after an injury, and swelling often can cause more harm than the initial injury itself. So while it may not feel as good to apply, ice is the best choice for minor muscle aches and strains.

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