Wellness curious
Creams to speed your recovery from a workout abound. But are they really the salves we think they are? Here’s the rub...
Ah, that relaxing moment after you lather up your body. Now imagine getting your sore muscles in on the self-care act, too. Enter: recovery balms. Featuring a mix of familiar ingredients, such as menthol, magnesium, turmeric and CBD, these creams promise quick relief to achey areas. The theory? You’ll bounce back from a tough workout faster. Before you buy, though, allow us to explain what you can – and can’t – expect from these balms, what to look for in an ingredients list and how to work them into a holistic recovery routine.
They soothe muscle pain
POTENTIALLY
Full transparency: recovery balms haven’t been well studied and we need more research to know whether the actives in them really work. But some elements may bring anti-pain perks. A common ingredient is menthol, which produces a cooling sensation. Turmeric or CBD (both known to have anti-inflammatory properties) may also ease joint pain caused by arthritis, preliminary studies show. Look for balms containing those ingredients for your best soothing chance. As a general safety rule, check the label and/or website to confirm the product is free of pesticides or heavy metals, says emergency physician Sherry Yafai.
They speed up recovery
HARD TO SAY
‘It’s not completely clear what causes post-workout soreness, but research suggests muscle damage may play a part, and magnesium can potentially mitigate that. It��
